No matter where you sail, chances are that the temperatures have been out of sight lately. If you are sailing and have a bimini and some wind, it may not seem too hot. But what happens when you pull into a marina or an anchorage for the night? How do you stay cool in the heat of summer? Some people use electric fans. How about wind scoops? Do they work for you? Maybe a light colored awning over the cockpit and companionway? Boom tent? If all else fails, do you just wrap a wet towel around your head and reach into the ice box for a cool one? Do you have AC? If so, do you take the unit with you when you cruise? How well does that work? Tell us how you endure the summer heat and then take the quiz on the homepage. (Discussion topic and quiz by Warren Milberg)
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Dont sweat it but it will cost you
I live in the deep south and heat is a way of life. I purchased a Honda 2000 watt generator to push my A/C. it wieghs only 40 lbs and it runs so quite that it can run it on the deck and you can still hold a coversation without changing your voice volume at all. It runs for 6.5 hours on one gallon of gas. Bad part is it cost about $1,100 for the comfort. But here we keep it as storm backup power. In New Orleans we never know whats coming!
I live in the deep south and heat is a way of life. I purchased a Honda 2000 watt generator to push my A/C. it wieghs only 40 lbs and it runs so quite that it can run it on the deck and you can still hold a coversation without changing your voice volume at all. It runs for 6.5 hours on one gallon of gas. Bad part is it cost about $1,100 for the comfort. But here we keep it as storm backup power. In New Orleans we never know whats coming!
Using a Portable Generator for A/C
Scot, I also sail in the Gulf. In the summer time, with 89 degree water temp, My destination for overnight sails always includes a marina where I can plug into power and get the benefit of my 12,000 BTU Mermaid A/C, which cools my Catalina 30 great. For other readers who might be interested, it fit nicely within my hanging locker. I assume the Honda generator you are talking about is the 2000EU. The Mermaid folks say it will run my A/C. You get 6.5 hours off a tank of fuel. Do you just let the unit run out of gas if running all night? Do you think this will harm the generator? I notice one company sells an expansion gas tank that integrates with the fuel cap on the Honda. For anyone reading this who might consider using a portable generator unit, you really have to pay attention to where the exhaust gases are going or may wind up, AND DON'T EVEN CONSIDER IT WITHOUT A CO DETECTOR ON BOARD--A GOOD IDEA IN ANY CASE!
Scot, I also sail in the Gulf. In the summer time, with 89 degree water temp, My destination for overnight sails always includes a marina where I can plug into power and get the benefit of my 12,000 BTU Mermaid A/C, which cools my Catalina 30 great. For other readers who might be interested, it fit nicely within my hanging locker. I assume the Honda generator you are talking about is the 2000EU. The Mermaid folks say it will run my A/C. You get 6.5 hours off a tank of fuel. Do you just let the unit run out of gas if running all night? Do you think this will harm the generator? I notice one company sells an expansion gas tank that integrates with the fuel cap on the Honda. For anyone reading this who might consider using a portable generator unit, you really have to pay attention to where the exhaust gases are going or may wind up, AND DON'T EVEN CONSIDER IT WITHOUT A CO DETECTOR ON BOARD--A GOOD IDEA IN ANY CASE!
