SSL674 ~ LG mini-split A/C on a SAILBOAT.. Crazy, or GENIUS?!? (Making BOAT LIFE Better)

So what was I thinking when I installed an LG home-style mini-split air conditioning unit on a SAILBOAT? Well, I was thinking it was a good practical alternative to a marine air conditioning unit at a fraction of the cost! When we needed to bring the temperature down inside 'SOPHISTICATED LADY' during our engine transplant, it fit the bill perfectly and worked so well in fact, that we are still using it!
There are many ways to improve your comfort level onboard a small sailboat, and I have been exploring many of them including air conditioning in order to show what is possible in a small living space while making it almost completely self-sustainable off-grid. The Tiny Home revolution is real and growing fast, and with it comes some of the newest and best technologies ever available to increase self-reliant electrical systems using solar generators, solar panels, wind turbines, and more to power all the devices we want to utilize.. so stay tuned because I have some very interesting content coming up for you this season!
Cheers,
Capitan Rick
Join our Patreon and join our Team SSL Crew!
/ sailingsophisticatedlady
Come and join us realtime at:
/ sslbackstage
/ sailingsophisticatedlady
Where do we get all those great songs in our videos?
artlist.io/art...
To all those contributing to our next adventures, Thank-You so much!
www.Paypal.Me/S...
SSL Video Collections on Vimeo!
vimeo.com/ambi...

[@SailingSophisticatedLady]

So what was I thinking when I installed an LG home-style mini-split air conditioning unit on a SAILBOAT? Well, I was thinking it was a good practical alternative to a marine air conditioning unit at a fraction of the cost! When we needed to bring the temperature down inside 'SOPHISTICATED LADY' during our engine transplant, it fit the bill perfectly and worked so well in fact, that we are still using it! There are many ways to improve your comfort level onboard a small sailboat, and I have been exploring many of them including air conditioning in order to show what is possible in a small living space while making it almost completely self-sustainable off-grid. The Tiny Home revolution is real and growing fast, and with it comes some of the newest and best technologies ever available to increase self-reliant electrical systems using solar generators, solar panels, wind turbines, and more to power all the devices we want to utilize.. so stay tuned because I have some very interesting content coming up for you this season! As alwasy, thanks for watching, and I look forward to your comments below! Cheers, Capitan Rick

[@juancuartas8061]

Wonderful! Thanks for sharing your knowledge as always and this is just another example that Sophisticated Lady is The Best. That’s very COOL!

[@tonyrhoton6613]

Captain gotta say I really enjoy your vids. I'm sure they r time consuming best wishes 2 ssl.

[@P-J-W-777]

I be willing to bet that if you had the outside condenser units housing sprayed with Truck Bed Liner it would stop all of the corrosion on the housing itself long term. For the interior components you can buy spray cans of aircraft grade anti-corrosion which works very good in either the ACF-50 Anti Corrosion or Moeller Zinc Chromate. It works great is responsible for keeping the sea planes from being eaten alive. It’s also easy enough to reapply after a year just to make sure it maintains a good coating. Really enjoy watching all the videos you put out especially the technical videos you put out. Glad to see y’all doing well. Wishing y’all the best and clear skies and blue waters.

[@donnakawana]

Captain I just moved into my new place after being houseless for 3 years. My new place is old barracks. So no Aircon... Instead of the window unit I was thinking 2 or 3 of these wud do the trick .. looking into it!! 😘🫂😘

[@jasongondola9687]

Do you have a parts list and cost total? I want to do this myself.

[@countrymule9623]

I always enjoy the Tech Time. Even though I don't live on a boat I've been able to apply much of your knowledge to certain applications out here in the country. As always Cap'n, thanks for all the work behind these great video's you put in and share with all of us

[@davida877]

As a long time subscriber and electrical mechanic my opinion is “Genius” - look after your voice too we love your work and all onboard - Kind Regards Australia

[@vinniemontrealangler]

Very "Cool" to have you back Capt'n ! I wonder if there is a product you could spray on the compressor to slow down the corrosion without blowing up anything?

[@jungbolosse3034]

That is the ultimate, to have the ac running in the lounge and just fans for the bedroom and the fresh air moves from one room to the other and no dryness of ac air.

