Sail Life - Dometic DTG air conditioner install, part 1 of 2

This week I started installing a DTG 16 air conditioner from Dometic.
Dometic DTG 16: www.dometic.com/en-gb/outdoor...
Dometic Voyager TX (variable output units): www.dometic.com/en-us/outdoor...
Dometic Breathe Ioniser: www.dometic.com/en-us/outdoor...
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[@synthnseq]

I swear in all my years this is the first time I've seen someone using duct tape on an actual duct.

[@tacodias]

I had seen using duct tape on a duck but never on a duct!

[@torstenhansen4308]

Yep, duct tape should never be used on ducts, foil tape only. Heating ducts are worse than cooling ducts at destroying the tape so this may work for a while.

[@robinhodgkinson]

Where I live we actually have a brand of duct tape called Duck tape. Seriously.

[@torstenhansen4308]

@@robinhodgkinson You are right. The owner of the company was a brilliant marketer (and my neighbor for a while). The Duck brand became quite the thing and he got rich🤓.

[@JimKJeffries]

​@@torstenhansen4308 and you are right sir, aluminum tape is a better choice for the duct. Also have had success with mylar tape.

[@patfleming3835]

Hi, great to see you’re almost there. Hope you had a pleasant voyage. You’ll be celebrating tonight. Pat

[@sailingisara331]

Mads is so polite he's one of the few youtubers who will apologize for leaving us on a cliff hangar 🤣

[@waterfaucet9926]

Athena has been sailing for the last 14 days straight. Almost to the Caribbean islands!

[@danieloliver20]

Thanks for the update! Do you have to be a Patron to get his tracking link?

[@robertmcinnis]

I see that they are now in Barbados!

[@windonwater3895]

After 5+ years of watching your video every week, I don't think it will be too much of an imposition to wait a week for part 2. Thanks Mads and Happy Easter!

[@jamesgordon2289]

I had a sense of foreboding when Mads said “ if I ever renovate another boat…” can’t wait for Mads 5 year renovation of a large catamaran !

[@markpalmer9002]

Possible, all the boats that get washed ashore in the US after a hurricane Mads could get his hands on a bargain😜

[@viktorbrattsti9397]

This aged well

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

I envy you like crazy Mads because air conditioning is an absolute dream of mine! No one out there deserves a great night’s sleep more than you and your beautiful wife, Ava!!

[@mikeskelly2356]

Just a bit neater and quieter than the 5,000 BTU home AC unit and Honda generator we installed on our Pacemaker, but AC makes a huge difference in hot, humid climes. Our saloon became the hang out on those stuffy, hot summer days on the ICW. Cool beer, cool air and cool friends!...

[@milt7348]

Stay safe and we'll see you next week. Hurry up Ava we need the parts.

[@jimh.5286]

I like your shirt, with the SuperSander insignia.

[@susannash7710]

We like watching you Mads, but we miss Ava!!❤

[@RoyClare]

Welcome to Barbados, guys!! Huge congratulations on navigating the Atlantic. Can’t wait to hear how it all went. But thrilled you’re anchored in The Caribbean after so long in the planning and preparation…. 🎉🎉🎉😊

[@opcn18]

Ducktape was developed for fast short term waterproofing. It's only because the name sounds so similar to duct tape in english that it started being used for ducting. There is some ducting appropriate tape that looks and feels very much like duct tape but in industry testing by ASHRAE (The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) and others duck tape is the only commonly used tape that fails at a high rate over time.

[@donlindell1994]

Need to add some long tie-wraps for a stronger mechanical hold around the ends of those flexible ducting. That tape won't last long. Something readily available here in the states, usually in the electrical section of the big box hardware store, but you may find them in the HVAC section as well. Also... need more toilet paper! It was the first thing my wife noticed in the closet since she is always mocking my TP hoarder instincts. I'd rather run out of food and water than TP!

[@onepanther69]

@@donlindell1994 baby wipes man better than tp

[@tduenchan]

Well, Mads did use aluminum tape on the outside portion of the duct. Also, since this install is joining to ABS plastic, the duck tape might have better adhesion.

[@opcn18]

@@tduenchan I noticed the aluminum tape on the outside. But even if duck tape sticks to the ABS much better right now in 10 years it won't be.

[@karlfair]

A suggestion for your return air. Size it so you can use a standard size air filter. The screen that comes with the unit will get dirty fast and bends with repeated cleanings.

