A question of comfort
THE POWER
First it is necessary to define the power. It is expressed in watts or kilocalories (a kcal/h = 1.16 watts.) In practice it is estimated that a 1500watt heater is suitable for a volume of 20 to 25m3, one of 2000 watts for 30 m3 and one of 5000 watts fo 70 m3.
YOU HAVE THE CHOICE
Different solutions are proposed for the boat: independent heater, independent pulse air and multi position heating.
Independent heater for those not consuming electricity but it leaves its combustion gases in the cabin which implies necessary ventilation.
Fixed pulse air heating permits drying and rapidly heating a cabin or boat. It draws fresh air in from outside and heats in a thermal exchange before pulsing it into the boat. This heating must be supplied by diesel, Kerdane or gas. It has an adjustable thermostat. The discharged gases are discharged outside (chimney) and the air constantly replenished which prevents condensation. It permits one to heat all cabins (or may be isolated to heat smaller areas.) It is the solution when one wants to heat the whole boat.
Independent pulse air heaters (fuel) which supplies a single cabin (or two divided.) The sole constraint is the tank below the apparatus.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE USE OF YOUR BOAT
Electric heating (220 volts)
Connected to the quay it only heats the main cabin. Use at port after a day of wet sailing.
Independent Pulse Air Heating
Heats the main cabin and an adjoining. It can be used on weekend trips, at evening mooring for heating the interior.
Pulse air heating
Fixed installation and heating power is determined in accordance with boat volume. It can be used at sea during winter sailing or even if you live aboard in port. It heats the whole boat.
Water heating (radiator)
Used at sea or in port. Heats the whole boat. Certain versions also provide hot water.
THE TYPE OF HEATING
Type of heating Use Advantages Disadvantages Limits Electrical Booster Dry heat Needs 220 V Use in portOr with a pump Air pulse Port and cabin Install oneself Small volume one cabin Independent navigation Oneself heat or 2 divides Air pulse (gas, Port and Economic Passage Power petrol or diesel) navigation gains maximum 3000 W Diesel water Number of Possibility Installation by Power Cabins hot water a professional maximum 12000 W |
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AIR CONDITIONING
Not only reserved for large boats. Of course there must be a 220volt power supply (quay or generator.)Reversible models provide two functions: air conditioning and heating. For those who use many ports it is a good solution, they can utilise power on the dock. In summer it supplies cold, in winter heat (reversible air con.) For power, on a boat equipped with a main cabin and two cabins, expect to use between 22000 and 30000 BTU. 30000BTU consumes about 2200 watts or 10A on quay sockets.
“Even in a hot country, pulse air heating permits drying the interior after wet sailing or a day of rain.”