[@mjanulis3603]

Hey Capt'n Rick, new subscriber here. Really great execution. Do you miss the re-circulation effect of taking out cabin air by splitting the unit? I always thought that exhausting the cabin air is where you took out most of the humidity? I installed a 5Ton window ac unit in my cabin door and have been wanting to make changes - too much in the way. I have it install on casters so I can roll it out of the way when guests are in and out, but it's leaving me wanting. I purchased a front hatch from someone salvaging their Vanguard and I will look back in your archives to see how you managed it. Keep up the great content! Good on ya!

[@davidfisher268]

Oh Rick, your voice!

[@dr.coole.]

Please comment on the heat pump developments for electric vehicles. Have you considered if these may be feasible for live aboard boat applications? Smaller, 12V, robust, etc?

[@clide427]

Why not use the condensation for cleaning or something like in a catch can or something ?

[@johnraisbeck9756]

Got to get a bigger boat!

[@SailingSophisticatedLady]

Nope, just making this one more comfortable! :)

[@WilliamFiler]

This guys growing weed in the hull.

[@tomd.3082]

I installed a mini split on my 1979 Gulf Star 37 back in December. Best move I made. 9,000 BTU of ice cold air conditioning. Eliminated two thru hulls and a noisy water pump. The best part... $718.00 and 3 hours of my time compared to almost $2k for a new MarinAire unit, accessories and shipping.

[@SailingSophisticatedLady]

I hear ya!

[@thinkcasting3182]

Gree Marine AC is about $550 for 9k BTUs, but you guys obviously don't sail your boats mounting a condenser on the deck and running linesets through your deck, LOL!

[@tomd.3082]

@@thinkcasting3182 Had my boat out last week and go out sailing on the regular. I mounted my condenser to the pushpit rail and ran the lineset thru an existing dorade. The unit you mention may be less expensive, but it's nowhere near as efficient as a mini split.

[@rollingrecords9019]

What mini split did you go with ?

[@tomd.3082]

@@rollingrecords9019 I bought a Senville. Today in South Carolina we had a heat index of 109 degrees Fahrenheit. My 9,000 BTU unit kept my boat at 69 degrees all day. It would have been 85 to 90 degrees inside the boat if I still had the old MarinAire system.

[@fransvanderhorst1783]

In Curacao I have two of the LG AC’s. I spray automotive undercoating in the bottom of the compressor. Available in any automotive store.

[@MrJhchrist]

Get a second heat exchanger. When you switch to the water cooled setup you can use the second exchanger inline to heat water for "free" to use for laundry, cleaning, bathing, whatever. A related land application is people using similar exchangers on their home units to heat a pool while also making the AC more efficient and silent. Those units are often SS or even titanium, might want to look into that over the copper you have?

[@NightshiftCustom]

there called plate heat exchangers and goods call on heating the tap water first

[@wt1299]

I see a manual in your future on what the end result is of all your "upgrades". Washing machine, converter, solar panels, wind turbine, air conditioner, etc. That DYI manual would save a lot of folks a lot of research and issues. For boats and small homes. Thanks again.

[@SailingSophisticatedLady]

Yep, but would require a yearly re-print with all the new updates! Lol

[@alisonnewall1748]

Great idea!

[@jk66]

@@SailingSophisticatedLady Go digital.... ;-) Sending big hellos from Perth Australia

[@kctrucker3]

​@@SailingSophisticatedLady Do it as a digital manual, much easier to update.

[@ralphholiman7401]

We installed two Pioneer 120 volt 12,500 BTU mini-splits on our Bertram 42 cruiser two years ago. A friend had installed them on his yacht a year and a half before, and I let his boat be the test bed before we installed our own. So far, they are wonderful. They keep our boat cool, even in the hottest sun on the Gulf of Mexico. We put the outside units on our bridge and covered them with a bench, sun tan pad, I built myself. We leave them on all the time, to keep the humidity down in the boat at the marina. Underway, they both run easily on our 8.8 KW genset. It's also nice to leave the boat, and not worry about an AC hose busting and sinking the boat while the AC is running. At their price ($2000 combined for both units), even if we had to replace them every five years (the length of the warranty) it wouldn't be that bad. And, the only part is exposed to salt water is the outside unit. And, replacing that, would be really easy.