[@johnvanderkieftiv7327]

Amazing job both DIY and presentation/videography. One of my fave channels!!!

[@timothywalch7102]

The extra insulation was to meet should have been used to wrap the box

[@neilsawbridge9998]

Congratulations on arriving in Barbados! Oh glorious anchorage!

[@iainlyall6475]

@8:28 holy crapa inno dude, secure those TP tubes :-))

[@johnmiglautsch4587]

Need to change from "good OLD Athena" to "BEAUTIFUL Athena"

[@billhowell8103]

Been watching for years. One question please. Is there anything you cannot do??? I pray you fair winds and calm seas. Can't wait to see your Bride back with you.

[@heaven-is-real]

Very nice of Dometic to to sponsor you, wow.

[@stephengibson100]

I applaud the way you protected the ducting from being ‘crushed’ or ‘smooshed’ (around minute 8). It would be a bad day if it got both crushed and smooshed.

[@brucealfredson7733]

Congratulations on Barbados.

[@nildefonsop]

Genius move , down here A/C is critical ! Heat exhaustion is a real thing. Well I’m glad you are on your way , and I hope you will have a meet up on the water so we can say hello

[@svbarryduckworth628]

You could use a set of "fishing sticks" which are like fiberglass tent poles that screw together so you can fish a mousing line from practically one end of the boat to the other in one shot. A 30' set packs down to almost nothing and is enough to get a good ways into the mast as well so a line can be fished up to the spreaders for cameras, lights, supplemental antennas or whatnot. Two sets would make it all the way down the mast from the masthead if you get lucky. Fish sticks are straight and work soooooooo much better than a curly fish tape which is made for smaller conduit and sucks trying to fish a larger more-open space like above a ceiling or under a floor.

[@briancostello]

The duct tape will fail over time. Simple solution, get oversized zip ties and wrap them over the outside on your flexible duct to plenum box connections. That’s a mechanical and plastic fastener that won’t rust or fail. Fellow boater and licensed Sheet Metal Worker. Aka duct work

[@mikegermain2462]

You might want to check that the vent in the forward cabin is not too close to the return air or else cold air will recirculate directly to the unit.

[@PaulGriffith]

In the US it is said that the Winchester rifle may have won the west but Air Conditioning won the south.

[@bootybandy]

Well done Mads.It's a testament to your diy skills that the AC Company are prepared to give you that AC unit. Well done, and hope you've had a pleasant Easter.

[@jwright650]

Awesome install so far, waiting for the cliff-hanger's second part. 🎉😊

[@mikewebb4730]

Mads, two thoughts: 1. You will need a drain from the drip-tray. Lead it into the shower drain if possible. It's fresh water, so it easily goes stinky in the bilge. Or collect it. It is distilled water. 2. The cooling water discharge can go well above the water-line. Just put a little piece of PVC pipe as a spout in the outlet so the water doesn't dribble down the hull and leave a stain.

[@jeffalexander544]

I know some new portable air conditioners are self evaporating

[@Stepdaddy8969]

❤

[@randallandrews120]

23 yr live aboard here. Just south of Annapolis on the Chesapeake. You WILL NEED to cut in a cold air return from the main salon too. If you want to draw the damp humid air out of your salon, that return will be needed without question.

[@icelandviking1961]

Dometic is a great company and jump right on warranty items.

[@espowari]

This episode should have been titled 'how to make a large mess on your boat before your spouse comes back'. :> great job!

[@williamjacobs236]

Another great video Mads .

[@ApexWoodworks]

Very cool, Mads (sorry for the pun, but I just couldn't help myself, LoL😉

[@mk1photography62]

Well done bit like fighting with a silver python 😅

[@donaldwatson554]

I recently replaced a dometic air conditioner 16,000 BTU on our boat and it was a bear of a job. Mads makes it look easy!

[@james-5560]

I'd do anything I could to install it far away from the cabin where you sleep, that's just me though because I'm more sensitive to these things.

[@robertocalderon1856]

So very enjoyable . Thank you for sharing

[@larrimos]

I can’t think of anyone more deserving to wear a Superman shirt than Mads….at least as far as us boaty types are concerned.

[@rbay8487]

Just what I needed to know. Thank you!!

[@rboston33]

Terrific organiatoin. You make all jobs seem easier than they are.

[@mortenjrgensen4630]

See you👍🏽

[@edwardhovitz1753]

great vid. thanks for sharing your life :-) greetings from Spring Green, Wisconsin USA.

