Date: 22 June 2022. Seaweed is too Hot (Mistakes were Made, part 1)

© janice142
 

Last summer I had saved enough money to upgrade my air-conditioning system from a 5000 btu wall-banger to a much larger RV unit. Then I came into the difficulties of finding the one I wanted due to supply side interruptions. Finally on 17 September 2021 I was able purchase the Penguin II with heat pump made by Dometic.
 

As noted in the comments of the Adding Renogy and Upgrading Solar Regulator (#4 in series) article, on 16 Oct '21 The newest ac arrived (Dometic Penguin II 15k btu with heat pump for an rv) deep breath!!! This will work off a Honda2200eu (soft start to be installed in ac unit) however now I am looking into starters for the Honda. As you know, any addition to a boat brings complications.

Covering a generator is always a good idea.

Side Note re using a Honda2k to start my Air Conditioner when at anchor: I do not own one, yet. The problem is, unless the Honda has been running and is warm, I am unable to start the 2000 model. If the generator has been running, I can restart it like an expert. Let the unit be cold and nothing I do works. This is the main reason why I opted for a Yamaha1000 portable generator.

Smaller engine equals lower compression
 which translates to something I can start.
 

If you are like me and not quite as physically strong as you once were, consider a smaller generator IF it will provide enough power for your needs, OR get a generator with a built-in starter. I opted for a Yamaha because this brand of generators has a fuel shut off valve. I turn off the (ethanol free) gas feed and four minutes later the unit sputters to a stop with the carburetor empty of fuel.

But I digress...
The original 5000btu wall-banger worked. In the dead of summer with 90-plus degree temperatures (32 Celsius) the heat was too much for my small air-conditioner. Seaweed has a lot of windows and those provide a perfect greenhouse effect, heating the interior. Additionally, as I get older heat bothers me more.
 

Seaweed has a lot of windows. This photo ↓ is from 10-plus years ago.

The pilothouse and galley are surrounded by windows that
let in sun. This is a perfect recipe for a sweltering boat interior.

The solution for that greenhouse effect combined with an inadequate ac unit was a simple shower curtain. A fabric curtain closed off my pilothouse. This allowed my 5000btu Haier air conditioner to cool just the galley on the hottest days of summer.
	Small 3/8" #4 screws hold the shower curtain when needed.
Side Note: Years ago I purchased 100 small 3/8" long size #4 screws. It is amazing how often I have pulled out that jar of stainless screws.   Further details on ways to cool your home can be found in the Tips for Cooling the Boat article.

Eventually I came to accept that while at a dock I wanted a bigger/better air conditioner. That is when I turned to my readers and friends for advice. The 13.5k BTU Dometic Penguin II unit with a heat pump was recommended. The specs looked more than adequate for my Seaweed.
 

Thus began my quest for a new spiffy rooftop air conditioner for Seaweed. More details follow in the next article. Thank you for reading.

Does your vessel have an air-conditioner?
Is it a marine a/c unit or an adapted RV unit?
 

COMMENTS:
 

© 2022, © 2023

Categories:  Comfort, Gear,

Estate Sale Book Finds ~ Previous Post ...   
... Next Post ~ Ordered Dometic AC (Mistakes were Made, Part 2)
 

I am also an Amazon Affiliate.