[@Day_Tripper39]

Just watched this video on mini-split sailboat installation. You can get a cleaner now that removes saltwater from your boat. If you use it on the condenser, it might increase the life of your mini-split. Colin MacRae is the contact if you want to buy some and try it out. It's a concentrate that you mix with fresh water and spray it on you boat.

[@richb313]

Thanks Rick for explaining the results of your experience using the domestic split air system and your plans for the future.

[@earlybird6064]

your lovely wife makes me remember Mila Jocovich, saying multipass. from the movie fifth element.

[@peterstarkey1360]

I installed a split system on my 45ft cat 20 years ago....Still going....to dramatically reduce corrosion on the fins l spray lanolin twice a year...so far so good😊

[@peterstarkey1360]

The other PLUS is in Winter you have HEATING....WIN WIN😊

[@svblackbird]

​@@peterstarkey1360 what size (btu) unit did you install and are you happy with that size or would you prefer bigger or smaller?

[@danratsnapnames]

lanolin, titty grease, if its good for titties and babbies, its good for the deck and sea life.. lol

[@simonf.e.1387]

Good idea! Always be sure to use reef-safe oils! No Teflon, silicon etc.

[@michaelt4724]

I never saw AC .... until High School ... the parents got a 10,000 BTU for their bedroom, which my brother and I could hear out our open window ...... as we laid in sweat ....... trying to sleep. I thought Torture was OUTLAWED in the Geneva Conventions. When I finally started buying new cars ..... that was more important than auto trans. On my 3rd Cape Code now ... all had a heat pump. I could never go back. Trapped under the beating Sun ........ you took the best option for wife and progeny ..... and with style as usual. Keep 'em flyin

[@MetalDetectingwithCZkidd]

The drip tube, "drain line", they make mini split condensate "drain line" pumps. Can fit in behind the air handler, inside the cover and out of the way. You can also run a much small diameter drain line with a pump as well. The pumps are small. and can wire direct to the air handler. See if they make a water cooled condenser, inverter type. If so you can stick a small condenser below deck. Inverter tech is the most efficient. The compressor can load and unload as temp fluctuates. CRC makes some good corrosion inhibitors for outdoor use. U can spray the metal down on the condenser, especially the pan. We would spray down the inside of our outboards with this and they would look brand new years later. The product leaves a film. It never really dries, stays tacky, but it was very effective at stopping corrosion. Just give the condenser coil a quick fresh water spray down once a week and it will prolong life. Nice vid.

[@giosan1]

Use Fujitsu Air Conditioner, ideal for coastal areas with superior durability, it takes a long time to rust due to the presence of sea air.

[@SailingSophisticatedLady]

Haven't seen them anywhere yet, but this one working very well so far! :)

[@alistairkeppler2225]

25+ minutes of advert. This is getting boring. This happens when all the "sailing" channels I watch have a baby.

[@shortwidgets]

The commercials are getting crazy on all KZbin channels. You are right. If you scroll all the way to the end of the video and hit rewatch and no commercials.

[@tonyrhoton6613]

Glad 2 hear your having good luck with minisplit repaired 1 today most buy the cheap lowes unit which helps me lol.

[@SailingSophisticatedLady]

😂

[@AfricanFlightStar]

Gotta love this outta the box thinking, and so funny how it clearly scares the bejeezus out of the old guard who are horrified at the thought of seeing a terrestrial aircon unit mounted on a boat! 🤣 More power to ya I say, will be keen to hear how long it lasts, and how your water cooled copper pipe gizmo works when you install it. Cheers! 👍🏼💥👏🏼

[@jamesbillington5058]

Very impressed Captain. You are one smart man (from somebody who can barely change a light bulb). 😄

[@SailingSophisticatedLady]

ah c'mon... it only takes 6 guys to change a light bulb! Lol

[@rawtruth13]

The condensate from the indoor unit could possibly be consumed. It should be as clean as the air being cooled.

[@SailingSophisticatedLady]

Yes I thought about this as well, join it into the product water tube from the desalination system, straight into the fresh water tank.. another good possibility!

[@tfliveright]

Encouraging after scratching my head for the last few months about "built in" systems at seemingly multiples in price. MAIN QUESTION is does LG warranty these units given their sitting in the weather? Great stuff Capn!

