Does anyone happen to know what the cubic sq. ft. of the cabin is for a Hunter 33.5 (1992)? Adding air conditioner and need cubic sq. ft. to determine BTUs. Thanks.
cubic sq. ft. of Hunter 33.5
- Thread starter palmbeachboater
- Start date
On my 34 here in Louisiana, I have a 12,000 BTU unit that can heat as well. That is a smidgen too small for my boat in the 95 F heat at 85% humerdiddy. I got the biggest unit that would fit in the space and I am OK with it since it keeps the cabin a lot cooler and dryer than no air con.. .. The newer units are more compact, so if I were going to do it again, I will probably install a 16000 btu unit. I expect in your location, you'd find the same requirements..
NOTE: that said, a 12000 BTU unit is at the maximum that a Honda 2000 generator can start so if you plan to use something like that to cool the boat at anchor, the 12000 may be a more prudent choice..
NOTE: that said, a 12000 BTU unit is at the maximum that a Honda 2000 generator can start so if you plan to use something like that to cool the boat at anchor, the 12000 may be a more prudent choice..
All a measurement has to be is good enough for the purpose intended. Divide the cabin into three sections; stern berth, middle and v-berth and measure roughly the height, width and length of each section and calculate the cubic feet for each one and then add all three of them all up. Your result will be good enough to size the A/C unit. Our sailboats lack an attic space and have very little insulation so in order to get them to cool adequately in the hot and humid summer days you need to help them along. A canvas cover will take the brunt of the beating sun and create a space for air flow to keep the cabin top cooler. At the very least cover and insulate the hatches. Spraying the cabin top and deck with a hose will get them cooler through evaporation. Start the A/C unit with all port holes and hatches open and run for some 10 minutes to allow hot air to escape. We have a 12K in an h320 and as Kloudie indicates it is the maximum size the a Honda 2000 portable generator can start and run semi efficiently. On the hook it would be a waste of time and fuel to try and cool the boat at midday in the summer so we wait until dusk to get it started and usually by bedtime is adequately cool. Unless you have a more powerful genset having a 16K unit aboard will do no good at anchor.
Had a 33.5 and installed a 16000btu unit. The installer vented the out flow into the main salon area only. The unit cooled and heated well however the V berth and aft berth areas were never cooled/heated adequately. You really need to plan ducting into all three areas for adequate temperature control. You also need to determine if you are going to primarily use the unit dockside or want the capability of using a Honda 2000 to power it on the hook. As others have noted, 12000 btu is the largest that the small generators can handle efficiently.