HVAC on an LM27?

[saildoc]

My wife and I are really enjoying our new (to us) LM27! We've been able to get out to the boat several times a week, not always sailing - but even just hanging out; we find the boat so livable and comfortable. Under sail, I have been favorably impressed with how she handles and her comfortable motion. No speed demon, but sure-footed and responsive. The Volvo diesel has been rock solid as well. I just wish I could tell what she was gonna do in reverse gear as it seems different every time. All the posts about that trait are for real! Still, it has all been great fun!

The one challenge is that we have had enough heat and humidity this summer to make me wonder about installing marine air conditioning aboard. It can get stifling at the slip, even with fans and all hatches wide open.

I don't know alot about it, but it seems there'd be room under a settee berth or in another nook and cranny to locate a marine unit - has anyone else succumbed to the temptation?

Thanks..

Doc M.
Piper, LM27
Oshkosh, WI

[Sula]

Heat is not a problem that troubles us much here in the UK, sadly! (We are reluctant experts in chilly and damp.)

I know nothing about a/c installation, so I've no idea as to its suitability, but there is some empty space under the aft deck of the LM27, though it's not very accessible. (This where I have a blown air diesel heater mounted.) Other possibilities include the cockpit lockers, though it's a shame to lose the storage space, or the aft section of the engine compartment, above the stern gland and prop shaft. Depending on your particular layout and accessories fitted there may also be some unused space under the wheelhouse seat.

[thompsontwins]

Hello,

My brother bought one of those cheap portable cube mini air coolers off Amazon, fill it with water, plug it in and away you go. Think it may work off USB. I laughed when I saw it, but it is surprisingly efficient in our LM24 cabin. Just a suggestion, I don't know if it would be any use where you are.

Paul

[saildoc]

Thanks Sula and Paul...

I know enough to be dangerous about this, so I'll certainly consult with a pro installer first, but I feel like there are a number of locations in the 27 that could contain the base unit. Whether or not I can route ducting, drain lines, and the required through hull is less obvious. But it seems doable?

Paul, if I'm right, those mini-devices are also known as 'swamp coolers' and can work surprisingly well - depending on the relative humidity of your location. If it's hot AND humid - no go. Has to be hot and dry to get any real cooling benefit. Boy, that'd be great though - a fan sized device that really cools with no major installation of components. Not here in the upper midwest USA though..

It really heats up in the pilothouse as well as the cabin around here though and ventilation only goes so far. The added benefit of a marine unit that offered heat as well, could help extend our schizophrenic sailing season come September/October too..

Thanks for your thoughts..
Doc

[jandane]

That is funny! Here in LM-country, Denmark, such a device has never been an option! In the summer the maximum averages 25dg with few days warmer and many days cooler. I have never thought of cooling down my LM, but ofcause considering your place of sailing, the heat can be a burden. One learn something new every day.