[@renoflames]

Impressive on my Cabin Cruiser when you installed yours I put one on down in the cabin and sleeping area. Havent had a bit of problem at all. The outside unit is upstairs on the deck but you dont notice it. I do have a very quiet diesel generator 8kw and a diesel heater. The Generator is diesel and the heaters are diesel and the good part the aux batteries auto start and recharge the system when it gets very cold or over 90 degrees. I have 250 gallons of diesel on board treated and it will last for months. Mine is a 34 year old boat but the mechanics are good. I have had it 20 years. I really love your set up it is the best I have ever seen as far as being a Home. You cannot get it any better. I do use Slick 50 oil additive and spray and to date I have had no failures or corrosion problems on anything. Slick 50 spray will stop corrosion. Not kidding. You are doing good and you have a very impressive channel. I am retiring soon as a Senior 747 Cargo Captain. I would love to visit your boat one day. I think it is absolutely impressive. My 8kw Generator is overkill but it works just fine. Your Son is growing up... Great Family. Hope your voice gets better.

[@MrPalmguy]

Amazing, to see your AC installation on S. L. We just installed the horse and a half unit in our bedroom here in the Philippines. So quiet and so efficient!!. Dual inverters just like yours there. Us smart guys need to stick together, right?.. LOL. I know you love yours and your back up idea sounds terrific! Way to go Captain Rick. Happy sailing.

[@SailingSophisticatedLady]

Thanks Johnny!

[@russellarendt5565]

Living in Mekong delta 6 years, rainy season has just begun. No saltwater but brutal conditions of excessive heat 95° in the daytime 75° at night. Incredibly hard tropical rain followed by bright sunshine on the outside unit and incredible amount of dirt, fine dust, etc. Consistently cold if you clean the filters every six months on the inside unit and have the outside unit washed down. Happy Expat American. ☮️ I thought you would appreciate the information about how durable and reliable the LG is in harsh conditions. I am a lifelong sailor who is landlocked at the present time.

[@ZeroFun]

Good evening, How has this been working out? I'm commissioning a little 30' all electric catamaran and looking into HVAC. Was tempted to do what you've done, but it looks like a full marine system is only about $2,200 in parts from Marine Air? Would you do this again, or go with a standard marine heat pump HVAC?

[@amyw.2190]

Love the A/C! I'm sure less mold and less humidity are game changers!! 🎉❤🎉❤🎉

[@jacque7736]

Great to hear your voice is in full recovery mode Rick. I've never heard you talking so much in a video in 6 years I'm wondering if your Doctor is a new subscriber? 👀🤭Always a pleasure to watch your video, take care 💪

[@markede11]

Hey Rick, Loved the video. Would you put a link or give us the model number of the LG unit. Thanks for great content thru the years.

[@NightshiftCustom]

check out plate heat exchangers also as they are mostly made of stainless steel and are rated for high psi with lots of pipe sizing and btu's to choose from great idea btw! you will get even better efficiency with the cool water temp

[@ericdelevinquiere9902]

Water cooled mini is definitely the way to go, running on your dc system. 24v units are starting to become more common ( I use that) and I am hoping for 48v units to come soon as this most likely will be the new standard for accessories in automotive etc… Also, just being cautious with higher voltages is paramount in a salty environment. I personally would not use anything over 48v on deck (even though that is enough to kill you, given the right circumstances) unless you have extremely tight safety protocols, Murphy’s law remember!

[@SailingSophisticatedLady]

Yes, agreed!

[@SailProMarina]

Rick ,,,, bro ..... what is up with you ? You are making me very very worried and something is wrong with your health. PLEASE , take a break and attend to whatever it is. Bring Matty & Richie and fly back home for a bit. Ontario misses you and I'd really like to see you again ,,, in Person.

[@JotaStroeter]

I’ve been studying the installation on my trawler for some time. How is the system holding up now, 1.5 years after installation? Have you had any problems with the boat rocking and spilling water from the condensate pan? Replacing the radiator with a water heat exchanger was a great idea!

[@danmccarthy2213]

They are sooo much quieter than a window a/c!

[@rodwimmer1961]

Inverter operated devices take A/C convert it to DC (MB 48 volt DC). Why with DC available, from solar panel and batteries, isn't there a direct connect through a special connector bypassing the AC (220) to DC portion (48 Volts) avoiding the AC to DC step and the power loss associated with it?

[@JoshuaSchwartz-xk4uz]

Maddy’s teeth are looking very nice!