A 260 soluation
for me is a Mermaid reversable (heat and cool)5.2K BTU that I run with a Honda 2K. I have used a Honda 1 K, but that was then the only equipment I could run at one time. With the 2 K I can run at the same time a 40AMP True charger, Microwave, refergerator/frezer and the AC. I can run the AC thru an inverter about 5 hours using battery power. So what I do to run the AC all night thru is to run the generator to power the True charger and run the AC thru the inverter. then the AC can run after the generator runs dry, to finish up the night John USNret
for me is a Mermaid reversable (heat and cool)5.2K BTU that I run with a Honda 2K. I have used a Honda 1 K, but that was then the only equipment I could run at one time. With the 2 K I can run at the same time a 40AMP True charger, Microwave, refergerator/frezer and the AC. I can run the AC thru an inverter about 5 hours using battery power. So what I do to run the AC all night thru is to run the generator to power the True charger and run the AC thru the inverter. then the AC can run after the generator runs dry, to finish up the night John USNret
Keeping Cool
While at our home marina we use the factory installed air conditioner/heat pump and a sand colored sunbrella boom tent and the bimini. At anchor overnight we use a windscoop and a twelve volt fan plus the nicro solar ventilators,with all screened hatches open. We have been on the boat since March this year in the North Carolina Inner Banks, and have had to return home to the S.C. upstate mid July for medical reasons. Steve and Sheila Kamp, Hunter 38 "Carolina"
While at our home marina we use the factory installed air conditioner/heat pump and a sand colored sunbrella boom tent and the bimini. At anchor overnight we use a windscoop and a twelve volt fan plus the nicro solar ventilators,with all screened hatches open. We have been on the boat since March this year in the North Carolina Inner Banks, and have had to return home to the S.C. upstate mid July for medical reasons. Steve and Sheila Kamp, Hunter 38 "Carolina"
Somehow....
the use of AC on a sailboat seems odd to me. While they may make sense if I lived aboard in a marina setting, taking one along to cruise -- along with a genset to run it -- strikes me as what powerboaters do more than sailors. Perhaps it's as simple as I just can't afford a setup like that.... In the interim, I use a wind scoop, a couple of 12v fans, and lots of cool ones...sailing is about enduring the unendurable and making believe you are having a good time
the use of AC on a sailboat seems odd to me. While they may make sense if I lived aboard in a marina setting, taking one along to cruise -- along with a genset to run it -- strikes me as what powerboaters do more than sailors. Perhaps it's as simple as I just can't afford a setup like that.... In the interim, I use a wind scoop, a couple of 12v fans, and lots of cool ones...sailing is about enduring the unendurable and making believe you are having a good time
Yep AC sucks especially paired to a generator
We have spent some nights sweating but that is preferable to the shut up feeling with all the hatches closed and an air conditioner. We have a hatch unit "cruiseair" and I prefer to sweat. It came with the boat and after using it a few times we decided to sweat. Usually when at anchor there is enough wind to keep us cool. I really hate a quiet anchorage that is ruined by generators running all night it is just too much like being at home. Even at home we like it when it cools off enough to open the windows at night.
We have spent some nights sweating but that is preferable to the shut up feeling with all the hatches closed and an air conditioner. We have a hatch unit "cruiseair" and I prefer to sweat. It came with the boat and after using it a few times we decided to sweat. Usually when at anchor there is enough wind to keep us cool. I really hate a quiet anchorage that is ruined by generators running all night it is just too much like being at home. Even at home we like it when it cools off enough to open the windows at night.
We sweat
Or should I say I sweat and the Admiral - well you know what - We keep our Catalina 310 in in great marina with pool, AC bath house, and AC club room bar/restaurant. It has been in the low 90s the past two weekends but there has been some wind. When we are sailing we are fooled by the wind and when we get back to the marina or to a mooring ball at Put-in-Bay and the apparent wind dies it is like an oven. It is really tough sleeping even with 7 fans running - both 110 (at the dock) and 12 volt models. We think every year about getting AC installed and this year may push us over the top. Supposed to be a break in the heat this next weekend - I hope so.
Or should I say I sweat and the Admiral - well you know what - We keep our Catalina 310 in in great marina with pool, AC bath house, and AC club room bar/restaurant. It has been in the low 90s the past two weekends but there has been some wind. When we are sailing we are fooled by the wind and when we get back to the marina or to a mooring ball at Put-in-Bay and the apparent wind dies it is like an oven. It is really tough sleeping even with 7 fans running - both 110 (at the dock) and 12 volt models. We think every year about getting AC installed and this year may push us over the top. Supposed to be a break in the heat this next weekend - I hope so.
