Bertram33 User Forum

My boat (81 fbc) has the original crusair air conditioner. Does anyone know if these were also heat capable? the knob says cooler and warmer but it does not mention anything else. I know some of these air conditioners are reverse cycle but I am not sure though. How can I check otherwise? Thanks!

Not sure about an '81 but in general, yes they are reverse cycle. The heat works pretty well but when I need heat I use a small ceramic heater. Much quieter .

What do you have the three knob controls? If so they didn't say heat, but had heat just by turning the knob to warmer. That's the way it was on all the boats I've ever been on, going back to the late 60's. Like Frank said the heat works very well. Buzz

So, apparently there´s something wrong with mine Going to warmer did not give me any heat.........Ive seen some topics on the forum about a valve going wrong, how do I check that? I will try to search the forums to learn a little more about it.

Wish I could help you but I don't remember how to trouble shoot the Cruseair. If you can't find the answer on this site try the Bertram 31 and Sams Hatteras site. I know there is a lot of information about Crusair at the Hatteras site. Buzz

Buzz.. Do we have to get Doug33's permission to visit a Hatteras site?

I don't know about Doug's permission. But my Hatteras owner friends have told me I shouldn't be on the Hattteras site since I sold my Hatteras and bought a Bertram. Buzz

Mine is reverse cycle. It does go to "warmer" on the switch. Works fine, but we don't need to heat too much here. The manual says to switch back to heat and cool once in awhile. There is a piston in the unit that needs to be exercised. When the coils kick on to "heat" you can hear it, and see the amps jump up on the ampmeter. If nothing happens, that piston may be sticking. Or maybe they put a non reverse cycle in that year of boat. Not sure. Gene Dugan Boca Raton, Fl. "Nauti Marie" 1989 33 FBC

I've been told that it's not a good idea to switch from A/C to Heat without shutting off the compressor for a few. So if the need arrises, switch the unit off, switch over to heat (or A/C whichever way you're going) then power back up. Rick Ticket 85 SF Merc 454 MPI's Falmouth, MA

I am going to try that....mine is taking a bit long to cool, I think I will try to check the freon charge also, maybe it is a bit low. I also have a problem with the fan, if I dont turn it to FULL speed it does not turn, it stays unmovable and buzzes......at full speed there is no problem. I think it is a little jamed....I will have to look into it....

My previous boat had Crusair 3 knob control I used to have to exercise my switch by going back and forth every once in a while to keep it working. The fan also made some noise and I would oil it up and it would stop. You my only need freon. While my unit is cut off, I also diconnect my raw water from the unit and blow out the cooling tubes with a garden hose. My A/C guy suggested doing this and it does seem to help. Buzz