[@LosBabyBoomers]

Can you tell me if this mini split is part of the ARTCOOL LG FAMILY IF not. What model is this Tuvm Vancouver

[@TheAbyrvalg666]

I am thinking about installing a split on my 46 foot sailboat. I have 1800 watts of solar so power is not an issue. I have read abour hitachi super daiseikai series which is an absolute champion in efficiency. 11000 btu unit is usin max 330 watts. When the temp is settled it can go down to 70 watts. The only concern is the longlivity and positioning of outside unit. I am still thinking abou the best way to do it. As for tricks to increase efficiency google precooling with water mist. If you install a proper mister in front of ventilatir of your ourside unit it can increase efficiency and decrease consumption of ANY conditioner up to 40%. Theoretically. I need to try this 😎

[@cliffordbradford8910]

Why wouldn't you use your condensate from the drip tube? 🤦🏾‍♂️ It's perfectly good fresh water.

[@joesambrano7634]

🖐😎💙

[@danmccarthy2213]

Thats awesume! Could you take the drip water from the ac unit and send it to your reverse osmosis system? After all it is relatively clean fresh water? (i.e. except those that harbor Legioners disease), Or send it to a tank just for non salt water to clean the deck or take showers with? I'm in AZ and in the summer we get gallons of fresh water from our ac, we use it to water plants..

[@deankoch7305]

Rinsing the coils down every couple weeks will make them last even longer. fyi

[@clide427]

Rock I hate to say this but I've NEVER had good history with all LG products from grudges to phones to dish washers to TV's to microwaves.....I mean I've had them all yet they only lasted a few years at best..... if I was going with a split unit..... I'd go Mitsubishi...... LG has ALWAYS failed me on products..... but maybe it's just my luck..... but I've had friends listen and when theirs broke they switched to another brand and haven't had any issues since their LG product died and was replaced with another..... that's lasted years longer...... maybe they've gotten better..... I'm going back to 2008-2014...... good to see you up and around, though, bud..... missed you guys and the tech videos....👍

[@jimlofts5433]

LG good in Australia - happy with all LG products over the years - good luck

[@learemington1700]

I would like to add a thought. I have a mini split on my sailboat in Alabama. It has recently developed a gas leak and quit working. I found a small recharge kit online and added the gas. It quit working again so i called around for service. I called everyone for 50 miles and no one would come to work on it. Their reason: its on a boat. No other reason. Not even interested in talking about it. Its junk now.

[@vincentcarrano6329]

Always so interesting, love your work

[@sailingstpommedeterre4905]

Awesome video Rick ! I am a fan of using "non-marine" products onboard...purely do to cost (the marine industry must think we are all millionaires). 👍👍

[@SailingSophisticatedLady]

Yes I believe they do! 😆

[@rudyo8409]

1 unique lil tiny house ! You won cap'n Rick. : ) best of the best.

[@ballomni]

Another separate 220 inverter just for the 220 load might be more efficient. On the Corrosion of the base. After cleaning the rust paint with zinc chromate. What does the engine consume with the load at 1800 rpm? Bravo Zulu Captain on the systems you have setup.. P.S. a fresh water mister on the outside coils will improve the unit and save on energy. Will not consume much water, but the act of evaporation of the water on the coils, is a tremendous improvement.

[@SailingSophisticatedLady]

I have a 220V inverter onboard to test, but it's a 6000w low frequency inverter, would definitely consume some power to keep it running just for the air conditioner. Interesting concept with the misting, but the trade winds down the bow would definitely claim most of the mist! Lol

[@ballomni]

@@SailingSophisticatedLady on the fuel for an hour at load about 2 liters? On the Mister maybe more intermittent controlled by you, would also be a constant fresh water flush for the condenser coils. Even a cheap sprayer mister, might use 1/2 gal an hour, say 2 gallons of water on the peak heat of the day. I think you are the only boat with that setup, really interesting idea. I think the other thing is the cleaning of the air that unit provides. You sound better. What is your water temperature, how is your heat exchanger working on your engine with I figure that 28 hp load with both Alternators at 1800? Yes, again Bravo Zulu Captain on all your improvements..

