Hi All--a few months back some folks were curious to see how the installation of a DIY mini-split came out, RE considerations of condensoroutdoor unit placement, how lines were run to maintain minimal intrusion, placement of air handler, etc. I'm including a few pics. The air handler is on the aft salon wall; I built a teak and cedar boxing for aesthetic reasons to cover the lines as the ran down the interior wall. I ran the lines out the side of the unit, rather than out the back, and down so I could pass then through one of the built-in cockpit storage boxes (minimal impact on storage), then under the deck and out the rear bulwark. This allowed for minimal exposed thru-deck, keeps lines out of the way, and I is in my opinion aesthetically more pleasing. Placing the air handler about 6" off the bulwark also offers some wind protection. There were a few other special considerations, which I can go into if any interest. One important thing is to keep the air handler at slight angle so it drains properly (hanging "level" on a boat will not work, most cases I've encountered at least on smaller boats); another thing--I had to switch the position of the drain line, to run out the side with the other lines; the drain line exits the storage box on the starboard side and goes directly to a deck drain
(I could not run lines out back in typical way and as set up at factory since the sliding cockpit entry door would have interfered; I also did not want to run lines down the outside wall since to get the correct bend they would have protruded too far for my tastes, and we often use the storage boxes as seating). The outdoor unit drains out the side of the casing, due to deck slope, rather than the center port, but the Mr Cool folks said no problem and should not lead to any rust issues. Also the newer units are designed generally for corrosion resistance in coastal environments, so we'll see... I also had to change position of the 12v fan, and install it above and to port of air handler. To circulate air more efficiently to the helm area and V berth, I use a couple fans--on near the stove, blowing up toward the helm, then another in the helm blowing down to the V--they are small enought not to be too intrusive, and strong enough to circulate the air fairly well. (Another idea would be to use a dual-head system, which would require additional lines runninng probably across the salon roof to the pilot house, though not sure if that wall's high enough to allow the seondary drain line--would have to be at least 12" I think.)
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