Air/Heat--What's a wannabe boat owner to do?

[ducatista]

So, my survey and sea-trial were scheduled for tomorrow. The guy my broker recommended to install heating and air in the Beneteau 381 called this afternoon to say that since I'll be living aboard (with my 6 year-old daughter), he recommended a diesel heating system and two air units. Total cost about $18K. He said I could get away with one air unit, but the price would still be in the $13K range.

Called my broker to say, "Whoa!" on the survey. I don't want to spend $18K for this on a $85K boat. He says, well then don't. Have the guy put in one air unit for the main salon, and run two space heaters for when the reverse cycle won't cut it in the winter. He says this is far superior to diesel. Cost for that solution is around $7K.

I said, well, I'm going to check in with folks on a couple of forums to see what their experiences have been.

We'll be living full-time in the D.C. area. It gets cold here. It gets hot here. What do you all think?

 

[Phil Herring]

During my liveaboard years I had reverse cycle plus forced air diesel. It was the perfect setup, IMHO. The RC system handled heating and cooling at the dock for most of the year, but I could always kick on the diesel for the month or two when it was truly cold.

It also did a great job of cutting down on the condensation. But $18k... wow. That is steep. I'd cut the RC units and go with the diesel forced air. Space heaters suck and will quickly take up your entire 30 amp shore power capacity.

Plan B: buy a Florida boat that already has the AC units then add diesel.

 

[dscribner]

Ok, I'll show my numbness. I've seen wood stoves for boats. Are there pellet stoves? I have a 2100 square foot house that I heat for $600 per year on pellet fuel. I love the heat that it gives off and the flickering fire. Is this an option?

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Ok, I'll show my numbness. I've seen wood stoves for boats. Are there pellet stoves? I have a 2100 square foot house that I heat for $600 per year on pellet fuel. I love the heat that it gives off and the flickering fire. Is this an option?

Anything is possible but there are no pellet stoves which meet the current ABYC standards if that is important to you. Much more important would probably be insurance which I suspect would be a show-stopper once they found out you had a pellet stove aboard.

 

[Tim R.]

My boat came with reverse cycle ac/heat and it worked fine up to a couple of weeks ago when the air and water got too cold. I have installed a diesel fired itr hurricane heater with 3 zones and 4 fans. I did all the work myself. The total I pad is about $7k. I would estimate it took me about 60 hours. I consider myself fairly handy but this was the first heater I have installed.

Although I did not install the ac I did need to relocate some of the components but I can tell you it is a much easier install then the diesel heater.