AC - when not on boat

[a_nyc_scott]

Hi All,

When I leave my boat at the marina between outings I always turn off my air conditioner (the boat is connected to shore power). However I've noticed that a number of boats at the marina leave their AC running when they are closed up and not being used. I can understand the appeal of coming back to a boat that is cool and I imagine there is value to reducing the moisture in a closed up boat by running the AC but it feels wasteful from an energy standpoint and I would imagine that it shortens the life of the AC units. I was just curious what other boaters on this forum do or think about this practice.

Best,

Scott

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

From a safety perspective it has been our practice to, when the boat is docked for periods of our absence, to close the thru hull strainers. This reduces the chances of water flooding our boat if a hose were to fail....like an A/C hose. We also turn off the water pump for the same reason. If one wanted to keep there boat cool without running there A/C while away from the boat you can always set up a dehumidifier and let it drain into the sink. We did this once with a boat stored in Florida and it worked rather nicely and a lot safer.

Jim F

 

[captstu]

The Shearwater has a small (5 kBtu/hr) air cooled rooftop air conditioner in addition to the factory 16 kBtu unit. No water, no risk.

Keeps the boat easily cool enough to sleep in South Florida in July. Cool when we first board. Runs underway in inverter and barely keeps up, but is enough for the Admiral on the hottest day.

Under $100 with easy drop it in place install. More on boat website..

Shearwater-sailing.com

 

[Capt’nKarl]

We are lucky enough to have our boat in a covered slip so that helps keep the heat down. Personally, I would not run the A/C constantly as many do to keep down wear and tear on the pump and compressor and for environmental friendliness.
Cheers,
Karl