A/C while at dock

[tsawyer]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v492/tsawyerjr/AC.jpg

This is my A/C panel. For those of you in the hot/humid environments, do you keep your A/C running all the time?

I have a Humidity Control setting, I'm not sure what that is, on my panel.

If I don't run it, the temp in the cabin will hit 95+ every day.

Should I let it run or keep it at 85?

Thanks.

[k9th]

It depends on your situation. Some marinas discourage letting the A/C run when no is on the boat for an extended period of time because of high power bills.

I am a little wary about leaving anything running when I am gone for more than a few hours, especially if it involves pumping water into and out of the boat. I also unplug all appliances, except refrigerator, and electrical items when I leave for the week since I am only there on weekends.

It comes down to whatever you are comfortable with.

[tsawyer]

The boat is docked in my back yard, so I can keep a close watch on it.

[Big D]

I always see units running with owners away for the week. I also always wonder how long it would take for the water pump to sink the boat if a line failed!! It's one thing for a bilge pump to keep up with water intrusion at a normal flow, it's entirely different when it's being pumped in. I'f you feel you must leave it on, I would keep it set high as you stated so it's not on as long. But you must ensure that all the hardware is trustworthy while you're away. Also advise the marina that the unit will be running in your absence and ask that they just look in your vessel's direction once in a while to ensure it's not going down.

[Big D]

Sorry, I didn't see the back yard thing until after I submitted. Keep an eye on her.

[sehord]

Nothing stinks worse than coming home and seeing your boat on the bottom. It is just not worth it. The heat is not an issue, the issue is the humidity, which makes your boat musty and grows mold. Pick up a dehumidifier, run the drain into your shower or sink discharge and run that. It'll keep it dry save the risk of a sink later. With anything running you run the risk of fire, but you can't prevent everything.....

[captainmaniac]

The other risk to leaving the AC running is weeds / debris / general junk in the water being sucked up into the intake... If you are there you will likely notice reduced water flow. If not, it won't take long to cook a water pump and possibly the AC unit itself if the water intake gets plugged.

[RWS]

10 meter on a lift behind the house.

I have a 120 volt fan with an oscillating head set up with a timer that runs about 18 hours a day.

I also keep the sliding door open a crack and have on occasion left the port open in the head (with the factory screen intact)

This has worked well for the past 8 years. No mold, no mildew in the salon.

Sometimes get some on the cockpit vinyl, but that's par for the course in SW FL.

RWS

[Stripermann2]

I too have the humidity control on my SMX series. When programmed, it will cycle the unit on periodically to help dehumidify the boat. It'll cycle on, run for a bit, then shut down. On mine I can program for certain times of the day.

Keep in mind that chances are greater that a leak after the condensing unit's discharge line, to overboard, from a rupture, will most likely cause more havoc than a intake hose rupture between the pump and condensing unit on newer programmable units This is because the unit will shut down the pump and unit when it sees an overheat condition, due to flow loss. Water should always for the most part, stay outside of the boat!

But to be on the safe side, shut her down completely when not on the boat...how long can it take to start cooling things down while you tend to other chores at the boat?

[tsawyer]

Ok, I think I'm going to keep the a/c unit off, have a fan run all the time, and crank the a/c unit up once a week or so just to cool down and dry out the cabin.

Thanks for the replies.

[foofer b]

Man, I wish I had your problem.