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Old 07-06-2017, 22:06   #1
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Help us settle the Air Conditioner debate

Our plan is to buy a new boat and cast off in a couple years. We are strongly considering the FP Helia 44. My husband is a simple sailor and wants to go green on as much as possible and ditch the air conditioner and generator drama. His logic is that we could buy a portable for the berth if we need to and save the cost. I'm thinking by the time I reach 50 the AC may not be considered optional equipment if you know what I mean but it would be nice to spend the money on something else. But going down that path is a slippery slope because that probably means no washer either. We will be following the sun so heat will be a way of life generally. I mean, that's the whole idea.

These are good problems to have but any strong opinions?
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Old 07-06-2017, 22:09   #2
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Re: Help us settle the Air Conditioner debate

The only time we've wanted aircon was when we stayed in a marina over summer. At anchor, we've never felt overly warm.
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Old 07-06-2017, 22:11   #3
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Re: Help us settle the Air Conditioner debate

Yes to no A/C.

And you'd be amazed how nicely one of these works

https://www.amazon.com/EasyGo-Washer.../dp/B00OTYK3O6
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Old 07-06-2017, 22:23   #4
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Re: Help us settle the Air Conditioner debate

We haven't used our A/C in five years. It would be essential if we stayed in marinas all summer, but is not necessary in anchorages.
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Old 07-06-2017, 22:24   #5
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Re: Help us settle the Air Conditioner debate

Quote:
Originally Posted by john61ct View Post
Yes to no A/C.

And you'd be amazed how nicely one of these works

https://www.amazon.com/EasyGo-Washer.../dp/B00OTYK3O6


We were sort of hoping this would be a real thing by the time we leave. A stationary bike washing machine!
https://youtu.be/ma-Y58ovMRQ
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Old 07-06-2017, 22:27   #6
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Re: Help us settle the Air Conditioner debate

I'm in the tropics and frankly I would die without Air Con. The cabin temperature is effectively the same as the water temperature which I have measured as high as 32 degrees C. But only in the sheltered marinas where I have shore power. If I am in open water or anchored there is often sufficient breeze channeling through the saloon to keep it cool. Very occasionly I will sleep in the cockpit on those really hot windless nights.

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Old 07-06-2017, 22:42   #7
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Re: Help us settle the Air Conditioner debate

With plenty of solar and decent inverter no issues with a washing machine. Some are running small AC in a bedroom with a honda portable genset.
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Old 07-06-2017, 22:44   #8
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Re: Help us settle the Air Conditioner debate

Most women don't like boats. If you have one willing to try, it's worth the money for some comforts. Besides, AC drys the air and bedding, clothes, etc., will be dry. Less chance of mold, too. Better resale. Cheaper than divorce.
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Old 07-06-2017, 22:52   #9
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Re: Help us settle the Air Conditioner debate

Another tropical sailor here. For us it's: Aircon - yes. Generator -no.

Aircon is wired to only run off shore power (like the water heater).

As others have said, we only need it in marinas.
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Old 07-06-2017, 23:37   #10
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Re: Help us settle the Air Conditioner debate

As others said....if you are in a Marina in the Tropics with Temps above 33°C you need AirCon!

At anchor, with no wind and lots of bugs...you want AirCon!

For a No Gen and Drydock solution... I came up with a "cake and eat it" idea that works great on Stargazer.

I installed a 0.5 HP dripless Window Aircon in my aft cabin to cool the Owners area and even the engine room when the door is open

After Start it draws only 1-2 amp 220v and runs easily on invertor.

After testing, I installed permanently with compressor section in lazarette, insulated well so that only return air circulates and kept escape hatch below for emergencies.

The hot air escapes out the large deck hatch
will post photos
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Old 07-06-2017, 23:41   #11
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Re: Help us settle the Air Conditioner debate

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I have 3 Marine Airrr units for the whole boat that we rarely use except if entertaining in a hot buggy anchorage or when cooking and eating inside.
Those need the Generator and the salt water cooling needs regular maintenance
This Markes window unit is simple and really appreciated especially when Drydocked
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Old 08-06-2017, 01:48   #12
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Re: Help us settle the Air Conditioner debate

Its best if you just use the AC to take the heat out of the boat at the end of the day if anchored and happens to be very hot. Close it up and run the AC for only 15 mins, then leave it closed up for a further 15 and all surfaces inside will be cool, giving you a good start into the night.
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Old 08-06-2017, 01:57   #13
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Re: Help us settle the Air Conditioner debate

I've cruised the tropics for 7 years, never needed or desired aircon accept for those times in a marina where you cant hang to a breeze.
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Old 08-06-2017, 02:13   #14
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Re: Help us settle the Air Conditioner debate

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Holly.
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Old 08-06-2017, 02:18   #15
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Re: Help us settle the Air Conditioner debate

I'm in the tropics and definitely need aircon some times.
But a good compromise can be an electric fan. Not one of those 12 volt plastic thingies, but a proper adult size 220V fan. It really sets the air in motion, and I was amazed to see how little power it needs.. something like 60W. It runs via my poor old modified-sinewave inverter.
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