![\"_MG_6299.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/setsail.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/04\/MG_6299.jpg\" "\\"_MG_6299.jpg\\"")
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On our sailing designs we have typically been able to avoid air conditioning by engineering good air flow at anchor. But with the FPBs the heat load on all of the glass makes air conditioning a necessity. Back aboard now in Fort Lauderdale, with the sun directly overhead, and temperatures in the afternoon at 88\/90F (31\/32C), we are putting this to use, and thought a few details might be of interest.<\/p>\n
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To begin with, we have just two 16,000 BTU units in the great room, a 12,00 BTU unit forward, and a 10,000 BTU system aft. All four compressors are \u00a0in the basement, with the salon and forward cabin units drawing their return air from the basement (which is much quieter but less efficient than getting their return from the living areas).<\/p>\n
The norm would be much larger compressors, in particular for the great room, which means a much bigger genset, and having to run the genset under way. Making the smaller compressors work \u00a0involves reducing the heat load on hatches and windows.<\/p>\n
As you can see in the photo, there are awnings over the foredeck and great room hatches, and over the side windows. In addition, the windows have a 3M film which reduces heat load from infra red by as much as 50%.eSo how does this work on a windless canal in Fort Lauderdale? With the aforementioned 88F\/31C ambient, it takes about an hour to drop the great room temperature 10F\/6C, and another hour for an additional 5F\/3C. The forward and aft staterooms cool much quicker.<\/p>\n
At anchor, we rarely use air con if there is any breeze. If the breeze dies, or the bugs come calling in the evening, we close the boat up, run the air for a couple of hours, and then shut down at bedtime. WIthout sun load we stay cool until morning.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"