A/C at the dock

Jul 14, 2015
840
Catalina 30 Stillhouse Hollow Marina
Is it better to have fan cycle on and off with A/C, or keep fan blowing?
 
Jun 16, 2011
173
Catalina 350 Rock hall
The techs at my marina say fan on
I just replaced Ac in our boat and I asked the same question. It was explained to me that in a boat it is best to keep air moving since insulation is not as good as home and if fan cycles off you can get areas in your boat that will not heat or cool equally
 
Jul 14, 2015
840
Catalina 30 Stillhouse Hollow Marina
The techs at my marina say fan on
I just replaced Ac in our boat and I asked the same question. It was explained to me that in a boat it is best to keep air moving since insulation is not as good as home and if fan cycles off you can get areas in your boat that will not heat or cool equally
Thanks
 
Apr 11, 2010
992
Hunter 38 Whitehall MI
I've found that when I air condition I have fans run continuously as the air movement makes it feel cooler and you don't need to set the cooling temperature so low. I do have them run at a lower speed when the compressor shuts off though.

When used in heating mode I have the fans set to only run when the compressor is on because then the constant air movement makes it feel colder.
 
Jun 16, 2011
173
Catalina 350 Rock hall
I've found that when I air condition I have fans run continuously as the air movement makes it feel cooler and you don't need to set the cooling temperature so low. I do have them run at a lower speed when the compressor shuts off though.

When used in heating mode I have the fans set to only run when the compressor is on because then the constant air movement makes it feel colder.
Exactly I forgot about the heat part
And for whatever it's worth our unit varies fan speed with compressor cycle and temp
But in heat it turns off. That is how it came from the factory
 
May 17, 2014
136
hunter 380 Plano, TX
Is it better to have fan cycle on and off with A/C, or keep fan blowing?
Just me but I have 3 small 110v fans I plug in and set by the AC discharge vent. These run all the time on low. When the ac cycles on so does the ac fan. Keeps the air moving around the boat but greatly reduces the wear on the ac blower. FYI,,make sure your inverter is turned off!
 
  • Like
Likes: JamesG161

JamesG161

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Feb 14, 2014
8,019
Hunter 430 Waveland, MS
Just me but I have 3 small 110v fans I plug in and set by the AC discharge vent. These run all the time on low. When the ac cycles on so does the ac fan. Keeps the air moving around the boat but greatly reduces the wear on the ac blower. FYI,,make sure your inverter is turned off!
This is a great way to maintain comfort level on your boat at anytime, if you have the electric power to do so.:thumbup:

I bought these 3 speed AC fans that have rubber non skid feet.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Comfort-Zone-CZHV9B-9-in-3-Speed-High-Velocity-Cradle-Fan/21784130

We relocate these fans, as needed, to help a faster personal cool down on a hot day or sleeping.

We forgot one sitting on the galley counter top and was sailing at hull speed on heel. Sudden gust to 24 knots gave a sudden increase in heel that sent this fan crashing to the cabin deck. Note that about 15° heel, the fan didn't slide. In responding to the noise, the Admiral report.. "Well you just broke the fan!" (she never happy if we are at max speed:rolleyes:). There was NO damage to fan, but I did notice my morning coffee was bitter:doh:.
We now secure the fans in storage for a windy sail.

Invert off keeps your house batteries alive on a AC supply failure on a unattended boat!
Jim...
 
Nov 26, 2012
2,315
Catalina 250 Bodega Bay CA
My only technical observation is if you use DC fans the current consumption is considerably less with the best fans. Yes I have air cond.. Chief