I live in an extremely hot climate and life without AC is un-liveable, truly unbearable! This makes me happy to know you guys have the comfort of AC on the boat 😊
The one copper line under the bed is contacting the high pressure line, it will rub and eventually leak causing failure. Just put something soft in between tape together and done.
Keeping the explanation simple so some don't have there eyes glaze over, good. If someone is competent in their wiring and plumbing work your ac/refrigeration videos would bring them up to a self installer. I just point them your way, the best I have seen. My finer points would drive most crazy.
So when you're fixing a jet engine, it's very important to check all your subassemblies for proper flow and vacuum/pressure seals. In my job we use an all in one system called a "vac cart". It's my job specifically to maintain the vac carts. I'm a little upset that I could have been using this sealant stuff the entire time instead of Teflon tape. Especially on all the flare fittings, as it makes a lot more sense in that specific application.
I think one thing that should be done is if copper line is touching the rubber line split a piece of rubber hose and zip tie it to the copper line. That way there won’t be any chafe and rub a hole in the line
Good idea. Chafe is bad. But... You won't believe this but you will be protecting the copper from the rubber. I've seen so many times where engine hoses chafe the engine steel without harming themselves. I found that unbelievable but seems to happen.
Great Video; I have signed up on the website. We want two, although, contrary to the form I filled out, after watching this video there may be advantages to do a component install rather than getting pre-charged units on a sled to have more flexibility as to where to locate the components. :)
Yes I know I'd always want the components. In this (and the next) video I'm trying to show that with how I've set this up it's easy to install with hand tools.
@@Clarks-Adventure I agree 100%. My boat has one chiller that is 65,000 BTU, with 5 distribution handlers. We are thinking 4 units at 12/15,000 BTU each.
My battery-powered AC unit just had its final hookup today. I'm ecstatic because it got done with a few months to spare of the oncoming Mexican heat. 5.1kWh battery and a 30.5 SEER a/c unit. Solar panels on the roof (of an RV) in the next few weeks.
Hey Clark! We’re installing your dc/ac system on Rhiannon and I have some questions: What is “this stuff” that you’re putting on the flare fittings? Our system is 24v so do I need to use the power booster or can I just wire straight to my system? I’m assuming I will need to convert to 12v for the blower motor and the pump,or does the system step it down? I’m really impressed with this system ,especially how tiny the compressor is! Thanks for coming up with this for all of us and keep up the great work!
Thanks, You can find "this stuff" on our Amazon store (link in video description). It's really not required but since I bought some I use it all the time. No don't use the boost converter for the compressor. If you can find a 24v pump use that. It's better. Same pump, different windings. As for the air handler motor. I haven't tried this but it should be fine if you use the included motor speed controller as long as you don't ever turn it up beyond half way. Correct setting should be like 1 amp 24v. Probably 1/10th from off. It should work as a good buck converter but if you turn it up too far it will likely harm the motor. Or you could get a little buck converter to make 12v. Likely you already have 12v circuits on the boat, right?
I am going to be installing A/c on my 30 freedom. Once you start looking into what's out there it's almost overwhelming. For me I want simplicity and the ability to maintain and service the unit myself. Are there service valves on the Condenser? If not what's your thoughts on installing them. My other thing is I would be happy having a cool sleeping room but the Captain wants a cool Salon as well so for me I may not be able to do this one. It looks great though. Seems like the coils are serviceable and the blower too. I am thinking of maybe going with two. 1 for day in the salon 1 for night in sleeping room. Ty
The unit comes with both a high side and low side service valve. This is usually considered plenty as every part of each of these subsystems have the same pressure . I agree about the sleeping room as I mention in my first video. I'm concerned that this might not be enough unit to cool a big poorly insolated room in the heat of the day with the sun on the deck. A larger unit is in the works or you might accept the idea of spot cooling. (Leaving the hatches open and just blowing cool air right on you.)
@@Clarks-Adventure I saw the service valves. That's a sign of a well thought out unit. It creates so many Maintenance and Service options. I hope you do well with these and tonight I am going to show my better half and really get down to the nitty gritty of cooling our space. These units remind me of commercial ones we used to install in Homes and a lot of apartments. Good luck to you and ty for making these so user friendly!