[@allsearpw3829]

Hi , great work and you always get the job done , awaiting to see it working . All the best as your sea goddess will do the inspection .😉👍

[@jeanhawken4482]

Amazing work

[@michaelc.4413]

Det vildeste skib på søen!

[@svZia-Switch51]

Nice work as always

[@jonathanworthing6278]

That looks like a big job.

[@robertstephens767]

It looks like your be needing a bigger boat soon.

[@wojtekkubacki5382]

Hahaha hahaha hahaha

[@torstenhansen4308]

A few episodes back Mads slipped and said ‘when’ we do a bigger boat, not ‘if’, so I suspect it may be part of the unspoken master plan.

[@scotthenderson9918]

It's usually a forgone conclusion after your wife visits her sisters newborn that you can expect some "oh glorious diaper changing." I'd say a larger vessel will provide fans many more years of joy.

[@johndoe-cx6ro]

@@scotthenderson9918 some would argue that that is their ultimate DIY project, I just don't want it caught on tape😂

[@brucerleech]

go Thank you very much I really enjoy your videos

[@jonrobertmaagaardboesen2325]

Mads... the hanging locker is no more a hanghing locker..... Think you get in trouble with Eva....

[@bubbleobill267]

Nice work per usual Mads. When you install your return air vent make sure you make two filters for it. When one is dirty simply replace it with the spare then you can wash and dry the dirty one for future use. Mine are over ten years old and still look brand new!.

[@ilricettario]

Clever guy, don't think I could do this to be honest. Best wishes.

[@Abc-kf4qx]

I’m impressed…a man who reads a manual 😜

[@fatasford]

Great work see you

[@matacabrones4317]

man you should always leave a guide line in, ready for future works, instead of running a new one everytime you need to pass any cables

[@anthonyrstrawbridge]

Lowes and Home Depot. Costco and Sam's club. Ace and True Value. Best buy and....... Calm down man.😃

[@harrybark3228]

Hey if you make your way up the Chesapeake and need a hand feel free to reach out . Your going to need that Ac here

[@exhstbearing]

Ava won’t recognize the boat with all the projects that have been completed!

[@Nifilheimur]

I think Mads with his OCD would go mad in 2,5 seconds in my boat with my mess of wiring :D

[@donnakawana]

You never cease to amaze me .. I have seen many of these installed . I really like how you went step by step . Are u gonna be in Maryland, Chesapeake bay? 🤞🏻

[@mccluredb]

Holey Boat Bat-Mads.

[@BrianSimpson-tk3xj]

Put a handle on the bedroom door already!

[@masterv2118]

That hanging locker seems to be getting smaller and smaller. I'm sure you have more storage than it seems in video.

[@goofy4birds]

with the through hull just above the water, I wander if water will be pushed in when healing? But wow great job so far in installation.

[@brucemacsr.6776]

Great explanation on the duct work and A/C. BTW you looked really tuckered out at the end of the video. Get some rest. Things will get busy when Ava comes back. 😄😄

[@amoret6108]

You seem to be cutting your Atlantic crossing a bit fine given the hurricane season starts in 7 weeks.

[@geekdomo]

Holy time warp! I know you said it was going to happen but going backwards with the update. Nice job!

[@gregoryh4601]

Mads. Check and see if there a Aquarium Shop around. Buy a UV Sterilizer to hook to your intake Water to kill those little guys that Can plug up your A/C maybe when you get to a place that have Stainless Steel Tubing make a UV Sterilizer for your Engine Too.

[@roydaley3413]

👍

[@pezpengy9308]

cool!!! 😋

[@henrykaspereit7490]

I would never open the hull for the drain of an A/C.What is better than a through hole? Yes, no trough hole! Just thinking about forgetting to close it at sea and laying on Stbrd side. On my boat I do have that with the bathroom sink. 20° and water stays inside the sink. 5° more, it is in the boat. If you don’t want to put it to the bilge, I would use a small container with a pump. Like you can find it on every “condensation” laundry dryer. These systems bring the water 80cm up, no problem. A hole in the boat at that height I would consider to be ok. This Pump container can have an interlock, that prevents the A/C from running, when the pump fails and when you need distilled water you can collect it, too. With such a setup, I would say, you could use the A/C while sailing. I would never even consider that, with a hole that close to the water line that is open at the other side. Hilsen

[@flossey100]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@scotttan6377]

"secret compartment" is no longer now a secret ( LOL ) @12:43 ". . . delightfully warm . . . " perfect timing for the A/C install . That's great that #Dometic provided you with a unit ! Will your services be available for hire ? Curious minds may want to know .

