A/C outlet for 34 Pilot

[Easternshore]

We’re looking to install an A/C outlet in the cockpit of out Pilot 34, perhaps in front of the helm station. The A/C unit is below under the electric panel and thought I could tap into the A/C duct. Has anyone done this or have any input? Thanks in advance.

 

[bill.kimbell]

I have seen several with an additional unit for the cockpit. But...maybe...since you likely only want the helm deck or the cabin cooled at any given time...why not? Has anybody tried this?

 

[Tonic1]

We have the extra unit for the helm area and it is maxed out to keep the area cool on a hot sunny day. You would probably want some way to switch from cabin vents to the helm vents so as Bill says you can cool one area at a given time.

 

[rwidman]

Your air conditioner can only cool so much so diverting some of the cool air away from the currently air conditioned space may result in unsatisfactory cooling in both areas.

I know some folks get upset at this suggestion, but I would call in a pro who specializes in marine air conditioning and have him do the calculations to see if this can be done satisfactorily and tell you how best to do it. Or, actually supply the materials and do the work.

It might be possible to install a damper so cool air can be directed to one location or the other. Again, a pro would know.

 

[DavidM]

I like the damper idea. While underway you don't need to air condition the cabin below, so divert the air to the cockpit to keep it cool.

I used to own a Pilot 34 and I think it would be reasonably easy to put a damper in the discharger air duct below the aft seat in the cabin and direct the flow up to the helm station. Maybe even extend the damper control lever out to the area below the aft cabin seat so you don't have to remove the cushion and hatch cover to switch it.

David

 

[Easternshore]

I have seen several with an additional unit for the cockpit. But...maybe...since you likely only want the helm deck or the cabin cooled at any given time...why not? Has anybody tried this?

Thank you Bill!

 

[Easternshore]

I like the damper idea. While underway you don't need to air condition the cabin below, so divert the air to the cockpit to keep it cool.

I used to own a Pilot 34 and I think it would be reasonably easy to put a damper in the discharger air duct below the aft seat in the cabin and direct the flow up to the helm station. Maybe even extend the damper control lever out to the area below the aft cabin seat so you don't have to remove the cushion and hatch cover to switch it.

David

Thank you David, great idea! That’s what I like about TF, the ability look at a problem or issue through a different set of eyes! Ed

 

[Easternshore]

Your air conditioner can only cool so much so diverting some of the cool air away from the currently air conditioned space may result in unsatisfactory cooling in both areas.



I know some folks get upset at this suggestion, but I would call in a pro who specializes in marine air conditioning and have him do the calculations to see if this can be done satisfactorily and tell you how best to do it. Or, actually supply the materials and do the work.



It might be possible to install a damper so cool air can be directed to one location or the other. Again, a pro would know.

Thank you Ron, I’m one of those who believe many times hiring a pro is the way to go. We replaced our a/c unit last year and increased the output from 12k to 16k as the FL summer does get HOT . Good advice. Ed