@@Clarks-Adventure A side by side test of 3-4 different brands would be great, but I'm sure it's not what you live for. If you want to sell 100 of them in a few days, do the comparison live at the Annapolis boat show this fall.
Yes I'm actually looking forward to a boat show sometime. For this, the bbms, the channel, Emily's dinghy build. Lot's of offers. We have over 2000 interested parties on the mailing list. I bet we will have no problem selling the first 100. Then they will tell their friends....
Hi Clark, Great video! I have a strong feeling i'm going to be getting one of these units! Have you looked at Swagelok for fittings on your copper lines? They might add some price but would save from having to have the tooling for flaring on the copper lines, and they are super easy to use for those folks that may not be so inclined to do it themselves.
Yes but the tools to do the swagelok cost more then the flare tools I believe. I didn't chase this down personally I suggested it to Russell (manufacturer) when he forgot to get copper weld-ons with the titanium condensers.
There were so many "right answers". I think in a few months there might be a one sled offering that uses air ducts. It won't be quite as efficient but will be plug and play.
@@Clarks-Adventure I don't have any thru-hulls on my catamaran and I'd like to keep it that way. Given the construction of my boat, I can segregate the condenser cooling air flow from cabin air very easily and thus I am very interested to see the specs and layout of the air-cooled version.
I'm about to work on an air cooled unit for an RV trip we have planned. Don't expect it to work as efficiently as the water cooled unit but it should be offered at MarineDCAC.com eventually. You should really just install the thru hulls or share one you already have. In saying you don't have any I assume you have no engine or outboards. Where does your sink drain? You have a composting head? Most every boat has thruhulls and it's not like boats are regularly sinking because of them. One of the thruhulls used for AC is best installed just above the waterline.
No. I had to sign that away in the contract. But it's all but impossible to buy this compressor as a single unit. I was a defence contractor so I can talk the talk and said I was developing a prototype project. Didn't say it was an AC for my sailboat. But turned out good for them as we will be buying volume.
Have you calculated the cubic feet of the cabin you are cooling? I have a small cuddy cabin power boat, please don't judge, and my old AC is in need of replacement. My current 6000 BTU unit draws almost 1000 watts so I can really only use it when on shore power or when one of my engines is running. It's also all (Compressor, Fan and Water) 110\120 so I'm losing efficiency through the inverter too. I don't have a generator but was thinking of getting an air cooled inverter generator to plug into my shore power to run my AC but this might be a solution that would eliminate the need for a generator. My cuddy might be a little bigger than your aft cabin but not sure. I think the square footage might be more but the cubic feet less due to the very low headroom. I'm think the most important measure for cooling is cubic feet. Would you agree? I'm also thinking of upgrading my house battery to a 1 or 200 amp lithium or maybe even trying the new Dakota lithium starting batteries too.
Where to start? If you are contemplating li check this out. www.emilyandclarksadventure.com/bbms But on a boat is a tricky thing. It's surface area and insulation and circulation with outside areas and number of people since it's such a small space. To really save power blow the cool dry air right at you. Big savings if you curtain off just the bed. Ours is around 200 if I'd have to guess. The new install was about 300
I have seen similar units manufactured through China. Is this one of them? I'm looking for a small 12 volt A/C unit for tear drop and similar type trailers. However, how is this [your] unit's price of $2000 justified?
A great video, thank you! Have you had any issues with condensation on the refrigerant return line? Many AC installations insulate this line to eliminate condensation dripping issues.
Yes this is an important step. Filming a video out here is more difficult then in a studio in the US. They need to search for a good material to do that with. I'll make sure I include that in the manual.
Automotive products for this work well. Generally self-adhesive neoprene foam foil backed tape. Some installations run lines together to exchange ( further lower high pressure line temperature).
No. The water wouldn't drain well I suspect. I think it would probably try to go back to the fan. But you might be able to cobble up a dam inside to deal with that. It comes apart with screws.