Generator and HVAC
At the dock we always have the HVAC on - heating or cooling. When we unplug at the dock, we turn on the generator. The salon is kept very cool and comfortable all season long. Our generator is so well sound insulated, it is barely noticeable. The HVAC works well in water temps up to 91, then it will maintain as long as the boat is not heat soaked. If so, then it may take a few hours to cool off. We have a bimini and dodger with roll up panels (full enclosure for early spring/late fall). During uncomfortably hot periods of the day we are at the dock or anchored - both with the HVAC on. We sail in the early morning, evening and at night when it is pleasant. Mid July to late August - we just don't go - no wind and extremely high humidity just make it miserable getting to and from the boat in the marina. We go to Maine for a week to cool off, then back until the end of November, then off for 3 months. We usually take a trip to FL in February when it is nasty in Tennessee. When we return, the new season is ready to go!
At the dock we always have the HVAC on - heating or cooling. When we unplug at the dock, we turn on the generator. The salon is kept very cool and comfortable all season long. Our generator is so well sound insulated, it is barely noticeable. The HVAC works well in water temps up to 91, then it will maintain as long as the boat is not heat soaked. If so, then it may take a few hours to cool off. We have a bimini and dodger with roll up panels (full enclosure for early spring/late fall). During uncomfortably hot periods of the day we are at the dock or anchored - both with the HVAC on. We sail in the early morning, evening and at night when it is pleasant. Mid July to late August - we just don't go - no wind and extremely high humidity just make it miserable getting to and from the boat in the marina. We go to Maine for a week to cool off, then back until the end of November, then off for 3 months. We usually take a trip to FL in February when it is nasty in Tennessee. When we return, the new season is ready to go!
A/C and the Admiral
I have lived on the equator for six months. I know what hot is. I also live with people who have never had to live with heat and humidity and complain constantly when the temp goes over 85 degrees. I really like having my wife along with me but she becomes so unpleasant that I prefer to leave her in her temperature controlled home. Life's too short to complain about the weather and I try very hard to make do with what is dealt to us. On those really hot days, I'll heave to, drop the anchor and go swimming in a plesant 72 degree lake! Now, on the other hand, if there is no/little wind ie. light and variable, the biting flies on the lake (St. Clair) and the incessant orange barrels and road closures making my trip to the marina unbearable, I'll stay home and cut the grass. I guess everyone has their limits.
I have lived on the equator for six months. I know what hot is. I also live with people who have never had to live with heat and humidity and complain constantly when the temp goes over 85 degrees. I really like having my wife along with me but she becomes so unpleasant that I prefer to leave her in her temperature controlled home. Life's too short to complain about the weather and I try very hard to make do with what is dealt to us. On those really hot days, I'll heave to, drop the anchor and go swimming in a plesant 72 degree lake! Now, on the other hand, if there is no/little wind ie. light and variable, the biting flies on the lake (St. Clair) and the incessant orange barrels and road closures making my trip to the marina unbearable, I'll stay home and cut the grass. I guess everyone has their limits.
easy cooling solution
I learned early that being on a sailboat in 100 degree heat was like microwaving my body. As a result I looked into bimini tops and wind scoops, but found that the most efficient and easiest solution was a plain old white painters canvas. Throwing this over the boom made for an extremely breathable and comfortable cockpit tent. Since the tarp is meant to catch paint spill it is fairly water proof, and mildew resistant to boot. Not to mention it only cost ten bucks. I have had the same tarp for close to 4 years now, and all of my guest on the boat are amazed at the effect it has while anchored out. When I look around and see the exspensive biminis and sun shades my marina patrons use I remember what my uncle told me when I bought my first sailboat. Alway shop at the local hardware store before you buy anything from marine specialty store. Wise words coming form a man who once owned a marina.
