How to Select an Air Conditioning Unit for Your Boat
The boat’s ventilation, heating, and air conditioning system is well-designed to provide climate control. It is also useful in keeping the occupants cool and comfortable during summer weather, toast-warm season, or when the humidity level is very high. These units are also helpful in guarding against bad odors associated with mildew and mold, as well as enhancing the value of a boat. To improve your sailing experience and make your trip as fun as possible, you should select the best air conditioning unit for your boat. Sailors who want to extend their cruising season should consider investing in the right ventilation and air conditioning unit for their boats.
Why Should You Ventilate Your Boat?
- To reduce the chances of moist air development, which is mainly ca
used by trapped humid and moisture. - To maintain a dry climate and thus extend the life of your fabrics and electronics
- To reduce humidity and moisture level below the deck, especially when the boat remains unattended
- To minimize or reduce the development of osmotic blisters, which are mainly associated with the saturation of moist air
Passive and Active Ventilation
There are main categories of ventilation: active and passive. With active ventilators, fans are used to keep the air moving when the boat is moving or is still or breeze. Solar energy is used to power the fan. The size of the fans chosen depends on the volume of the boat. Active ventilators come with both exhaust and intake fan blades to increase the flexibility if the ventilation system.
On the other hand, passive ventilators like clamshell vents, cowl vents, ventilating sails, hatches, grilles, louver, and ports work by providing an access path were air can either leave or enter the boat. The system works fine when the boat is moving.
Features of a Good Boat Air Ventilation System
A property designed air conditioning system should ensure that air is circulating freely throughout the boat and prevent water, spray, rain, or waves from coming aboard. It should have provisions for the intake of fresh or new air and exhaust of the old air. Most experts recommend that a ventilation system should provide about one air-change every hour.
Sailors should set up their boat ventilation system to provide an adequate flow of exhaust and intake ventilation wherever possible. To increase the airflow within the boat, you should install a pair of vents with an average rate of 800cu.ft per hour.
The head and the cabin should be well ventilated. The best way of ensuring this is by installing vent grilles and louvered doors to increases the circulation of air into the forepeaks, lockers, as well as other isolated areas.
