Heaters, dehumidifiers and air conditioners for year-round sailing

The heating system allows the boat to be used even in winter. The heating system can be air or water heating. The fuel supply is diesel fuel, and the fuel is normally drawn directly from the engine tank.

A timer allows the system to be preset to turn on so that it periodically counteracts moisture buildup or heats the room in advance of arrival on board.

For cool and warm weather

Boat air conditioners work in a similar way as household air conditioners: with electricity, pump and compressor. Power consumption is quite high and requires either connection to 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 freestanding models that cool only one room (usually the square) and centralized systems with vents in each room, which are obviously much more expensive. As for heating, one can instead opt for an electric resistance system or one with cycle reversal and heat pump. In the review, we also included an innovative boat dehumidifier.

The air heating system is easy to install. An adjustable fan blows warm air to every room on the boat. Fuel is taken directly from the engine tank.

A water heating system makes the boat resemble a home. Heating is provided by radiators placed in the various rooms, hot water as desired (consistent with the capacity of the tanks), and the ability to preheat the engine.

Prices

An air heating system starts at about 1,500 euros, while water models cost 20 percent more. An air conditioning and heating system costs at least 1,800 euros without on-board installation.

Eberspächer / Airtronic

Eberspächer’s Airtronic range consists of five models with different power levels: the system draws in fresh air from the same room or from outside and heats it by sending it through a piping circuit to the different cabins. Used in ventilation mode, it also allows rooms to be cooled during the summer season. The heater is connected to the on-board batteries and tank, and is characterized by its absolute quietness and extremely low electrical and fuel consumption, thanks to a very low minimum power stage that allows constant operation.

INFO HERE.

Veco Climma / MK3

Designed for marine applications, all air conditioners in the Climma Compact MK3 range are water-cooled; compact, quiet, run on eco refrigerant and come already with a reverse cycle option so they can heat the room. Also available in cold-only or electrically heated versions. For multiple installations, a replay box is also available so that only one seawater pump can be used.

INFO HERE.

Velair / compact air conditioners

Ranging from 7k to 21k BTUs, VELAIR air conditioners can effectively and precisely air condition the rooms of sail or motor boats of different sizes depending on the model selected. Models with inverter technology (10k / 16k / 21k BTU) can adjust the frequency of the compressor, depending on the required performance, thus reducing power consumption, vibration and noise, thus optimizing the gradual control of room temperature.

INFO HERE.

Ecor Pro / DryFan 12

This British-made dehumidifier is specially designed for use on boats. The unit is made of stainless steel, which is why it is free from corrosion risks: it has no reservoir, and moisture is exhausted through a duct. It can remove up to 12 liters of water per day.

INFO HERE.

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, works as a cabin dehumidifier.

INFO HERE.

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