Mermaid Air Conditioner - Manual (Page 9)

securely mounted on a flat surface. Do not mount on the sole of the boat (cabin floor). If
a nearby bulkhead cannot accommodate the size of the mounting brackets, a mounting
shelf or platform must be built. Typically the shelf will be made from 3/4 inch marine
grade plywood which can be either fiberglassed or mechanically attached to the boats
sole or superstructure. Never screw directly into the hull.
When attaching the mounting brackets to the superstructure or a fabricated mounting
shelf, always make absolutely positive that the length of the screws being used to mount
the bracket will not engage the hull. If there is any question as to whether the hull may
be compromised, an alternative mounting method must be used or another mounting spot
must be located.
The Water Strainer:
If you are using a Mermaid furnished water strainer, it will come with (2) 3/4 inch thread
to hose barb hose fittings. Attach these fittings to the strainer using an ample amount of
marine sealant on the threads. Again, if you are using a Mermaid strainer, locate the
strainer mounting bracket. This is the bracket with a large hole in it. Unscrew the plastic
bowl from the strainer body and place the strainer body in the hole. Replace the plastic
bowl on the strainer body to lock the strainer in the bracket. This is meant to be a loose
fit to facilitate cleaning when the strainer is dirty.
Water will flow from the sea cock through the strainer into the inlet of the pump. Ideally,
the strainer and pump will be mounted so the water flow is at a slight upward grade to
help eliminate air locks. Once you have settled on the mounting locations of the strainer
and pump, attach each of their mounting brackets with (2) 1/2 inch s/s pan head screws.
Note that the strainer is directional. Take notice of the stamped arrow on the top of the
strainer when installing and insure the arrow is pointed toward the flow of water to the
air conditioner unit
Ideally, the pump should be mounted with the external 5/8” water discharge (the line that
goes TO the air conditioner) pointed vertically. However, there is an alternative position.
The pump can be mounted with the external 5/8” water discharge on the side. To
accomplish this successfully, it is IMPERATIVE to have the actual pump discharge at
the highest level. In this position, the external 5/8” discharge will be located on the
upper right corner of the pump with the ¾” intake facing you. In this alternative position,
the pump will still operate as originally designed. Failure to follow either of these
recommendations will void any warranty with the pump.
Never screw the pump directly to the hull. If a stringer or other structure is not
handy, you may have to fiberglass a mounting board to the hull to accept the
mounting screws.
Note: If you are supplying cooling water to more than one air conditioner a larger
GPH pump is required. Follow the mounting instructions furnished with the larger