air conditioner loses prime on boat lift

[trawlerdeejay]

I bought a 2015 cutwater 30 last fall. Boat is being kept on a boat lift at my home.

The air conditioner shuts off shortly after turning it on. The A/C apparently loses prime while on my lift. Have tried cruising the boat in hopes that it would restore prime - but it does not.

Have had to loosen nuts on pump while boat is in the water - letting water into the pump and bilge. This works, but it is a pain in the neck to get down on my stomach to loosen pump wing nuts (I'm 83 years old)

Any other way/modification to remedy this problem)

 

[CruisingElvinRay]

Have you tried opening the filter to break the air lock?

I would definitely close the seacock before lifting out of the water. That may help, if you haven’t tried it already.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[DMD3]

Wish I had an easy solution.

We’ve had similar challenges. Loses prime occasionally after longer cruises. Closing seacock before lifting will definitely help.

When it happens I close seacock, loosen the sea strainer bowl about halfway and force water with hose down from the water output vent up near starboard bow until air clears and water flows from bowl. Then tighten bowl, and open seacock. Best with a helper. Works well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[KennyMarrs]

Hello,

Easiest solution would be to shut the sea cock prior to lifting the boat out of the water. As long as it is primer at that point you shouldn't have a problem when the boat goes back into the water and the sea cock is opened up.

Thanks,
-Kenny

 

[Full_O_Fish]

Depending on how easy you want the usage to be, the easiest way I've found is to install a "T" fitting at the outlet of the AC pump in the engine compartment, then install a short length of hose to the new leg long enough to reach higher than the waterline. Then install either a manual valve or an electronic ball valve on the end of the leg which will now act as an air bleeder.

Just splash the boat, then open the bleeder either by hand or with a button push for a few seconds to a min which will allow the pump to fill with water and prime. Once water is up to the pump just shut off the bleeder and fire up the AC.

 

[CruisingElvinRay]

I have the issue of losing prime when I clean the filter. Easiest way I’ve found is to use a water hose through the A/C through-hull fitting. Basically back-flushing the system. Fills the system with water and primes the pump.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[KKRCRACE]

I have a C24 and anytime I get up on plane or put my boat on our lift I always shut of the thru value to the AC. When I do I never have a problem with the AC not working because of prime. If I forget to close the valve I have to prime the system by loosening the strainer cap or the Tee after the strainer. I hope this helps.
KKRCRACE

 

[DMD3]

I have the issue of losing prime when I clean the filter. Easiest way I’ve found is to use a water hose through the A/C through-hull fitting. Basically back-flushing the system. Fills the system with water and primes the pump.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This solution works flawlessly. Also has the side benefit of blowing out the line of raw water before leaving the boat for a period of time.

 

[CruisingElvinRay]

This nozzle from Lowe’s inserts into the fitting and the rubber on the adjustable tip acts like a seal.

1-Pattern Adjustable Nozzle

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Orbit-1-Pattern-Nozzle/4363379


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk