A/C InstallI keep reading over and over and over again about people trying to make A/C systems work in their Mac 26Ms. Arguments are made on the BTU size, Generator size and "fear" of drilling a hole in the hull for thru hull. The system I installed works, there is no argument to be made and please learn from this; One of the other members (boomboom2.blogspot.com) installed a 9000btu and took it out because it didn't blow cold enough. He moved up to a 12,000btu and loves it. I learned from his decision and took his advise. I bought a different name brand than his but BTU and physical sizes are the same.
I installed the Webasto 12,000BTU Reverse Cycle Air/Heat kit (See my Mod Page) in about 18 hours. The kit was complete with the exception of exit hose length to transom, d/c wiring to pump, a/c wiring to breaker and 1 straight air box. I mounted the unit on mounting 3/4" blocks opposite of the tank vent in the v birth closest to the head bulkhead (it fit under the removable lid). I cut a hole in the floor near the porta potty for the wye and ran straight up the bulkhead wall to a 90 degree air box mounted in the mirrored wall. (it reduces room along the wall in the head but the sacrifice is worth it) From the wye I ran the duct straight down the starboard side under the seats (yes the 5 inch insulated duct fits) to the rear berth to a straight air box vent. i mounted the thru hull/seacock, sea stainer and pump under the aft starboard seat. I also installed the Marvair CR330 Condensation Removal Kit for the a/c unit drain pan. The unit started and ran perfectly from the start.
This modification made all the difference in comfort for us. The ability to use the companion way without stepping over the window unit makes entering and exiting much more comfortable. We use a Honda 2000, mounted under the helm seat,(small cut out for height) when not at the dock, it starts the system without any trouble at all and will run for approximately 4 hours on a tank (1 gallon). We used this over the 4th of July weekend in Florida and had to turn the system down because it got too cold in 90 degree weather. We don't have a duct/vent for the v birth and it stays warmer there. I may add it later but we use the v birth for storage. Sorry I don't have any pictures of the completed install. I'm working overseas and the boat is in storage now. I will post in November when I return home.
Other members have installed different name brands with the same BTU rating and had the same great results. It doesn't matter the name brand of the A/C unit or in some cases the generator. I can attest to the fact that this system works, get over the fear of drilling a thru hull in the boat and enjoy having an A/C unit that works great, out of the companion way and virtually unseen within the cabin. Its freezing cold in my boat and the reverse cycle heat will be nice in the colder nights. Please put this topic to rest its been beat up enough. Drill the hole, mount the system and enjoy!