I just signed a contract today. They will be available again soon. Your best bet is to fill out the survey in the description of this video to get on the mailing list. Or subscribe and watch our videos as I'll announce progress.
It's really his business to run but I think about any time now. If you either sign up on his webpage or fill out the survey linked to our AC videos you will get a message when things happen Last week he drove up to our house in Florida and picked up the components I had on hand so he wouldn't have to wait for the slow boat from China
hi you should insulate the copper lines going to the air handler and all the other lines other wise are wasting cold freon and making the boat hotter and less cold ! your "expert advisor" should have told you DUH !
Yup, having a proper tube bending tool would be trick, but they're at anchor in the Dominican. I'd bet finding a tubing cutter or flare kit on a sailboat isn't a common occurrence, either, so assess your tool needs and aesthetic needs when planning your installation. How pretty do you need it to be? : D
![Battery-Powered AIR CONDITIONING on a Sailboat [Capable Cruising Guides]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/xF113aUlZgo/mqdefault.jpg)
I have NEVER watched an air-con unit installation with such interest in my life!! Really good video, thanks to ALL of you!! Thanks!!
That's high praise. Thank you
Next week we do a video on paint drying :)
Watching 'how others do work' is frequently both boring and torture. This definitely wasn't either.
I live in an extremely hot climate and life without AC is un-liveable, truly unbearable! This makes me happy to know you guys have the comfort of AC on the boat 😊
Thanks
It's's now available at MarineDCAC.com
The one copper line under the bed is contacting the high pressure line, it will rub and eventually leak causing failure. Just put something soft in between tape together and done.
Yaaay found this one, and I do prefer the look of this kit to getting a cheap portable AC unit. Now searching for more details. Bob. 👍⛵️✨️✨️✨️
As of now you have to contact me directly. There are only 20 units left. I'm not sure if I'll be ordering more.
Guy running it hasn't been doing well.
Great instructional/demonstrational video! You are a great resource for all sailors/campers/tiny home communities!
Thank you Charles
Great team work and good luck with all.. safe travels
Thank you for sharing the install process. The details that go into how you completed this was what really stood out. Amazing work!
Nice of you to say.
Are you getting one?
Keeping the explanation simple so some don't have there eyes glaze over, good. If someone is competent in their wiring and plumbing work your ac/refrigeration videos would bring them up to a self installer.
I just point them your way, the best I have seen. My finer points would drive most crazy.
Absolute perfection for installation! Thanks for sharing .... Well-done, Clark!
Thanks Steven.
There are still some kits left at marineDCAC.com
Absolutely awesome .
An excellent DIY project.
Keep up the amazing projects.
Lots to learn from you two.
So when you're fixing a jet engine, it's very important to check all your subassemblies for proper flow and vacuum/pressure seals. In my job we use an all in one system called a "vac cart". It's my job specifically to maintain the vac carts. I'm a little upset that I could have been using this sealant stuff the entire time instead of Teflon tape. Especially on all the flare fittings, as it makes a lot more sense in that specific application.
I think one thing that should be done is if copper line is touching the rubber line split a piece of rubber hose and zip tie it to the copper line. That way there won’t be any chafe and rub a hole in the line
Good idea. Chafe is bad.
But... You won't believe this but you will be protecting the copper from the rubber. I've seen so many times where engine hoses chafe the engine steel without harming themselves. I found that unbelievable but seems to happen.
If you do compress the split hose on, interference fit and zip ties at least.
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼Excellent step by step! Thank you!
Happy Easter from Guam!
great stuff!! im not a patreon, so i wont be getting the first batch, but im defo buying one!!
Great Video; I have signed up on the website. We want two, although, contrary to the form I filled out, after watching this video there may be advantages to do a component install rather than getting pre-charged units on a sled to have more flexibility as to where to locate the components. :)
Yes I know I'd always want the components. In this (and the next) video I'm trying to show that with how I've set this up it's easy to install with hand tools.
very excited to see the results the build quality looks top notch.
Thanks Alan. Spoiler.. worked great!