[@jz4583]

What you are talking about is Geothermal system. If you use the saltwater your exchanger will fail in no time and contaminate your Freon. I have a 5 ton Geothermal system and use my swimming pool as the exchanger and even with 50k gallons in my pool in the summer time in Florida I will heat my indoor pool to 93deg from the hot water returning to my pool. The regular way Geothermal is installed is with a coil of plastic tubing buried in the ground. I think you will need to sink a coil and drag it in order to use that exchanger. If you use your potable water you have a very hot tank in like an hour where you AC will shut down from overheating. I now have to cool my pool in the summer to swim in it, which kind of defeated my whole cost saving of using my pool as a heat exchanger.

[@tgtg4512]

Hi Rick, do you know what happens to Thomas and Be Free? I think he is crossing the Pacific, but for month no news?!?🤔

[@rd9028]

So cute, Matty giving Little Ricky his swimming lessons 😂 ❤ good job Matty !!!

[@brod12313]

I want to put a mini split on our 2 story houseboat, only way I could do it tho is if I mounted the outdoor unit on the top deck and the indoor unit in cabin below (1st floor) someone told me the indoor unit had to be higher than outdoor unit? Is this true? Anyone know? Thank you in advance

[@mgunning7362]

Rick pull all the covers of that condenser and flood it with lanolin spray. I use Lanotec heavy duty, it won't short circuit electrical, spray it all over circuit boards etc, everything. Will add years to its life. There a similar us product cant think of name but salt belt mechanics use it to protect car chassis.

[@neillamontiii2911]

When are you going to catch on that your boat does NOT have a "...Salon...", it has a SALOOOON !!!

[@sailorpete136]

Please keep doing exactly what you are doing. sailing, cruising, living, tech, best on water.

[@brentclarke1841]

Always good Captain, great review on the LG mini-split,, cool dry air .. 👍👍

[@SailingSophisticatedLady]

Thanks Brent!

[@williamschall4117]

What was the cost of that LG unit..? If it is not exorbitant.. then it can be replaced after a couple of years without much impact on your budget..

[@matthewknight5641]

Do you use lifepo4 batteries? And if you get a fewore panels ypu can easily run this unit off solar. My 38 seer is 220 volt and easily runs of my solar

[@qweenyk1758]

Off grid is the way Captain. Really enjoy your videos. I for one like seeing what new technology is efficient for international sailing. Thanks for sharing keep up these awesome videos.

[@jasonsimonsen4184]

You might find it a good idea to put the circuit board in epoxy, as that will corrode pretty quickly I'd imagine.

[@remodeledcatidea5324]

I prefer 5000 BTU window unit $125. Replace every 3 yrs.

[@commonsense212]

Your a very intelligent guy, why don't you teach your wife English, i cant understand a dam thing she says !!

[@pearyforrest8869]

Awesome video, thanks for sharing your experience and I’m going to be making plans to do likewise!

[@SailingSophisticatedLady]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@Joe.Blow1]

Hello Capt.Rick, A video ago you told us about your voice instinction coming. You can lower your voice of a notch and amplify your microphone as much as required, and you can speak less and make us more drawings before you loose completely your nice voice. Try to think to save your voice, and anyother health issues if, because we prefer our peers happy all together. You're making us better sailers because of your knowledge and unlimited generous heart. Take a brake, and rethink of a better way you can continue your passions. Thanks from Chinada,

[@brianrousseau661]

Tech time is good time 🎉 thank you for filling in the curiosity in my head about how long it will last in salty environments

[@eralko]

Have you thought about contacting LG and suggest to them a unit specifically for marine use may be profitable

[@garnetgraham8170]

What brackets did you use to suspend the inside wall mount unit from ceiling? Good idea. I'd like to do the same.

[@3tsedwards]

What brand of sump for shower do you recommend. I need to replace ours with automatic versions.

[@bill2292]

Nice video thinking outside the box! What's your total energy use per day?

[@richardmason902]

Thanks, Rick Very interesting.

[@Doitgood52]

Look after your throat Rick, it sounds like you’re struggling with it a bit.😊

[@thomasthornton5737]

😃👍👍👍❤ 2nd heat exchanger for free hot water and get that "thing" off your deck ASAP!

[@airbear9445]

Rewatch this and think "BAD BACK BACON BREATH".

[@rd9028]

All very well said sir !!! Well said!!! Well said !!!!⛵🌅💖🏝️

[@rainfinger]

Do you still endorse Blueetti? Do the solar panels recharge the unit. Which model and panels do you have?

