drvan":1f70x0vj said:I have learned a few things along the way in doing this type of a project. It can get quite hot down here in South FL in the summer and Parker pilothouses are not particularly well insulated - so I would go with as powerful an AC unit as you can. I have a 16,000 BTU unit (that will run on a Honda 2000 generator) in mine and I can't say its too much. Adding cheap small household fans can really help the AC out in more efficiently cooling the pilothouse - once you add shore power, this becomes easy.
Rigging the water intake below the water line can also be difficult from the aft compartment to the AC unit (likely to be placed in the pilothouse) as the gas tank is in the way and sealed under the deck. You do not want to risk puncturing the tank! Putting the water intake hose above the water line puts it at risk of getting air in it at some point. If there is air in the line, the pump may not be able to pull it through to the AC unit and you will have to bleed the hose somehow.
Also, I had two Cal type water pumps fail as they have to work harder in a hot environment. I would invest in a MARCH pump as they are much more durable.
You will be very happy once it's done though!
Hope this helps.
Enter your email address to join: