Tips for onboard climate control

The season is heating up. A quality climate control system can surround you and your crew with a "bubble" of perfect weather--even if it's scorching hot on the water! Your family and crew will be comfortable aboard and your boat and its equipment will be protected from trapped-moisture damage. West Marine has the cooling and ventilation systems you need to make summer boating more pleasant for you and less taxing for your boat.

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Air Conditioning

West Marine's exclusive Cabin Mate Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner by Dometic Environmental combines the compressor, condenser, evaporator and fan together in one unit. The thermostat even comes pre-calibrated! Install the unit and run 12V power to it, then just add ducting to the spaces you want cooled. Output ranges from 5,000 to 16,000 BTUs. (From $1319)

Another very popular option for those who don't want to install a permanent AC system is Dometic's Carry-On Portable Air Conditioner. This portable unit (weighs 70 lb.) and requires no installation at all. Simply place it over a hatch, adjust the fabric hood and plug it in to 115V AC shore or inverter power. It churns out 7,000 BTUs of cool, dry air to keep the cabin comfortable. Use it on multiple boats! ($899.99)

Ventilation

Proper ventilation is an easy and necessary upgrade to protect your interior from moisture damage. The other benefit is that good ventilation extends the life of your boat's equipment.

* Reduces moisture and humidity belowdecks

* Minimizes the growth of mildew, mold and airborne microbes

* Onboard electronics and fabrics stay dryer and corrosion-free

* Prevents blisters in your boat's finish by maintaining a dry interior

Experts recommend that the total volume of air in your boat be changed out at least once per hour. Ventilators are divided into two categories: "active," which are powered to turn a fan, and "passive," which are simply air inlets such as cowl or mushroom-type vents. The most important aspect of your ventilation scheme is ensuring adequate exhaust flow. This is best accomplished by using "active" ventilators in strategic areas to force stale air out of the boat's interior.

One of our favorite new active ventilators is the Stainless-Steel Solar Vent from ICP. It uses a solar cell to charge its NiMh batteries, so it can move an impressive 1200 cu.ft. of air per hour. ($149.99)

An effective and stylish new passive vent is the Teardrop Carbon-Fiber Cowl Vent. Carbon fiber is the strongest, lightest material available for cowl vents. The striking gray/black crosshatched finish gives every deck a sleek, high-tech look. Clear UV topcoat prevents sun damage. (From $299.99)

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Fans & Dehumidifiers

Without proper airflow and dehumidification, your cabin can rapidly become a Jurassic swamp. Smelly growth and costly damage can ruin the boating experience in any season. To keep things dry and cool, selecting quality fans and dehumidifiers is essential.

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The Kona 12V Weatherproof Fan sports a range of new features that enable it to endure marine challenges that other fans can't. Splashproof housing and aerodynamic cowling design make it a functional addition anywhere aboard and the suction mount allows you to move it. ($89.99)

Goldenrod Dehumifiers stop mold, mildew and dampness from getting their claws into your cabin by keeping the temperature high enough to prevent the condensation in the air. (From $35.99)

Another way to combat damage caused by condensation is to position moisture-attracting packs throughout your cabin. ZoneDry uses an absorbent powder to collect moisture. It contains five 180g individual ZoneDry packs. ($9.49)

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Conclusion

Keeping your boat cool and ventilated is about more than just comfort--proper climate control saves you money and extends the life of your boat and equipment. Protect your investment and make your boat more comfortable this coming season! All products discussed above are available at West Marine and BoatU.S. stores, online at westmarine.com or by calling 1-800-BOATING.

By Chuck Hawley, Vice President of Product Development, West Marine

COPYRIGHT 2005 Boat Owners Association
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group