reverse cycle ac

[easyg]

Hi All. I am considering the purchase of a 36' sundeck trawler that does not have any ac/heat . I have researched the costs of units and figure it's going to run about $4500 to buy and install a 16000/18000 btu reverse cycle unit with three discharge ports (main salon, aft cabin, and forward galley/berthing area). My questions to the group... I plan on living aboard in the mid chesapeake area bay for the winter(freezing temps) . I will also be in Florida for some of the hot months (95+ and humidity 90%) eventually. Is one unit sufficient to keep me comfortable, (inside tem. range of 68 in winter, 80 in summer)? I have had some people tell me I need 2 or 3 units. Also regarding the cold months...once the outside water temps drop below 37F, the units can not be run (?), in which case I will need alternative heating solutions. Any insight, suggestions? Thanks

[zinbaad]

I installed a 12,000 btu Mermaid ac/reverse cycle unit aboard. Reasonably cools off forward berth & galley but does little to cool pilot house with 6' duct. Reverse cycle heats berth ok with some in pilot house also. The unit I chose was not the the reverse cycle unit ( but that is what he installed) I wanted unit with Heating element installed so water temp would not be issue. For heat in the colder months I use a small elec heat unit ( I think 1500 2500 watts?) which works fine in berth area & pilot house, inexpensive, guaranteed heat without stressing the a/c.