Unit selection and install location of Air Conditioning unit

d4founta · **Joined:** 24 Nov 2016 08:25 **Posts:** 28

I spent a few minutes searching the forum but didn't see anyone call out specifically where their air conditioning unit was located or what model number they purchased?

We are considering putting in AC w/ reverse cycle heat but only if I can limit the amount of additional holes I need to cut into our interior beyond two holes for vents.

My target location was in the forward salon locker opposite the head, however I'm unsure the evaporator can be oriented in a way that allows adequate ventilation. This location is ideal for providing cooled/heated air to the v-berth and salon.

I have looked at Webasto and Dometic units but none seem to be good candidates for that location.

I would appreciate any feedback.

Thanks!

d4founta · **Joined:** 24 Nov 2016 08:25 **Posts:** 28

Is there a reason I'm unable to open any of the pictures even when I am signed into the forum? When I click on the link: "You are not authorised to download this attachment"

Apologies if this is the wrong place to ask this question.

Thanks-

puffcard · **Posted:** 22 May 2019 06:10

To view pics, make certain that you are logged in.

d4founta · **Joined:** 24 Nov 2016 08:25 **Posts:** 28

Thanks for the feedback.

We selected the Webasto FCFP 115V 16,000 BTU unit.

I did see the pictures in the threads shared and for us, I don't believe the pilot berth location will work for us. For one, our hull #459 did not come with a pilot berth, and the location behind the seats is not a good fit, especially considering the intake air requirement needed.

Upon getting the unit into the boat, it quickly became clear that utilizing either of the starboard hanging lockers opposite the head would not be a good fit either. We would end up sacrificing all of the usable space in the locker in pursuit of the AC install.

We did find that the space directly forward of the chart table, aft of the port water tank (underneath the L-shaped seating) could be a very efficient use of space to locate the unit, however it may not be ideal for utilizing ductwork. We intend to the locate the unit here.

At this point, we are considering foregoing ductwork and simply having a single vent blowing out into the main cabin. I recognize this is not ideal but would welcome any feedback on this proposal. The amount of large diameter holes needed to provide adequate flow to v-berth seems to outweigh the reward of having a vent in the v-berth, but maybe I'm mistaken.

Mike · **Joined:** 09 Jul 2008 12:51 **Posts:** 251

This tread shows how I installed a 16000btu unit under the crew bunk... after raising the bunk and adding about 4 inches to the lee board, you can't tell that it was ever installed there. I lost two storage areas but it was worth it.

http://www.tartan37.com/t37forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=874&hilit=flagship&

Sailingjazz · **Posted:** 01 Apr 2026 09:32

I know this thread is 10 years old but, I'm am trying to do the same thing now. I worry that the storage just in front of the nav station is not tall enough. Did you install a unit there? Which unit did you install? How has it worked out?
Thanks,
Kevin

d4founta wrote:

Thanks for the feedback.

We selected the Webasto FCFP 115V 16,000 BTU unit.

I did see the pictures in the threads shared and for us, I don't believe the pilot berth location will work for us. For one, our hull #459 did not come with a pilot berth, and the location behind the seats is not a good fit, especially considering the intake air requirement needed.

Upon getting the unit into the boat, it quickly became clear that utilizing either of the starboard hanging lockers opposite the head would not be a good fit either. We would end up sacrificing all of the usable space in the locker in pursuit of the AC install.

We did find that the space directly forward of the chart table, aft of the port water tank (underneath the L-shaped seating) could be a very efficient use of space to locate the unit, however it may not be ideal for utilizing ductwork. We intend to the locate the unit here.

At this point, we are considering foregoing ductwork and simply having a single vent blowing out into the main cabin. I recognize this is not ideal but would welcome any feedback on this proposal. The amount of large diameter holes needed to provide adequate flow to v-berth seems to outweigh the reward of having a vent in the v-berth, but maybe I'm mistaken.

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Unit selection and install location of Air Conditioning unit

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