86 Contessa A/C-gctid818538

[kevinv123]

I currently do not have A/C. Looking at options. I do have twins so a little aft-heavy now. I assume factory install is in the bilge SB side on the shelf. Or is it in the area behind the refrigerator? That would make more sense.

Can anyone show me either an original install or aftermarket? I am trying to determine if it's worth the effort.

Where are the ducts? I would have to run them new.

Control panel?

Water pickup and drain are not an issue.

Wiring source is not an issue.

Thanks

[SKUA_28_Contessa]

Don't think I have ever seen a Contessa with a factory A/C install. I'm sure there must have been a few. Ducting would be an issue for sure.

[kevinv123]

If it goes where I think it does, behind the fridge, there are holes already cut in all of the bulk heads for the ducts. If it goes under the V-berth then even better. Sounds like I can install it where it makes the most sense.

Just a though though. It wouldn't be until I take it out in the fall.

[SKUA_28_Contessa]

Hmm I don't know about that. The fridge takes up almost all of the compartment, and doesn't vent well at all. On mine there was a vent on either side of the box, ( there are differences between CB and SB, as well as pre 86 boats, as far as construction and layout) which I thought was for the refer. When I cut out the counter top and put in a fan, the refer would freeze everything , unless it was set to 2-3.. I have seen an install on an 84 CB, where the A/C was under the vberth, and a duct ran out the top of the counter , behind the drawers, and another that came out the center section of the vberth. If I remember he had one into the head as well.

I eventually used an 8000 BTU portable, in the corner. It worked well at night, not so much in the day. It was badly undersized.