My wife and I own a 67 Chris-Craft Commander Express 38. Over the last four years we have made extensive upgrades to some of the following areas like the electrical system 30A to 50A, wastewater, head, freshwater system, front portholes, front hatch etc. I have tried to keep it as original as possible but also making necessary changes where needed.
This year we found that the old split system AC unit couldn’t keep the cabin cool even after running new AC lines and adding new refrigerant etc. As much as I would like to keep the old system, I’m forced to admit that she will have to go. I’m hoping that there is CCCC member who has already made the switch and has either installed a split or a self-contained unit. And who would have some suggestions and or advice on which unit, location (v-berth, salon) of new AC unit, insulated duct line(s) thanks in advance.
The original Cruisair split systems were dependable and in their day the best option. Today's self contained DX units provide equal dependability and allow DIY install. In most cases a DX unit is compact enough to install in same area the existing air handler is installed. You likely will find ability to increase overall capacity in same install space.
I was able to place a 16K BTU Webasto FCF where the existing airhandler was installed at the factory and gained space removing the compressor unit.
Look at Webasto and cruiser stowaway offerings. Easy install, both very reliable...you'll be glad you made the conversion
Quick update I’ve decided to go with a 17,000 BTU 115v self-contained AC/Heat unit made by a company called Mabru. At the same time as purchasing everything that I will need to install the unit in our 38. I think I will install the unit as low as possible under one of the V-berths and run the insulated outlet HVAC duct line aft and as high as possible so that AC unit is not drawing the cold air back into the return sir grill which could cause the system to short cycle. Keeping the discharge/outlet as high and as far away from the return will provide a more uniform air distribution throughout the cabin. I plan on taking pictures and notes on the installation and providing a list of parts used.
Captain Lawrence ...... Consider installing your A/C unit in the storage cabinet next to the steps into the cabin area . You will here constant running noise if installed under the V-berth area . Also run the discharge water line to exit out the transom area and aim it straight down under the hull foil lip for quiet water discharge .
Tim
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Thanks for the suggestion Tim sadly the storage cabinet has now been renamed the Victron cabinet lol. The reason I was looking at the V-birth as a possible location was a previous member who sadly is no longer with us installed a 19,000 BTU unit under the port side V-birth with good results in their 38’. I though about under one of the dinette seats but I would drawer space if I did that. As you know there isn’t a whole lot of extra room on the 38 express unlike the sedan model. And yes I like the idea of running the discharge line straight down under the foil lip.