Airconditioning and heat

solman55 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-08-2010

Hey guys/gals I am looking to put in an a/c heat system in my boat I live aboard here in florida and in the summer it can get a bit hot and moldy so I am looking for something that can fix this issue I am looking at several units such as the domestic air line and I am just wanting some reviews idea and just tell me about what you have, what you like about it/ don't like about it and about how much it should cost to do?
Thanks

nickmerc · #2 (**permalink**) 11-08-2010

If you are more concerned about mold, proper ventilation is what you need to focus on. AC in the summer will just recirculate stale air and not help with mold. If you are more concerned about temperature and creature comfort, take a look at heat pumps/AC units.

solman55 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-08-2010

A friend of mine has a unit that reduces mold by de-humidifying the air through his a/c since it "conditions the air" it should reduce humidity. I would like to not be sleeping in 90 degree box so creature comforts are of some concern so any other tips.

fcsob · #4 (**permalink**) 11-09-2010

I also live in Florida and we installed a rooftop ac unit in one of our hatches. The opening has to be 14inches By 14 inches and this is standard fot the units we looked at. We bought a Carrier 15,000 btu with heat strip. Our boat is a 41ft Morgan OI and even on the hottest days you should be cool. It coast about $700. delivered.We also use fans to circulate the cool air. I think the Dometic line is alittle more money. Several boats in the marina have these units and soom are 10 years old plus.

QuickMick · #5 (**permalink**) 11-09-2010

ive got one of these, which is handy and actually does a good job:

DAVIS INSTRUMENTS Sailboat W at West Marine

i also have one of these which works well but is kind of heavy and a PITA to move around, but works well:

CO-5000 CRUISE AIR PORTABLE AIR CONDITION

i also have a traditional window unit that is in the vee berth housed toward the bow for shore power use only, but it does require ventalation up out of the anchor locker, but i like it...here is the hole--and one of the fans that needed reattached dangling helplessly...

remetau · #6 (**permalink**) 11-09-2010

We use a Dometic 16k unit and we just installed a Dometic in-duct Breathe Easy Air Purifier that uses UV light to reduce pollen and mold.

waterdog52 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-10-2010

Quick, I have that Hunter 23 across from you. I was wondring how your conventional anchor well install did this summer. If I remember that was a previos owner project.

Minnewaska · #8 (**permalink**) 11-11-2010

Have you had the experience where you buy a new car and it has some gadget that you didn't think you needed, but would never buy another car without? That has been my experience with power windows, remote door locks and heated seats.

It's also my experience with air conditioning on the boat. Never had it, never missed it. Have it now and love it!! First, it has a simple dehumidify setting that we leave on when away from the marina. It doesn't cool and burn more juice, but cycles on and off and keeps the air moving and somewhat dry.

We have a routine when we arrive. We first go below, which is warm, grab two beer and crank the AC. After finishing those beer in the cockpit, we can now go below, open all the thru hulls, unpack, etc. without sweltering.

We almost never have the AC running when underway or cruising around, particularly when there is a breeze from sailing or clocking into the wind at anchor. However, after a couple of days, everything seems to take on a bit of dampness, which we've just been used to over the years. Cushions, paper, throw rugs, linens, etc, all get slightly damp from humidity. If we're away, we might pop on the generator one night to top the batts and run the AC for a few hours. Everything dries out and feel fresh again. Fantastic!!

dergon · #9 (**permalink**) 11-17-2010

This seems like a good thread to tag on to ....

We have our 1985 Tartan 34. Even though we are in Cleveland, OH this summer was still miserably hot at night. We mostly day sail. Cruise a week here or there. Especially intolerable is in dock at the marina, where we get little breeze and air movement. On my old powerboat I had a reverse cycle AC/heat unit that was wonderful.

Now I am to the point where I don't want to sleep on the boat in the summer at the marina.

Looking to install a similar unit in our sailboat and would like to get recommendations on size, makes models.

Thanks for the help!

pete

Minnewaska · #10 (**permalink**) 11-17-2010

Pete,

I can't compare or contrast models, as what I have is my first. I'd even have to find the survey to tell you what make/model I actually have. You know, its white and its under the settee. That help?

The two things that I like and would look for again are 1. a digital thermostat and 2. a dehumidify setting, which cycles on and off, keeps air moving and the boat relatively drier when you go home, but doesn't burn the juice of keeping the AC on the whole time.

If you're paying the elec tab and don't mind keeping it on, so be it. However, when juice is included with your slip, be careful that the marina doesn't stop by and have a chat. They can often monitor usage, even if they don't charge directly for it.