Debated same decision as OP years ago while
living aboard in
Texas preparing to go cruising.
For at the
dock in Texas in the summer, AC is not a luxury it is a life support system. It does not get so hot in the tropics, but it makes life at
dock much more comfortable even there.
At
anchor in the tropics AC is typically not needed. Im sitting at
anchor in the tropics as I write this...comfortable...no AC. But occassionally when the breeze dies ,the bugs come out, its raining and thus the hatches are closed, and/or in an anchorage with little air flow...sure can be nice.
Also, it depends a lot on the climate to which you are acclimated. Ive lived my entire life in hot climates. I remember once I was just about to comment to
charter guests from
Seattle what a pleasant evening it was...I glanced over at them and they were streaming sweat...not so pleasant for them!