A/C while away

[LHFixer]

I returned to by boat last night and my neighbor was all upset that I left my A/C running while I was away. He was certain that I would sink my boat. I thought he was overreacting. I mean this thing has been in service for 25 years without a problem. I don't see it suddenly bursting a pipe and filling the bilge. My dog would probably die from the heat if it wasn't running.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Eric

[TADTOOMUCH]

I would think that if you have people at your marina who look after things during the week and if you have checked all hoses and clamps regularly that with dual bilge pumps capable of 1100 GPH each that even if a hose broke at 500GPH you could stay afloat as long as you did not lose power too. If a hose broke then the pump would only run until the AC overheated and then it would not pump at 500GPH anyway. It would just leak somewhere. I don't think it is a huge risk but there is some risk. The dehumidificaiton helps keep the rest of the boat in good shape by not being baked all summer or getting musty and moldy.

That's why you have insurance. For the worst case scenarios that can happen.

Relax have a cold one and don't worry.

[rickalan35]

Agree with Tad on everything everything except possibly his insurance comment. They (the Ins Co.) might not be pleased with the fact that you were away from the boat with the system still running. I suppose I've grown to distrust them over the years.

When neighbors complain at my marina it's because of the sound of the water discharge.

Rick

[prowlersfish]

Mines on right now . what would the boater next to me say ? nothing his is on also .

[Stripermann2]

" If a hose broke then the pump would only run until the AC overheated and then it would not pump at 500GPH anyway. It would just leak somewhere."

Tad, if the hose ruptured before the a/c unit, then yes, there would be a possibility that the unit may shut down the pump if overheated. Then whatever flow coming into the strainer and pump would possibly leak into the bildge.

But...the discharge side would leak huge amounts. If the leak or burst happened after the a/c unit...between the condender coils and the discharge thru-hull. The a/c unit would still be functioning and cooling.

The idea on newer electronic controlled units would be to program the unit to control humidity, this way the boat stays cool by being cycled during the week while away, without too much fear of damage.

[jwrape]

My slip neighbor runs theirs all the time. They have a 03' Sea Ray but it still runs all the time. But they got more money than god.

As far as someone complaining about water discharge, that's stupid for them to complain about water discharge. I mean, you are on the water, your gonna hear water related sounds and should expect it. If they have a problem, then that is their problem. Don't listen to your neighbor. He will get over it.

Personally I turn mine off just because of the age or my units, the wiring, and the cost of electricity, never really thought of a pipe bursting but most of my parts are replaced and updated so I shouldn't have a problem.

[willietrojan]

I would have to agree that leaving anything on to include air conditioners is not safe if you’re not going to be onboard! you’re A/C could overheat and start a fire that could burn your whole Marina down. I don’t even leave my shore power cord plugged in when I go home after the weekend.