The air conditioning and heating system allows the boat to be used even in winter. The heating system can be air or water. The fuel supply is diesel and the fuel is normally taken directly from the engine tank.
A timer allows you to pre-set the system’s ignition, so that you can periodically counteract the formation of humidity or heat the environment in advance of your arrival on board.
Air conditioners for cool and warmth
Boat air conditioners work in a similar way to domestic air conditioners: with electricity, pump and compressor. Electricity consumption is quite high and requires either a connection to the shore power or a running generator.
The most efficient systems are those that draw water from the sea via a pump to cool the system.
Among others, there are small independent models that cool just one room (normally the saloon) and centralised systems with vents in each room, which are obviously much more expensive.
When it comes to heating, you can opt for a system with electric resistance or with cycle reversal and heat pump. We have also included an innovative boat dehumidifier in the review.
The air heating system is easy to install. An adjustable fan blows warm air into every room on the boat. The fuel is taken directly from the engine tank.
A water heating system makes the boat look like a home. It is heated by radiators in the various rooms, hot water as required (depending on the capacity of the tanks) and the possibility of preheating the engine.
preheat the engine.
The prices
An air heating system starts at around 1,500 euros, while water models cost 20% more. An air conditioning and heating system costs at least 1,800 euros without on-board installation.
Eberspächer / Airtronic
The Eberspächer Airtronic range consists of five models with different power levels: The system draws in fresh air from the room itself or from outside and heats it up, sending it via a piping circuit to the different cabins. Used in ventilation mode, it also cools the rooms during the summer season. The heater is connected to the on-board batteries and to the tank, and is characterised by absolute silence and extremely low electrical and fuel consumption, thanks to a very low minimum power stage that allows constant operation.
INFO: www.eberspaecher.it
Veco Climma / MK3
Designed for marine applications, all the air conditioners in the Climma Compact MK3 range are water-cooled; compact, silent, they run on eco refrigerant and are supplied with the reverse cycle option for heating the environment. Also available in cooling only or electrically heated versions. For multiple installations, a replay box is also available so that only one pump can be used for seawater.
INFO: www.veco.net
Velair / compact air conditioners
With a range from 7k to 21k BTUs, VELAIR air conditioners can effectively and precisely condition the rooms of sailing and motor boats, of different sizes depending on the model selected. The models with inverter technology (10k / 16k / 21k BTU) can adjust the frequency of the compressor, depending on the required performance, thus reducing consumption, vibration and noise, optimising the gradual control of the room temperature.
INFO: uflex.ultraflexgroup.com
Ecor Pro / DryFan 12
This British-made dehumidifier has been specially designed for use on boats. The unit is made of stainless steel and is therefore corrosion-free. The unit is made of stainless steel and therefore has no risk of corrosion: it has no reservoir, the moisture is discharged through a duct. It can remove up to 12 litres of water per day.
INFO: www.ecorproducts.com
Webasto / Air Top
Webasto is a leading manufacturer of heaters. Today its range includes models for boating, heating or air conditioning and heating. Air Top is the air heater for boats over 40 feet. Easy to install, it works as a cabin dehumidifier.
INFO: www.bcoolengineering.com