[@johnstubbe3113]

should be much more efficient with a water cooled condenser , thinking of a keel cooler for my boat.

[@martylynchian8628]

Might be cheaper if you use the ocean water to cool the system vs using air.

[@allynonderdonk7577]

I have an Innovair mini split in my boxttuck a 9000 BTU 19.3 seer 120v unit. It does about 6kw max a day too, but usually three or four. They make a 38 seer unit that is 230v with the anodized gold fins. I think it can produce e like 10000 or more btus, but is almost twice as efficient as your 23.5 seer(I am assuming having looked it up). I think the outdoor unit would be smaller as well. Of yours is a 12k unit the 9k unit would likely still do the trick but increase your solar retention for other things. The 38seer model is around $1300Us. Just something to think about when this one goes bust.

[@SailingSophisticatedLady]

Thanks for tip, I’ll have a look!

[@davidyendoll5903]

Good and practical vid thanks Rick . I remember you saying before that you have 'skills' in aircon ; so why does my fridge , which is pretty similar technology , need to be placed on a firm floor , and needs to be allowed to 'settle for 2 days before use , whereas your aircon is being rocked about continuously ? ! ATB .

[@SailingSophisticatedLady]

It just needs to be settled in an upright position in case it was shipped or stored on its side or upside down during shipping or storage.. let the fluids settle before you start it up.. but once started on a level service I find they are no problem to continue operation at up to + or - 20-30 degrees of heel for extended times.

[@nicholasthon973]

What about adding zinc in the bottom pan to sacrificial oxidize first?

[@magnuspalmarsson826]

Hi Rick. Nice experiment. The heat pump process..is that in the outside or inside unit?

[@rastagrastag7784]

Maybe you can build a shroud to go around the portion of the outdoor condensing unit to deter water flooding when hitting those big waves

[@phantomrider2112]

Hey Rick, what are you using for your battery bank? I've been doing research on converting my place to as much solar as I can.

[@SailingSophisticatedLady]

I have a mixed bank of lithium (LifePO4) totalling just under 23Kwh at the moment.

[@phantomrider2112]

Thanks a lot, Rick!

[@lesliedavidson9199]

Hi Rick, Your channel seems to be a product review recently. When are we going to get the old exciting postings.?

[@richardgooding498]

Just think if the solar panels companies would make a see through panel that would fit over hatches, vents, or the halfway rap around solar panels on the mast. 👍👍🍺🍺

[@SailingSophisticatedLady]

That would be amazing, but I'm sure it's in the future somewhere soon!

[@peterbrown1208]

That poor hull is getting more holes than swiss cheese! Man you are smart and most impressively free. I wish I had the guts... Good luck Rick.

[@dennisbrok9335]

A better soloution would be to collect that water and filter it it’s clean water and it will surprise you how many liters that makes in a dag

[@Lana_Warwick]

Looking forward to research outcome of heat exchanger

[@stevenplancich6449]

Yessiree…Captain knows his Stuff…Always has his Eye out for Better Ways to do Things👍 Continue to Stay Safe & Enjoy😎

[@1960jammy]

Hope your feeling better 🤞 Nice to see the videos starting again but your health comes first captain 🙏🥰🥰🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@timwhite6981]

Good Vlog buddy 🤙

[@donj2744]

👍

[@3tsedwards]

Im an HVAC contractor and a Sailor as well. Great job Rick! I've been installing repairing mini-split since 2001. Don't use any chemicals on those condenser coils. Just fresh water. The salt in the air will get them real quick as well. The big issues I've had on the air handlers inside is that the pain is too shallow and water splashes out as long as that doesn't bug you you'll be fine. Emily and Clark developed a water cooled minisplit that is great for boats. Did you hire someone to sweat the lines and pull a vacuum?

[@SailingSophisticatedLady]

Nope, I have my own vacuum pump and gauges so I installed and set it up myself! 😁

[@wstadlock]

And how efficient are seawater cooled units when the sea becomes 98 degrees again 😅 my 5k btu window unit in hatch is going on 17months now, maybe soon I'll have to spend another $150. Bucks

[@3tsedwards]

Do you have any issues with condensate running out of the pan when the boat lists or rocks? I have had that with some concealed mini split air handlers and had to add pans etc.