I am planning to install air conditioning on my Hunter 326 when the boat is hauled this winter. I'm looking for any experience out there to help me decide what size (BTU) unit to install and whether or not I need to install a second 30 amp shore power circuit. My AC power is currently used for HW heater, battery charger, and microwave (occasionally).
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John, Do you have any insulation in the hull?
In this area we can probably make do with less than 10000 BTU's. Remember you can't cool a space lower than the dew point and it takes 1000 BTU's per pound to condense water vapor. A 10000 BTU unit will run nicely on a 15 amp circuit. On those summer days when the dew point is in the upper 70's and the temperature is 95 dehumidifying the cabin and cooling to 80 will seem wonderful.
In this area we can probably make do with less than 10000 BTU's. Remember you can't cool a space lower than the dew point and it takes 1000 BTU's per pound to condense water vapor. A 10000 BTU unit will run nicely on a 15 amp circuit. On those summer days when the dew point is in the upper 70's and the temperature is 95 dehumidifying the cabin and cooling to 80 will seem wonderful.
Air in Catalina 30
John, I live in SW Florida. I have a Mermaid 12,000 BTU unit in my Catalina 30 and it does a great job. I have it installed in my hanging locker. When running it pulls 9.4 amps and the water pump adds another 1.1 amp. Start up currents are somewhat higher. I run mine on a single 30 amp circuit and have never popped the breaker. I have all the stuff you have except the microwave. By the way, I'm shopping for a Honda EU2000i, 45 lb. portable generator, which the Mermaid folks tell me will power my A/C. Anchoring out in the summer with the water temp at 88 F can be pretty uncomfortable here in SW Florida. Also, I used to sail my 0Day 37 out of Spring Cove Marina in Solomons. You live in a great place.
John, I live in SW Florida. I have a Mermaid 12,000 BTU unit in my Catalina 30 and it does a great job. I have it installed in my hanging locker. When running it pulls 9.4 amps and the water pump adds another 1.1 amp. Start up currents are somewhat higher. I run mine on a single 30 amp circuit and have never popped the breaker. I have all the stuff you have except the microwave. By the way, I'm shopping for a Honda EU2000i, 45 lb. portable generator, which the Mermaid folks tell me will power my A/C. Anchoring out in the summer with the water temp at 88 F can be pretty uncomfortable here in SW Florida. Also, I used to sail my 0Day 37 out of Spring Cove Marina in Solomons. You live in a great place.
mermaid 12k works for me
I installed a Mermaid 12k btu last year on my Vision 32 (also in the hanging locker). It can make the boat downright chilly even on the hottest day. Coupled with a Honda eu2000i generator, it makes the hot summer days bearable, even though we are looking forward to moving back to seattle in the future. For reference, I helped my dad-in-law install the same unit (12k) in his Hunter 34. It works like a champ on his boat too. We both contemplated getting the 16.5k, but are very happy with the 12k as it is more than enough on our boats. We also both considered adding another 30amp inlet, but ended up wiring it into the existing panel. Judicious switching is necessary with respect to the hot-water heater, but not a big deal... I run all of the outlets (which includes my battery charger) and the A/C together regularly as the combined draw for me is well below the trip threshold. . Good luck! matt
I installed a Mermaid 12k btu last year on my Vision 32 (also in the hanging locker). It can make the boat downright chilly even on the hottest day. Coupled with a Honda eu2000i generator, it makes the hot summer days bearable, even though we are looking forward to moving back to seattle in the future. For reference, I helped my dad-in-law install the same unit (12k) in his Hunter 34. It works like a champ on his boat too. We both contemplated getting the 16.5k, but are very happy with the 12k as it is more than enough on our boats. We also both considered adding another 30amp inlet, but ended up wiring it into the existing panel. Judicious switching is necessary with respect to the hot-water heater, but not a big deal... I run all of the outlets (which includes my battery charger) and the A/C together regularly as the combined draw for me is well below the trip threshold. . Good luck! matt
It all depends on where you live and how cool you
like it. I have a 31 ft with a 16,000 btu King-Aire reverse cycle AC. It works great on a double 30 amp circuit breaker. I have noticed, that the smaller the system, the more it has to work(cycle). I also have it reversed for heat in the winter. It certainly does extend the season. The boat came from Florida and I now have it in Oklahoma.The ac was installed in Fl. Hope this helps. Just don't under power your system. Good luck. Keep it up, Ctskip
like it. I have a 31 ft with a 16,000 btu King-Aire reverse cycle AC. It works great on a double 30 amp circuit breaker. I have noticed, that the smaller the system, the more it has to work(cycle). I also have it reversed for heat in the winter. It certainly does extend the season. The boat came from Florida and I now have it in Oklahoma.The ac was installed in Fl. Hope this helps. Just don't under power your system. Good luck. Keep it up, Ctskip
AC in a 34
I have a 16000btu unit in my Catal;inla 34, installed in the locker next to the chart table. I have 2 30 amp circuits, one runs the Ac only. I also use the Honda EUI2000 and it runs the Ac on anchor. I leave it set at 83 at the dock to keep the fierce heat build up down here in SW Florida. Nice to go aboard in a cooled cabin. It does raise the electric bill though. More than I would have thought.
I have a 16000btu unit in my Catal;inla 34, installed in the locker next to the chart table. I have 2 30 amp circuits, one runs the Ac only. I also use the Honda EUI2000 and it runs the Ac on anchor. I leave it set at 83 at the dock to keep the fierce heat build up down here in SW Florida. Nice to go aboard in a cooled cabin. It does raise the electric bill though. More than I would have thought.
a/c units
After asking around abt central units, I found 3 very satisfied sailors with the 16000 btu unit from oceans breeze. They have been in thebusiness for over 30 yrs and support is excellent. I live on the coast " Mobile,AL. / gulf of mexico where the temps are constantly in the 90's with high humidity. The unit does well on my hunter 30 with 10 ft 2 beam and 6 ft headroom. I tried the 7000 btu crusie air and never shut off and sstruggled in the high temps we have. you will love the honda 2000 ei . it runs the ac with no problem and is very quiet under load with a/c running. draws 10 amps. give joe a call, hes very knowledgeable and is very customer oriented.
After asking around abt central units, I found 3 very satisfied sailors with the 16000 btu unit from oceans breeze. They have been in thebusiness for over 30 yrs and support is excellent. I live on the coast " Mobile,AL. / gulf of mexico where the temps are constantly in the 90's with high humidity. The unit does well on my hunter 30 with 10 ft 2 beam and 6 ft headroom. I tried the 7000 btu crusie air and never shut off and sstruggled in the high temps we have. you will love the honda 2000 ei . it runs the ac with no problem and is very quiet under load with a/c running. draws 10 amps. give joe a call, hes very knowledgeable and is very customer oriented.
14 BTUH
The basic rule-of-thumb for sizing sailboat Air-Conditioning is about 14 BTUh per cubic foot of interior volume.
The basic rule-of-thumb for sizing sailboat Air-Conditioning is about 14 BTUh per cubic foot of interior volume.
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