Cruisair

[Admin]

Who has Cruisair on board? Was it a factory installed item, or an aftermarket addition? Is it A/C only, or both A/C and Heating? I have one on board, but all the documentation I can find on board, doesn't quite paint the whole picture for me. My wife and I spent the night on it this last weekend, and wanted some heating, but I couldn't figure it out, and subsequently, felt like a fool. Which will lead me to my next topic on a separate thread entitled, "What don't you know about your boat?". David Sumich Bertram33.com Forum Administrator

[lobsta1]

Dave, my 1978 came with factory Cruisair with reverse cycle heat. My vintage came with the 3 dial rotary control. If you have the same, just turn the 1st dial to the 1st clik, wait about 2 minutes then turn to the 2nd clik. The next two dials control temp & fan speed. If you have the 3 knobber & want to go digital: here's a link http://www.mtspowersystems.com/engine/i ... rch&cat=12 In the past, I did a net search & came across a $320 price. Guy in my marina installed this unit & raves about it. It will make your old unit jump through hoops. Al 1978 33 FBC NITES OFF

[franklyprice]

Dave, I have the same unit as Al has and a whole stack of info with it.It would make sense that you'd have the same also. If you'd like , I'll send you anything you'd like . Al's right about the digital controls also. I'm seriously considering switching to this. Frank Price

[dougl33]

I could be wrong, but I'll bet all of our boats came with reverse cycle air/heat from the factory. I had the same 3 dial affair that you guys are describing. Follow Al's instructions and you should have no trouble. In the summer of 2003, I switched to the digital control panel. Its pretty cool. Once you set a temp, the condensor runs only when needed. I can also run it in a dehumidifier mode which essentially means that the compressor will run for a half hour at various times over the course of a 24 hour period. You can set it so it comes on as frequently as you like. Mine is currently set to come on every 8 hours. Don't ask me what installation was like. I think you guys know me well enough by now that I pay people to do most of the work on my boat. I do know that the whole job (parts and labor) cost me around $700 installed. Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth

[captgene]

My '89 has Cruisair reverse cycle. Just turn it up and the Heat kicks in. It is best to excersise the thing once in awhile. Very rarely do I need heat in Fla. but sometimes I do in Jan-Feb. I have the 3 knob assembly. The thermostat failed once and I nearly froze to death. So I had a guy come out and we talked about that new digital unit. I thought it was a good idea. He didn't and talked me out of it. Said I was looking at more things to go wrong. But I still like the technology...but I like to keep it simple enough to fix it myself. We put a new knob and sensor in about 15 min. Cost $60. E.W. Dugan

[Admin]

OK, so I have the same 3 knob setup, but still couldn't get any heat after running it for about an hour. Maybe I have a bad thermostat also. The responses are definitely helpful for me. Thanks. David Sumich Bertram33.com Forum Administrator

[captgene]

Dave, there must be some sort of piston in the compressor unit that moves from cool to heat. that is why I mentioned working both air and heat occasionally. It may have stuck in cool. Don't know. But the thermostat in mine was way up behind the top bunk vent in the Stb. stateroom. I put the new one down low behind the salon vent, and it works much better. I'm talking about the tube, not the whole knob. It comes in one piece. Usually if the thermostat is bad..it freezes you out cuz the unit won't cycle. By turning the knob from cooler to warmer, you can actually hear it click. No clicky...no worky. E.W. Dugan