[@eelelaelad]

👌👌

[@Tomm9y]

How will AVA see the little control panel, as it's at Mads eye level? Or does she have to peer at it from the raised floor?

[@MrJhchrist]

Awww, you can tell Mads is a baby travel youtuber when he just throws away one sentence about immigration and visa issues instead of making a 30 minute video about it!

[@Nerd3927]

11:11 "When" not "If"... it's inevitable :-)

[@zones4to11]

When you finally start traveling across the ocean, will we get to see you use the series drogue cones?

[@japc4326]

Nice work, just wonder if there will be vibration noise as well on the shelf. John

[@Tomm9y]

As it's located in a cabin, I think it will require anti tampering protection for when it gets annoyingly noisy.

[@elgar104]

Similar thoughts. Shelf needs dampners... or isolators. And will that little cupboard need its own vent to the outside? It's going to get very hot in there.

[@timothywalch7102]

Both of those boxes are going to sweat

[@akja9188]

You said it can heat too? If that's also a heat pump unit you aware going to potentially appreciate that very much at night in the great lakes!!

[@nsw1959]

When you get to the east coast please look us up if you cruise the Chesapeake. We're in Solomons and we have a number of followers here!

[@johnmagnan759]

I can't remember where I saw it but there is a manufacture that makes an air-conditioning unit that runs on 24VDC. Supposed to be pretty efficient too. Depending on the amp hour size of your battery bank you could run the unit without the inverter losses of AC appliances while living on the hook. Believe the new Hylas 57 uses those air conditioners and they tout they can run them for 8 hours with the standard battery. That would be a blessing in the Caribbean.

[@torstenhansen4308]

Check out Termodinamica from Italy. They make an unbelievably efficient 24 Volt variable output unit, which is pretty compact, as well as more elaborate systems for whole boat cooling. Here on KZbin you can find some pretty good videos on the BoatRX channel.

[@ysesq]

would a mabru DC aircon which is 12v be better ? you are using up inverter doing this.

[@ninoadp100]

When you get tired of bio fouling, let me know, and I will show you a fantastic route to almost prevented.

[@Woodementary]

Heat rises. Maybe a bit lower?

[@haraldhannelius]

Is the air conditioner able to pump heat in both directions?

[@catchbay]

Your scissors seems to be fake of real Fiskars scissors?

[@werner134897]

Apparently the AC unit doesn't fit in the technical room? That's a pity. Hope the AC is not causing too much noise into the bedroom.

[@acampbell198]

Hey Mads, our old unit just crapped out and I was hoping to look at the variable output unit as an option...but it appears that they only sell these units through their "dealer network". Which seems to be code for not Defender or West Marine. I'm guessing this is just sold by companies who do marine A/C system installs. I do not know if a company like that will sell to a DIYer and I'm a little afraid of the price if they did. I'm more afraid of the price if they did the install.

[@orlovsskibet]

First - for the first time :)

[@peterroland6258]

Is there an existing through-hull drain that you could Tee into rather than putting another hole in the boat?

[@kennethkoehler8758]

You mentioned mounting the thru hull for the ac cooling water close to the waterline. Why?

[@opcn18]

If you mount it high on the hull it'll leave an unsightly algae stripe running down the side of your boat. Also you are more likely to break it on a pier or something.

[@ahbushnell1]

How does the air in the saloon get to the bedroom? Shouldn't you put a vent in the door? Nice Video!

[@danieloliver20]

He put the small vent in the v-berth(bedroom).

[@ahbushnell1]

@@danieloliver20 I know he did. The air going into the saloon has to get back to the AC unit. The return air is in the bedroom like you said. But I don't see a vent between the two rooms. They can leave the door open. Otherwise the saloon will be warmer (when AC is on) then the bedroom.

[@sailnice]

If you have an isolation transformer from Victron, the frequency can be transform, as well.

[@DuffyF56]

Please source that one. No, a transformer cannot change the frequency. Even an auto transformer can only change voltage step up or step down or split phase balance.

[@torstenhansen4308]

Please explain that one. I’m relatively certain that the isolation transformer deals with voltage only and have found nothing in the manual to the contrary.

[@DavidE-iw2dt]

Second - for the second time :)