1996 Fairline Targa 37: Parts & Upgrade Advice

[petem]

Thanks Pete.

I've engaged with the firm in Cartagena regarding A/C. They supply the units and everything needed to install it including the seawater pump (with exception of the 2 required thru hull fittings) but do not fit - so quite fancying having a go at installing myself.
They have suggested that I would only need 1 12000BTU unit for the Targa 37 - and there is room to install it under the seating in the main saloon running with flow into the saloon - and ducting to 2 further outlets (1 in the master cabin and a second in the aft cabin).
I have the size of the units - and will need to measure the available space in the Targa when the purchase is complete.

Their advice is to get the boatyard to install the thru hull fittings (just in case there is any leakage afterwards!). Considering buying the unit and installation kit and installing it over the winter months - then having the thru hull fittings done around March (when I'll probably need it lifted out for anti-fouling) - then connect it all up to keep cool in the summer months.

I realise a plan for AC is only a plan - but at least now I have one.

My jury is still out on need for generator. Seems costly option for keeping ice cubes intact.

That's what I did, had the unit installed in the water then had the thru hull done at the next lift.

Note that some people advise against the pump output being under water. Speak to the manufacturer for guidance.

Also, don't forget to run a hose from the condensation tray to the shower sump. Don't let it drain into the bilges.

 

[Hurricane]

Thanks Hurricane.
I've engaged with the company in Cartagena - really helpful (Juanjo Navarro) - and obtained their recommendations on size of unit needed to effectively cool the Targa 37 (and installation kit).
Cots not as horrifying as initially thought - and the more I do myself the better value for money it gets.
I'm going to give installation a go myself (with the exception of the 2 required thru hull fittings). Juanjo's advice is to get the boatyard in Sotogrande to fit these (just in case there are any issues/leaks afterwards).
So if the survey and sea trail are positive and I buy the boat - I've got a nice little installation project to keep me occupied through the cooler months.

Thanks again for all your support and sound advice.

I've just had lunch with a yachtie friend who told me that his 12,000 BTU/hr unit has just arrived in Sant Carles. He is going to get someone in Sant Carles that fits a lot of these to install his. His boat is a catamaran and he is going to install the unit under the seats in the main central saloon with ducted outlets feeding into each hull and an extra outlet into the main saloon. I think his installation might be a bit small for his boat but another friend with a similar catamaran has already fitted the 16,000 BTU/hr unit and has found that more than adequate. My Princess 67, however, has 5 units totalling 84,000 BTU/hr but very rarely, do we have them all on at the same time. In the heat of the Spanish summer, most of the time we only run 3 of the units. The Saloon and Dinette during the day our main cabin at night. I wouldn't be without them though.
I hope that helps.

 

[DavidJ]

Having had a Sealine S37 in North Med Spain for 20 years I thought I would chip in.
I’m not challenging any of the views about but you may find my experience useful.
I originally had a stand alone unit which actually worked well but venting out of a window wasn’t great nor was the space it took up. The Sealine Med spec was 18,000 Btu’s from memory with two units. Being financially constrained I went for one 9000 unit but a pump that would do for two come the day. I DIY fitted and wanted to locate it under the saloon settee. The Climma unit was the only one I could find to fit.
I never needed to upgrade to a second unit (which would go under the master bed) but I was in north Med Spain not down in the south.
I paid a little extra for a “soft start” because I was concerned with the marina electrics. Maybe they are all “soft start” now.
In the Med you will be parked next to yachts and similar boats without a/c. I was conscious of while sleeping in the cool that the continuous noise of water flowing above the water line wil inevitably disturb those sweating it out and trying to sleep with of course all windows open. I had the water exit straight out of the bottom of the boat. My glass top filter would show me that the water was flowing ok and I wasn’t aware of any performance problems.
Just sayin’

 

[DavidJ]

Just a thought. Make sure the broker will deregister it for you (I assume it’s Spanish registered)
This could need some expertise because the Spanish tax man will be sensitive to re registering to SSR to avoid Spanish Wealth Tax (not in your case of course)