New to SeaRay and sport cruisers (Sundancer 360)

UPDATE ON AC

After much reading and consideration, I decided to change out the AC Unit which was a CruiseAir 16,000BTU. I contacted Dometic.com for a replacement and they were very prompt with their reply. They suggested the DTG16 model and put me in contact with Northland Supply CO, Queensville, ONT, (North of Toronto). I received excellent help there and ordered the ECD16 which was less expensive by $1000 and was available. It was couriered directly to my house for just under $100 which I thought was amazing.
Cost of the unit was $3000 ($3390 taxes in) - Canadian Funds

Installation - I decided to tackle the install on my own. I figured it could not be that complicated as there is a water flow in tube, water flow out tube, drain and wiring which did not look that extensive. Before reading further, please know I am average when it comes to mechanical "knowhow," electrical and have only had the boat for 1 year. Also, I took pictures on my phone every step of the way. Especially with the wiring which really paid off for me.

As you know, on the 360 the unit is under the front berth. It is a bit crammed in there and the most difficult matter was taking the front wood panel off the face of the bed. I removed the screws that secured the sides but did not realize that there are 4 screws at the base, hidden in the carpet. Judging from previous, minor damage to the panel, I suspect the previous owner learned about these screws as I did. Anyway, I was able to remove them and get the plate off which is an absolute must. Not to worry, the screw holes are concealed when the plate went back on so no harm, no foul.

I disconnected the drain, inlet and outlet hoses and then the 4 mounting brackets that keep the condensation pan and unit in place. This was a bit tricky due to the space issues. Once they were off, the unit lifted straight up and out. I did put a pair of vice grips on the drain hose at the floor as it does not protrude out much and I didn't want to lose it if it fell in.

New unit is a bit smaller and a bit lighter. It slid into place nicely. It was well marked for the inflow and outflow of water, the drain lined up well with the line and I was pleased with that. The electrical went surprisingly well. I had labelled each wire as I took it off of the old panel box and took a photo. In brief, there are wires for the water pump and the AC compressor. So, 2 grounds, 2 white wires and 2 blacks. The new unit was nicely marked to indicate what went where. No issues at all. I locked down the condensation pan to the floor with the mounting brackets and attached the new electrical box to the wall behind the unit which separates the water holding tank from the AC unit.

The only hiccup I was not expecting was the piping or tubing for the air flow from the unit to the rest of the boat. There are 2 airways or channels, one for each side of the boat. The previous unit had a square base (new unit has a circular base) that came to a "T" with one side having a 6" opening (Starboard) and the other side having a 4" opening (Port). I could not find anything in PVC that would work so I opted for good old tin work. I was able to find a "T" junction, round base with 6" openings which had me buy an adapter to convert the one side down to 4". This went on very well, I used the appropriate tape and was pleased with it.

Wiring the new wall control unit - I considered using the original wire that ran behind the walls to the control unit which is on the port side cabin wall near the doorway. I admit, my biggest fear of this project was snaking a new line through the wall to the opening for the wall unit. I realized that the new unit has an 8 pin wire and the old had a 5 pin.....decision was made for me. It is similar to an old Bell phone line.
To my surprise, this went very well and without a hitch. I did what you would expect, securely taped the new line to the old and slowly pulled it through. I was able to get it there with a few feet of wire left, attached it to the new wall unit and mounted to the wall.

Moment of truth - yes, it worked. Immediately came to life, excellent discharge stream on Port side of boat.

Rating - The new unit is quieter and pushes the air the same, if not a bit better than the previous. (Albeit, it was 20 years old). What I like about the new unit is there is not a hot or cold selection like the previous unit. Set the temp and the unit will decide if it needs to run in heat or cool mode. Once to temp, the fan dials back a bit. The wall unit is very basic but really, what else does it need to do.

Using the Tin and not PVC - I will monitor this each season for rust etc. I don't suspect there will be a problem. If I have to replace it in a few years, it cost approx. $30 which in my mind is reasonable.

I have attached a few photos. Thanks for reading and I know it may be basic to some people on this site. I decided to post this so if there is anyone else out there like me, fairly new to having a boat of this size and not overly mechanically inclined, it can be done!

Photos - old unit, showing screw locations at base of front panel, comparing old diverter to new, new unit, new wall control 20230512_114205.jpg 20230512_123212.jpg 20230514_114656.jpg 20230514_134654.jpg 20230514_165637.jpg 20230512_114205.jpg

Thanks
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20230512_114205.jpg
 
Hello everyone,

My wife and I are new to this club and we are currently in the process of purchasing a new-to-us, 2002 SeaRay Sundancer, 360. The boat has 8.1 Horizons, V-Drives, 725hrs, Gennie with 265 hours, bow and stern thrusters with new canvas and a hydraulic lift on the stern. We have a survey scheduled for this coming Monday and a water test when the boat is put in the water in May. Currently, the boat is in heated storage and looks simply immaculate. We are new to a boat of this size (previously owned an 18FT bow rider) so definitely a big step up for us. I simply wanted to post a quick intro as I have already benefited from discussions here.
We just secured a slip (pending survey/water test conditions of sale) in Sarnia and will keep the boat on Lake Huron but travel on the rivers to Lake Erie. Thank you!

Hello @Cam.H do you have any info or photos on the Hydraulic Lift?
 

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