Have you seen this video? ua-cam.com/video/xF113aUlZgo/v-deo.html
I can't wait, my excitement keeps building!!!
I understand that the order website will launch any day now. But I've heard that before.
Next week we charge it
Spoiler: it worked great!
Looks great! I want one, er, three. Please think about making a 12-15,000BTU unit next. I'll buy a dozen.
We are considering a 10,000btu/h unit. Beyond that one would have to use multiple units.
@@Clarks-Adventure That would be very helpful! A lot of my catamaran owning friends are looking.
Multiple units have the advantage that if one fails the other still works. Always try to design away from single points of failure.
@@Clarks-Adventure I agree 100%. My boat has one chiller that is 65,000 BTU, with 5 distribution handlers. We are thinking 4 units at 12/15,000 BTU each.
Very thorough how to !
My battery-powered AC unit just had its final hookup today. I'm ecstatic because it got done with a few months to spare of the oncoming Mexican heat. 5.1kWh battery and a 30.5 SEER a/c unit. Solar panels on the roof (of an RV) in the next few weeks.
Great video with great ideas ... thank you!
Hi Clark, great video as usual 😎 Perhaps you'll see Blue Dragon somewhere along the way. A Thomas Colvin Tamarack schooner
If you see Temptress in a bay. Drop on by.
@@Clarks-Adventure indeed we will. Been watching your videos for a long time, look forward to meeting you both 😎
Great post Clark. You are a treasure. 😇🌞🌴⛵
Thanks. Your Projects are Awesome !!!!
Nice of you to say Robert
Hey Clark! We’re installing your dc/ac system on Rhiannon and I have some questions:
What is “this stuff” that you’re putting on the flare fittings?
Our system is 24v so do I need to use the power booster or can I just wire straight to my system? I’m assuming I will need to convert to 12v for the blower motor and the pump,or does the system step it down?
I’m really impressed with this system ,especially how tiny the compressor is! Thanks for coming up with this for all of us and keep up the great work!
Thanks,
You can find "this stuff" on our Amazon store (link in video description). It's really not required but since I bought some I use it all the time.
No don't use the boost converter for the compressor.
If you can find a 24v pump use that. It's better. Same pump, different windings.
As for the air handler motor. I haven't tried this but it should be fine if you use the included motor speed controller as long as you don't ever turn it up beyond half way. Correct setting should be like 1 amp 24v. Probably 1/10th from off.
It should work as a good buck converter but if you turn it up too far it will likely harm the motor.
Or you could get a little buck converter to make 12v. Likely you already have 12v circuits on the boat, right?
This looks to be a game changer. Awesome
Yes I've been cruising for the better part of the last 20 years. I was surprised how much this made life better.
Great video, thanks Clark.
You are very welcome, Brad.
I didn't see if the low pressure line from the airhandler was insulated. It gets cold, and water will condenses, making things wet.
Yes it should be.
I am going to be installing A/c on my 30 freedom. Once you start looking into what's out there it's almost overwhelming. For me I want simplicity and the ability to maintain and service the unit myself. Are there service valves on the Condenser? If not what's your thoughts on installing them. My other thing is I would be happy having a cool sleeping room but the Captain wants a cool Salon as well so for me I may not be able to do this one. It looks great though. Seems like the coils are serviceable and the blower too. I am thinking of maybe going with two. 1 for day in the salon 1 for night in sleeping room. Ty
The unit comes with both a high side and low side service valve. This is usually considered plenty as every part of each of these subsystems have the same pressure .
I agree about the sleeping room as I mention in my first video.
I'm concerned that this might not be enough unit to cool a big poorly insolated room in the heat of the day with the sun on the deck.
A larger unit is in the works or you might accept the idea of spot cooling. (Leaving the hatches open and just blowing cool air right on you.)
@@Clarks-Adventure I saw the service valves. That's a sign of a well thought out unit. It creates so many Maintenance and Service options. I hope you do well with these and tonight I am going to show my better half and really get down to the nitty gritty of cooling our space. These units remind me of commercial ones we used to install in Homes and a lot of apartments. Good luck to you and ty for making these so user friendly!
