Operation / Installation Manual – FCF 5,000, 9,000, 12,000, 16,000
Page 9
DUCTING
Good airflow is critical for the performance of the entire system. It is highly dependent on the quality of the ducting
installation. The ducting should be run as straight, smooth and taut as possible minimizing the number of 90°
bends (two tight 90° bends can reduce airflow by 25%). If a transition box is used, the total area of supply air ducts
going out of the box should at least equal the area of the supply duct feeding the box. To calculate the square inch
area of a round duct, multiply the radius by itself (r
2
) and multiply that number by 3.1416(π). The following is a
summary of proper ducting connections:
1. Pull back the fiberglass insulation exposing the inner Mylar duct hose.
2. Slide the Mylar duct hose around the mount ring until it bottoms out.
3. Screw 3 or 4 stainless steel sheet metal screws through the duct hose into the transition ring. Make
sure to catch the wire in the duct hose with the heads of the screws. Use finish washers with the screws
if necessary. Do not use band clamps, as the hose will slide off.
4. Wrap duct tape around the ducting and ring joint to prevent any air leaks.
5. Pull the insulation back up over the Mylar to the ring and tape this joint.
6. Remove excess ducting and use the same connection method at the supply air grille.
All ducting should:
● Be appropriately sized for each application.
● Run as smoothly and taut as possible.
● Have as few bends or loops as possible.
● Be securely fastened to prevent sagging or chafing during vessel operation.
● Have all excess ducting lengths trimmed off.
● Not be flattened or kinked.
● Insulated when located in high heat load areas (hull side, mechanical compartments, etc.).
● Be properly protected against potential damage when routed through open areas or bulkheads.
SEAWATER PUMP AND PLUMBING
Several guidelines are required during the installation of the seawater system. Since the circulation pump is
centrifugal, not self-priming, it must be mounted so that it is always at least 1’ (305mm) below the water line
regardless of which tack the vessel is on. Pump may be mounted horizontally or vertically, however, the discharge
must always be above the inlet. Pump head should be rotated toward the direction of water flow. Install the
seawater speed scoop intake as far below the water line and as close to the keel as possible in any
application, but especially on a sailboat, to keep the intake in the water when the boat heels over so that air
does not get into the system. The speed scoop intake must face forward and not be shared with any other pump.
A seawater strainer is mandatory between the shut off valve (seacock) and the pump to protect the pump from any
foreign matter. Failure to install a seawater strainer will void the pump warranty. The seawater system should be
installed with an upward incline from the speed scoop & seacock, through the strainer, to the inlet of the pump, next
to the inlet of the a/c unit's condenser coil. The discharge from the a/c unit should run to the seawater outlet
thru-hull fitting that should be located where it can be visually inspected for water flow as close to the waterline to
reduce noise. Hose connections must be secured using double/reversed stainless steel hose clamps. Use Teflon
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