Replacing an AC Unit

[mrsparkj]

My original AC unit, 1987 Carver Aft Cabin, has finally called it quits. Time to replace. Before dropping the $1500 for a new 16,000 BTU unit, I was going to ask experts out there is it really necessary to run AC all summer to help with the fiberglass hull of a boat? Heard opinions both ways. The reason I am asking was I was looking at getting a $400 portable unit that vents out the sliding window to use when I stay aboard and only run the unit when I am there vice all the time. I live in DC, gets humid in July/Aug but figured I could run fans when I am not there and I have window shades to help keep inside cool. Any thoughts?? Thanks in advance!!

[waybomb]

I only run the ac when it's hot and we are on the boat.
Never heard of having to run the ac all the time

[Lyndon670]

I was going to ask experts out there is it really necessary to run AC all summer to help with the fiberglass hull of a boat?

I have no idea what this means....

I run the AC from the minute I get on the boat to the minute I go home. And when I am leaving, I place the 2 salon units, the front guest stateroom unit and the master stateroom unit into "humidity" mode until I return the following weekend.

Takes the dampness out of the boat.

[mrsparkj]

Thanks for the responses. Fred, agree with your thoughts.....no need to run the AC when your aren't there......no one to keep cool!

[Viper]

That's a new one to me. The only reason I can think of for running them all the time would be to keep the humidity to a minimum. That would help minimize mould, musty odours, etc. but if you keep windows open a bit, a little breeze is all it takes to replace stale air, a fan helps too. Personally I don't like leaving my units on while I'm not there. Remember that they pump raw water, should the system spring a leak, a warm and humid cabin would be the least of your problems.

[Lyndon670]

With the humidity mode on, the pump isn't energized. The ECU monitors the humidity in the air and turns on the fan at intervals/speeds. Works great.

[Ramsport47]

Simple answer...No, it is not necessary to run the AC all summer. Fiberglass doesn't really care if it is hot or not. AC is (or was) an option, so, those that never had it, never had any issues with their fiberglass.

[tomschauer]

I agree with all above, your boat does not need to be air conditioned, it is for personal comfort only. A/C compressors, reversing valves etc. have a limited life of xxxx running hours. I personally wish those hours to be while I am on the boat.

[CYO Admin]

In addition, the though of a failure some where in the system while I was away all week scares me a bit.