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EvilRabbit · 03-02-2016, 00:38

Looking at a boat at the moment that is fitted with aircon. Concerned we don't need it and could be just another item needing maintenance.

Do we need aircon in Caribbean over Dec - March?

captainjay · 03-02-2016, 02:33

I live her year round. Yes you can get by with out it. I would rather have it and not need it than the other way around.
Jay

monte · 03-02-2016, 06:07

No...

Canibul · 03-02-2016, 06:07

People used to high latitudes tend to think it's hot and humid in the islands until they get acclimated. Depends on what your comfort zone is. If you don't have a generator on board to run with the air conditioner, you'll only be using it when on shore power in a marina. But that's when you need it. On the hook you can open hatches and catch the breeze. Tied up to a dock, you will be blocked from a lot of the breeze, and not often oriented to catch what little there is.

Bugs live in the marinas, and using the air conditioner with the boat closed up keeps the bugs out. Keeping the boat closed up also keeps other undesirable pests out. Rats. Thieves. Neighbors.

And we find the airconditioner noise works well as white noise in marinas. We don't hear the party two boats over, or the lover's quarrel, or the restaurant, or the music, or vehicular traffic.

I'd vote with captainjay on this one. Nice to have it for those times when it works for you. Won't hurt the resale value of the boat, either. Next owner's wife might insist on ac.

**a64pilot** · 03-02-2016, 06:10

If you don't use it, you don't have to maintain it, just close off the thru hull.
They usually do take up some storage space though, worst case, remove it and sell it.

MarkJ · 03-02-2016, 06:48

Unless you are a dock queen you don't need air conditioning in the Caribbean. At anchor you get the full 20 knots of Trade Winds down every hatch.

tbodine88 · 03-02-2016, 06:49

When the temps are in the low 90's at mid day and you can't get a breeze aboard, then you might. I learned to adjust. I have lived with out air conditioning in Texas even when the temps topped 104, and am happy enough.

The fact you are asking the question would be enough to get me looking for another vessel with out the extra equipment, if I were you.

**a64pilot** · 03-02-2016, 07:41

In my search for a boat, I don't remember finding any boats without AC, seemed real common.
There are so many more important systems and AC is so easy to either install or remove, that I would not let that even enter into consideration.

How about this, remove the AC, repurpose the thru hull for a watermaker?

Mithril Bham · 03-02-2016, 07:54

Depends on your internal thermostat. I have spent a lot of time in the Caribbean and can not get along without A/C. Other's will tell you I'm nuts. Of course I also like swimming in NW waters. Grew up swimming around Deception Pass. If it is functional I would keep it.

**a64pilot** · 03-02-2016, 08:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by magellanyachts

. Of course I also like swimming in NW waters.

Your nuts

below 80F water is cold

IRG · 03-02-2016, 08:15

Totally concur. I just spent last summer in St. Lucia, Dominica and Haiti, and when at dock I think AC is essential, but at least you'll have shore power then and can use it to keep out the bugs. At anchor, scoop in the fresh trade winds! (unless it's raining then it gets muggy of course)... But if you use a generator to run AC you're going to spend a fortune in diesel fuel.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkJ

Unless you are a dock queen you don't need air conditioning in the Caribbean. At anchor you get the full 20 knots of Trade Winds down every hatch.

reed1v · 03-02-2016, 08:26

A/C controls the humidity onboard. Keeps mildew away. Also keeps the boat dry down below so you do not get a lot of funky odors. Our a/c system lasted 15 years before needing replacement. Ours was down below with an exhaust vent and "pee" tube so it could be operated either off the engine, off battery bank, or from shore power. On rainy days, it kept the boat dry and comfy.

a/c systems are fairly simple and easy to maintain. About the only thing to break is the compressor, and that is easy to replace; and for the more accomplished home mechanic, repair.

Plus a/c does not need to be operated very much to keep the boat dry and cool.