Messages

I just put a Cruise Aire in mine.  So far, so good.  My only problem is it's too big.  When I started talking to my AC guy about doing the job, we were looking at the brochure at the different models.  He suggested the 16K BTU, but I thought it might be too big and decided to go with the 14k  unit.  When he went to order it, the 14K had been discontinued so he got the 16k and I wish I had gotten the 14k.

Guys, thanks for all the replys.
I was thinking about putting it under the forward dinette seat as there is room for it there and room next to the starboard water tank for a new thru hull and water pump.
After the previous owner reminded me of an unused thru hull in the cabinet behind the nav station, I'm seriously thinking about going in another direction.
I want to put the AC unit in that cabinet and utilize the thru hull already there.  I'll put the return register on the side of the cabinet underneath the nav table and 1 large output register on the top of the cabinet and not run any ductwork either forward or aft.
We never sleep with any doors shut and I'm sure both cabins will stay more than comfortable.
By going this route, it should be a very easy install.
I ran this idea past my AC guy and he liked it alot.  Much cheaper and simpler install.

Thanks Ken.  I did do a search as I thought it had been covered but couldn't find anything.  I guess I just wasn't doing it right.

I'm getting ready to put an installed AC unit in my boat.  Just like to know where everyone has located theirs and where did you put your seacock?
When looking to buy our C-34, we looked at several with AC and usually they were located under the dinette seat behind the forward bulhead.  We did see one that was either in the cabinet just aft of the nav station or it was put in a box under the nav station - can't remember which.
If under the dinette seat, how do you route the duct work to the aft stateroom?
The one installed near the nav station had a duct routed thru the head and into the aft stateroom.
What size unit do you have?  Is 12k BTU enough or do I need 16K?  I'm on the lower Potomac.

Any other info I need to know would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys.  Lots of good info to think about.  Not something I'm going to do in the near future, but I do want to do something down the road.

Guys,
Thanks for the comments.
Anyone else want to chime in?

I was looking thru this month's Mainsheet Magazine and saw an ad for the Doyle Stackpack.  It's a combined mainsail cover and lazy jack system.  I've seen a few out on the water and wanted to get some first hand info on it and how well it works.
Dropping the mainsail, flaking and putting on the cover is a major pain in the butt.  Just wandering if this or similar systems are as easy as they look.
Anyone have one?

Guys, no one mentioned this, but how about some opinions as to Marvel Mystery Oil added to the fuel.  I know some people who swear by the product and to be sure, it's been around a LONG time.
Also added to the engine oil as well.

That's a pretty good looking companionway door.
But I think I still like the doors with lift off hinges better.  When out on the water, you can get them completely out of the way.  People often like to sit with their backs leaning against that bulkhead facing the rear and you can't do that with the doors open.

About the doors getting in the way, I see they make the doors with lift off hinges which makes it really easy to remove the doors when you don't need it.  Quicker than removing slats.

Ken
Have you talked to the Hood people to see if they will even consider offering the upgrade and if so, under what conditions? 10 or more or 100 or more.
If we can't get an upgrade, what roller furling unit would be best to make the switch over to.

Guys,
Thanks for all the comments.  Greatly appreciated.

Guys,
Thanks for all the comments.  Good advice and info.

If anyone else wants to chime in, please do.

Stu,
Thanks for the quick replay.  Very helpful.
I'm assuming all the C-34's I'm looking at ('87-'91) all have the older version, that if they haven't already been upgraded, need to be or replaced altogether.

Seems to me I've read some discouraging remarks on this website about Hood roller furling that Catalina puts on their boats.
I even asked a boat broker (who is a seasoned sailor) to list, in order, his preference in roller furling brands.  He listed 3-4 brands and didn't even mention Hood.
So what's the scoop on Hood units?  Are they really that bad?

What's the good, bad and ugly on Hood?
I ask because I'm in the market for a C-34.  I might add that the only other sailboat I had (C-30) didn't have roller furling so that's a feature I've never used before so I'm a newbie on this subject.