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Old 06-19-2018, 04:00 PM   #1
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Leave A/C running when away?

Quick question, finally got all my new A/C units installed and going, one in berth, one in salon, one in galley. Should I leave one or more units running during the weekdays when no one is on the boat? We use it every weekend only. I have a frig that I'm concerned about get to hot with the units off. Advice please.
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Old 06-19-2018, 04:28 PM   #2
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Well, yes, maybe. I would leave just one unit on, set at about 80 (during summer) to keep the temps and humidity down. But make sure that all sea water connections are good, particularly the one from the raw water pump and the one to the thru hull discharge. You don't want to fill your boat with water.


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Old 06-19-2018, 04:33 PM   #3
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Hot as it is down here in summer, I would leave them set on 78*. Winter I set it just on dehumidify.
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Old 06-19-2018, 05:27 PM   #4
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Maybe it goes without saying, but be sure you keep bromine tabs in the condensate pans. A plugged condensate drain will soak your carpets...ask me how I know.
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Old 06-19-2018, 07:21 PM   #5
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Maybe it goes without saying, but be sure you keep bromine tabs in the condensate pans. A plugged condensate drain will soak your carpets...ask me how I know.
What does the Bromine tabs do?
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Old 06-19-2018, 07:25 PM   #6
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I live aboard so I leave them running when it is hot or humid. Typically just the salon at around 78 to keep the humidity down.
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Old 06-19-2018, 07:46 PM   #7
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What does the Bromine tabs do?
Prevent slime/sludge from building up and blocking the condensate drain line. Work better than the pan tabs sold at HD/Lowe’s. Still need to put the wet vac on the condensate line thru hull every 3 months or so.
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Old 06-20-2018, 06:21 PM   #8
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I run a dehumidifier that drains into the galley sink. Run one air conditioner set at 80 degrees. The dehumidifier keeps the boat dry at around 50 % relative humidity.

Ted
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Old 06-20-2018, 06:54 PM   #9
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I run a dehumidifier that drains into the galley sink. Run one air conditioner set at 80 degrees. The dehumidifier keeps the boat dry at around 50 % relative humidity.

Ted
what dehumidifier do you use? would you buy the same one again ? I don't feel comfortable leaving my air on . it's an old boat and you never know when a bad connection could pop up .also really strong winds can blow the water out and set her in the mud. we only use the boat every other weekend or once a month. but I would like to control the moisture inside.

I would love to here anyone's recommendation .
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Old 06-20-2018, 07:07 PM   #10
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Curious about your dehumidifier as well? When it is cold and clammy I have to turn my AC down to the low 60's and I'd rather not
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Old 06-20-2018, 07:55 PM   #11
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I use a cheap Home Depot dehumidifier. Cost about .12 boat units and has lasted 3 summers in Florida.

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Old 06-20-2018, 08:13 PM   #12
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We put the salon and forward cabin units on Humidifier mode and it works well for us.

We just had a blocked hose this past week that I blew out with a small inflator from HD.
I like the idea of a bromide tab though!
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Old 06-21-2018, 06:01 AM   #13
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I don’t know y’all. I have certainly contemplated the idea before, and down here in NC, it certainly gets hot enough to want to... but dang... I would never be able to sleep at night knowing there was a high-flow pump just waiting to fill up my boat with water. Sure, chances are very low. And while lots of people do it and I have never heard of a boat sinking from this, to me, it’s not worth the risk.
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Old 06-21-2018, 06:08 AM   #14
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I worry too......have thought about a 110v relay to ac and pump (or just pump) controlled by a float switch or water sensor.

If it was just to the pump, my ACs throw a code and shut down.... but I think I would prefer just cutting the power.
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Old 06-21-2018, 06:31 AM   #15
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I leave mine running, have no concerns about it as the system is keel cooled so water intake is not required...
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Old 06-21-2018, 06:49 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by timb View Post
what dehumidifier do you use? would you buy the same one again ? I don't feel comfortable leaving my air on . it's an old boat and you never know when a bad connection could pop up .also really strong winds can blow the water out and set her in the mud. we only use the boat every other weekend or once a month. but I would like to control the moisture inside.

I would love to here anyone's recommendation .
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00UW...op_mb_pd_title

This is the unit I purchased. Very happy with the unit and would purchase it again. Noteworthy points are:

30 pint dehumidification per day
Programmable humidistat
Fan shuts off when not dehumidifying
External hose connection
Cleanable air filter

Ted
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Old 06-21-2018, 07:07 AM   #17
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I worry too......have thought about a 110v relay to ac and pump (or just pump) controlled by a float switch or water sensor.

If it was just to the pump, my ACs throw a code and shut down.... but I think I would prefer just cutting the power.


I too have considered the same kind of rig, but my pump is below the waterline, so I would still worry about water intrusion. Not sure if the worry is valid, but I would still not be comfortable with it. YMMV ;-)
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Old 06-21-2018, 07:34 AM   #18
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I leave one A/C on.
I am gone for 2 month and when I get back, all is well.
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Old 06-21-2018, 07:42 AM   #19
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Originally Posted by Tom.B View Post
I don’t know y’all. I have certainly contemplated the idea before, and down here in NC, it certainly gets hot enough to want to... but dang... I would never be able to sleep at night knowing there was a high-flow pump just waiting to fill up my boat with water. Sure, chances are very low. And while lots of people do it and I have never heard of a boat sinking from this, to me, it’s not worth the risk.
You don't feel your boat is seaworthy? Lack of plumbing integrity and bilge pump capacity? Do you now turn all your seacocks off when you leave your boat (some people with sketchy plumbing do this as a preventive measure for same). Do you shut shore power off at the pedestal too to prevent electrical fires?

The plumbing should be as solid as that of a house.

It won't be the pump action itself filling your boat with water, unless it is a poorly secured hose from the AC to the overboard through hull, as it will be shut down by the AC when water flow stops.
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Old 06-21-2018, 07:52 AM   #20
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I’m too worried to leave the AC units on. Even though the boat is in hot and humid Florida, I just turn on my two little humidifiers and shut off the ACs. I’ve done that for about a year and no mold or mildew problems so far— even during the hurricane.

I’m not comfortable with a cooling hose breaking or condensate drain clogging.

These are the little humidifiers I have. I drilled a hole in the tank and just put them in the sink. https://www.amazon.com/hOme-Small-De.../dp/B072C3NMK1
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