Did you make a video showing efficiency compared to other water cooled units? That would be great
Seems to be twice as good as the next best. We haven't really done "sales" videos yet.
@@Clarks-Adventure A side by side test of 3-4 different brands would be great, but I'm sure it's not what you live for. If you want to sell 100 of them in a few days, do the comparison live at the Annapolis boat show this fall.
Yes I'm actually looking forward to a boat show sometime. For this, the bbms, the channel, Emily's dinghy build. Lot's of offers.
We have over 2000 interested parties on the mailing list. I bet we will have no problem selling the first 100. Then they will tell their friends....
Single-flaring copper always makes me feel like I'm "doing it wrong" cuz I'm so used to double-flaring steel lol ; )
Great job!
My 2-5 air conditioner is the most efficient and reliable. Two hatches open and 5 knots boat speed
Can you have multiple units for different area of the boat?
Certainly.
Hi Clark, Great video! I have a strong feeling i'm going to be getting one of these units! Have you looked at Swagelok for fittings on your copper lines? They might add some price but would save from having to have the tooling for flaring on the copper lines, and they are super easy to use for those folks that may not be so inclined to do it themselves.
Yes but the tools to do the swagelok cost more then the flare tools I believe. I didn't chase this down personally I suggested it to Russell (manufacturer) when he forgot to get copper weld-ons with the titanium condensers.
There were so many "right answers".
I think in a few months there might be a one sled offering that uses air ducts. It won't be quite as efficient but will be plug and play.
@@Clarks-Adventure I don't have any thru-hulls on my catamaran and I'd like to keep it that way. Given the construction of my boat, I can segregate the condenser cooling air flow from cabin air very easily and thus I am very interested to see the specs and layout of the air-cooled version.
I'm about to work on an air cooled unit for an RV trip we have planned. Don't expect it to work as efficiently as the water cooled unit but it should be offered at MarineDCAC.com eventually.
You should really just install the thru hulls or share one you already have. In saying you don't have any I assume you have no engine or outboards. Where does your sink drain? You have a composting head?
Most every boat has thruhulls and it's not like boats are regularly sinking because of them. One of the thruhulls used for AC is best installed just above the waterline.
@@Clarks-Adventure I should have said that I have no underwater thru-hulls and, yes, it does have an outboard motor and a composting head.
If you put the fitting in backwards, will attract tigers instead of repelling them?
Yes. Also any former or current QA inspectors in the area. They can smell the failure.
Are the dimensions of the air handler listed somewhere? And is there a total cost yet? Thanks great video!
16"x12"x6.15". I need to publish this someplace I can find it so I don't have to keep looking it up.
@@Clarks-Adventure and the costs?
Just under $2000us last I heard
@@Clarks-Adventure nice
@@Clarks-Adventure incredible!!!! Good job Clark thanks for sharing
what johnson pump do you use for the seawater circulation? It's not in the installation book.
You will find a link in the description of this video.
ua-cam.com/video/Q0juFMOMaD8/v-deo.html
It's about to go on sale again.
@@Clarks-Adventure I bought it last summer , just havent installed it yet
Is there a template to cut holes if one wants to mount. the air handler behind a wall, or in a cabinet?
I just measured and used a hole saw. They are in a straight line and all the same distance.
You can see me doing it here ua-cam.com/video/xF113aUlZgo/v-deo.html
This is great
Thanks TJ
Will the plans be available or did you skip that idea?
No. I had to sign that away in the contract.
But it's all but impossible to buy this compressor as a single unit.
I was a defence contractor so I can talk the talk and said I was developing a prototype project. Didn't say it was an AC for my sailboat. But turned out good for them as we will be buying volume.