I learned early that being on a sailboat in 100 degree heat was like microwaving my body. As a result I looked into bimini tops and wind scoops, but found that the most efficient and easiest solution was a plain old white painters canvas. Throwing this over the boom made for an extremely breathable and comfortable cockpit tent. Since the tarp is meant to catch paint spill it is fairly water proof, and mildew resistant to boot. Not to mention it only cost ten bucks. I have had the same tarp for close to 4 years now, and all of my guest on the boat are amazed at the effect it has while anchored out. When I look around and see the exspensive biminis and sun shades my marina patrons use I remember what my uncle told me when I bought my first sailboat. Alway shop at the local hardware store before you buy anything from marine specialty store. Wise words coming form a man who once owned a marina.
No A/C, just fans
We sail on the northern Gulf coast without A/C or a genset. We do have several 12v fans that we place around the cabin at night. Also a windscoop for the forward hatch, and screen coverings for all hatches to keep out bugs. Most nights there is enough breeze to make it tolerable, but we don't even try in August. We (she) decided that would be a good time to do something besides sleep overnight on the boat.
We sail on the northern Gulf coast without A/C or a genset. We do have several 12v fans that we place around the cabin at night. Also a windscoop for the forward hatch, and screen coverings for all hatches to keep out bugs. Most nights there is enough breeze to make it tolerable, but we don't even try in August. We (she) decided that would be a good time to do something besides sleep overnight on the boat.
A/C when in port
Over the years I've "been there, done that" with most of the solutions to hot days mentioned above. Luckily, sailing creates its' own breeze - so moving over the 70-some degree water isn't too bad even on mid-ninety degree days. When temperatures are that high at the dock though, fans and wind scoops just move the hot air around. So I started looking for an air conditioner that even an old cheapskate like me would appreciate. I found it in a "portable" air conditioner that looks like a big dehumidifier. The water drips into the bilge and is taken care of by a automatic bilge pump, and the hot exhaust is vented out through a hose leading through a hole cut in a piece of "Starboard" marine plastic replacing one of my companionway hatchboards. It doesn't quite have the power (at 8,000 BTUs) to cool the whole boat at mid-day, but is GREAT at night! Bill on STARGAZER
Over the years I've "been there, done that" with most of the solutions to hot days mentioned above. Luckily, sailing creates its' own breeze - so moving over the 70-some degree water isn't too bad even on mid-ninety degree days. When temperatures are that high at the dock though, fans and wind scoops just move the hot air around. So I started looking for an air conditioner that even an old cheapskate like me would appreciate. I found it in a "portable" air conditioner that looks like a big dehumidifier. The water drips into the bilge and is taken care of by a automatic bilge pump, and the hot exhaust is vented out through a hose leading through a hole cut in a piece of "Starboard" marine plastic replacing one of my companionway hatchboards. It doesn't quite have the power (at 8,000 BTUs) to cool the whole boat at mid-day, but is GREAT at night! Bill on STARGAZER
AC/Genset is a must
I have a Hunter 36 with 16K BTU AC and a Panda 4200 Plus generator and I USE IT. In Texas, we need AC to survive. Whenever I pull out of the slip, the AC comes on. My wife won't come unless I do that. I leave the AC on during the majority of the year, but I find it impossible for the 16K BTU HVAC unit to keep the cabin cool during 90deg+ days, but it does cool it down. At night, it can freeze you out! Some may sweat, but I only sweat while topside!
I have a Hunter 36 with 16K BTU AC and a Panda 4200 Plus generator and I USE IT. In Texas, we need AC to survive. Whenever I pull out of the slip, the AC comes on. My wife won't come unless I do that. I leave the AC on during the majority of the year, but I find it impossible for the 16K BTU HVAC unit to keep the cabin cool during 90deg+ days, but it does cool it down. At night, it can freeze you out! Some may sweat, but I only sweat while topside!
For Keeping Kewl
We have found that the use of a $200.00 10,000 BTU 120 VAC home window unit works just great at the marina(s). Also have a 3000 Watt inverter to run if really bad while on the hook. Usually on the hook, we will put up the wind scoop and open everything else and put out the screen in the companion way and find a stiff breeze. We stay out of gunk holes in this kind of heat and keep in a breeze. Getting ready to stay in till September now though since it is just plain hot.
