Aircon in UK waters?

[Blue Seas]

Boat came with four largish US style aircon plants with associated large seacocks etc.

First thought was to remove it all to give more space and less clutter - I do not intend to travel further south than say Biscay in this particular boat. The current inclement weather probably gave me a further nudge to say we did not need it.

I'm now having second thoughts (age) - What do those who have it / lust over it think? How often do you use it in UK summers?

 

[markc]

Is it reverse cycle?

 

[Blue Seas]

Is it reverse cycle?

Yes, but it does not come close to providing enough heating in winter - we have two diesel heaters, one blown air and one water circuit.

 

[markc]

I'm not sure it's worth the expense and hassle of removing it unless you really need the extra space, especially if it would be a bonus or must-have for any future owner.

 

[Mr Googler]

Yes, but it does not come close to providing enough heating in winter - we have two diesel heaters, one blown air and one water circuit.

Thats suprising. I had reverse cycle on a previous boat and it was toasty

 

[aerobat]

We spent our last season in the netherlands and there were summer days in june / july where we were simply glad we had aircondition . It was a great comfort .

Never heared somebody wants to tear apart a working aircondition system .

If you do not need it just leave it off but you have the option

 

[ashtead]

If you find yourself in the StHelier bowl aka marina in the Sumer you would be grateful for the AC . Only place apart from perhaps Ocean village once in10 years where we put up sun awning over decks I can recall

 

[ari]

It depends to some extent on the type of boat.

Something like a Fairline Targa 40 probably doesn't need it in the UK as there are small hull windows, opening overhead hatches and the natural cooling effect of the hull (the bit you're in when in the cabin) sitting in cold water providing some cooling effect.

A Fairline Turbo 36 or similar however, main deck saloon so you're not as 'in the hull' when inside and the (hot if just run) engines are directly under the floor, no flybridge overhang providing shade, windows sloped toward the sun at either end (windscreen and aft doors), can get very toasty due to the greenhouse effect of all that glass and minimal openings.

 

[Blue Seas]

I suppose I had better wait till the warmest day of the year and make the decision after that then.
I skippered a few super yachts in Florida / Bahamas (only just over 100' back then) and yes it was essential there - but a pain to maintain with the marine grown at inlets.
Also, the bolt heads stick in my bum when servicing the engines so that makes me grumpy to start with.

 

[Elessar]

Boat came with four largish US style aircon plants with associated large seacocks etc.

First thought was to remove it all to give more space and less clutter - I do not intend to travel further south than say Biscay in this particular boat. The current inclement weather probably gave me a further nudge to say we did not need it.

I'm now having second thoughts (age) - What do those who have it / lust over it think? How often do you use it in UK summers?

I wouldn’t fit it in the uk I used it infrequently but it was lovely when I did. Mad to take it out IMO. Worked well as heating too.

 

[DAKA]

Boat came with four largish US style aircon plants with associated large seacocks etc.

First thought was to remove it all to give more space and less clutter - I do not intend to travel further south than say Biscay in this particular boat. The current inclement weather probably gave me a further nudge to say we did not need it.

I'm now having second thoughts (age) - What do those who have it / lust over it think? How often do you use it in UK summers?

We are based on the south coast uk and current boat has 3x air con units ( we have had it for the last 20 years. )
Some years we don’t use it.
Most years we use it a few times.
We used it a lot last year and the previous year.

Depends where you visit.

Always windy at Yarmouth for example so not needed but a few miles away in Berthon marina and Swanick marina it can be airless

Doesn’t need much care at all , I pump antifreeze in the above waterline outlets in October to keep the 240v raw water pumps lubricated

Biggest problem with not using it is the 240v raw water pumps get crud in them so best to run the motor every month or two for 60 seconds , once the antifreeze is in the system it is happy not been used for months but still best to turn the air con for 60 seconds every month or two , can be done with the Seacocks closed , it keeps everything free and circulates the oil in the system.

I didn’t have it on the last boat and I fitted it after one hot June ( we had a baby on board and it just made sleep times easier)

Current boat is a Princess 360 with lots of glass
Last boat was Fairline Corniche also lots of glass

I agree with others that a sports boat with a velour coffin style interior probably doesn’t need it in the UK