@@Clarks-Adventure OK that makes sense you did mention that in the last video. Nice unit 👌
Have you calculated the cubic feet of the cabin you are cooling? I have a small cuddy cabin power boat, please don't judge, and my old AC is in need of replacement. My current 6000 BTU unit draws almost 1000 watts so I can really only use it when on shore power or when one of my engines is running. It's also all (Compressor, Fan and Water) 110\120 so I'm losing efficiency through the inverter too. I don't have a generator but was thinking of getting an air cooled inverter generator to plug into my shore power to run my AC but this might be a solution that would eliminate the need for a generator. My cuddy might be a little bigger than your aft cabin but not sure. I think the square footage might be more but the cubic feet less due to the very low headroom. I'm think the most important measure for cooling is cubic feet. Would you agree? I'm also thinking of upgrading my house battery to a 1 or 200 amp lithium or maybe even trying the new Dakota lithium starting batteries too.
Where to start? If you are contemplating li check this out. www.emilyandclarksadventure.com/bbms
But on a boat is a tricky thing. It's surface area and insulation and circulation with outside areas and number of people since it's such a small space.
To really save power blow the cool dry air right at you. Big savings if you curtain off just the bed.
Ours is around 200 if I'd have to guess. The new install was about 300
How much does the whole thing cost?
About $2000. MarineDCAC.com
I have seen similar units manufactured through China. Is this one of them? I'm looking for a small 12 volt A/C unit for tear drop and similar type trailers. However, how is this [your] unit's price of $2000 justified?
No. This one is easily 3x as efficient.
Total cost of kit and a link to get onto the list? TIA
I think the kit will be just under $2000us. You supply some parts.
Website link coming very soon.
A great video, thank you! Have you had any issues with condensation on the refrigerant return line? Many AC installations insulate this line to eliminate condensation dripping issues.
Yes this is an important step.
Filming a video out here is more difficult then in a studio in the US. They need to search for a good material to do that with. I'll make sure I include that in the manual.
Automotive products for this work well. Generally self-adhesive neoprene foam foil backed tape.
Some installations run lines together to exchange ( further lower high pressure line temperature).
Yes I like the lines together.
Can air handler be mounted vertically?
No. The water wouldn't drain well I suspect. I think it would probably try to go back to the fan. But you might be able to cobble up a dam inside to deal with that.
It comes apart with screws.
If you find success please do a video and share it or send it to me. I'm sure many guys would like the answer to that question.
Would the supplier send one unit "Down Under"?
You could use reship.com. Australia is a real problem to ship to. Learned that with BBMS shipments.
www.emilyandclarksadventure.com/bbms
anyone know what this costs?
Like $2000usd
do you still have these kits to sell?
I just signed a contract today. They will be available again soon. Your best bet is to fill out the survey in the description of this video to get on the mailing list. Or subscribe and watch our videos as I'll announce progress.
Nylog is good
It’s been over a year, the “store” is still not up yet.
I like the idea, but am starting to worry if it’s a real product.
Patience. It's coming along with a fully charged one piece drop in unit.
@@Clarks-Adventure can you give a time estimate ?
It's really his business to run but I think about any time now.
If you either sign up on his webpage or fill out the survey linked to our AC videos you will get a message when things happen
Last week he drove up to our house in Florida and picked up the components I had on hand so he wouldn't have to wait for the slow boat from China
hi you should insulate the copper lines going to the air handler and all the other lines other wise are wasting cold freon and making the boat hotter and less cold ! your "expert advisor" should have told you DUH !
Have you read the install manual? That is in there. But there is no good hardware store here so they will finish that later.
Thanks for your expertise
Glad to confirm I live in a Mammoth and Sabre Tooth Tiger Free Zone, now to do something about those Rhino's. Bob. 🤔
... I guess he could've used a tubing bender eh? lots of cheap options for that. 8^)
Yeah, that would have been nice
Yup, having a proper tube bending tool would be trick, but they're at anchor in the Dominican. I'd bet finding a tubing cutter or flare kit on a sailboat isn't a common occurrence, either, so assess your tool needs and aesthetic needs when planning your installation. How pretty do you need it to be? : D
And you are kidding yourself with the price for a toy.
It works and is priced where it needs to be.
But you should stick with crap from China.
Toy.
You obviously are just a troll.
Loads of people are happy with this "toy" as you call it.