We have found that the use of a $200.00 10,000 BTU 120 VAC home window unit works just great at the marina(s). Also have a 3000 Watt inverter to run if really bad while on the hook. Usually on the hook, we will put up the wind scoop and open everything else and put out the screen in the companion way and find a stiff breeze. We stay out of gunk holes in this kind of heat and keep in a breeze. Getting ready to stay in till September now though since it is just plain hot.
Fear Not Assistance is Here
I agree with all that has been said BUT,as we sailors get older and not perhaps wiser, someone always leaves the sailing flock and purchases a power boat of at least 39 feet. This is normaly done for sake of "we are geting older and can't take the sailing live any longer".Well, the answer is now at hand, just make arrangements to get together at your best protected anchorage and spend the afternoon and night rafted together. Normaly the power guy will have a genset of at least 4KW plus and a spare AC plug that you can connect to. Then if you can have AC onboard just flip the breaker and enjoy.
I agree with all that has been said BUT,as we sailors get older and not perhaps wiser, someone always leaves the sailing flock and purchases a power boat of at least 39 feet. This is normaly done for sake of "we are geting older and can't take the sailing live any longer".Well, the answer is now at hand, just make arrangements to get together at your best protected anchorage and spend the afternoon and night rafted together. Normaly the power guy will have a genset of at least 4KW plus and a spare AC plug that you can connect to. Then if you can have AC onboard just flip the breaker and enjoy.
My wife and I love to jump in.
Yes, we jump in the water and just stay there until we are chilled. We get out with lowered body temps and even in 90 degree weather we feel cool to cold. As our water temps increase it take longer for our body temps to decrease, but it has been the only thing that keeps my wife on the boat in high heat. The first time we did this,about 2 years ago in 90 degree temps, my wife came out water with goosebumps. Jumping in is now a spur of the moment thing. If we get hot or feel abit sticky, over the side we go. Last week we drifted about 3/4 mile while enjoying the cooler water. Hint, if the surface temp is high, stay close to the boat. The rudder and keel stir up the cooler water. At night, with the limited power of batteries, I have taken 3 CPU fans that run on 12volt and consume less than an amp in 4 hours and rigged each of them to a cigarette lighter plugs. My wife has the option of either one in the fo'c's'le and/or just below the forward hatch. She has yet to use both at the same time. We like to spend time anchored out and not on an umbilical. r.w.landau
Yes, we jump in the water and just stay there until we are chilled. We get out with lowered body temps and even in 90 degree weather we feel cool to cold. As our water temps increase it take longer for our body temps to decrease, but it has been the only thing that keeps my wife on the boat in high heat. The first time we did this,about 2 years ago in 90 degree temps, my wife came out water with goosebumps. Jumping in is now a spur of the moment thing. If we get hot or feel abit sticky, over the side we go. Last week we drifted about 3/4 mile while enjoying the cooler water. Hint, if the surface temp is high, stay close to the boat. The rudder and keel stir up the cooler water. At night, with the limited power of batteries, I have taken 3 CPU fans that run on 12volt and consume less than an amp in 4 hours and rigged each of them to a cigarette lighter plugs. My wife has the option of either one in the fo'c's'le and/or just below the forward hatch. She has yet to use both at the same time. We like to spend time anchored out and not on an umbilical. r.w.landau
Carry-on AC unit
We have had this unit for two seasons now and love it! It cools down our catalina 310 on even the hottest days. I highly recommend it.
We have had this unit for two seasons now and love it! It cools down our catalina 310 on even the hottest days. I highly recommend it.
Consider the Portable unit for the hatch
We have one on our Catalina 310 and it was the best $850 we ever spent. Works extremely well.
We have one on our Catalina 310 and it was the best $850 we ever spent. Works extremely well.
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