It is way too hot

[savarese1]

Has anyone done any sort of insulation so that the cabin is more comfortable in this extreme heat? The a/c ,s are working really hard but just can not keep in the heat of the day. After the sun goes down we seem to be in good shape. I am curious to see if others are in the same boat and if they have a solution.

 

[Boatsb]

My front windows are covered but my 16k keeps the salon cool even after running the engines all day. It's hot below after running. The insulation in the er helps.

My guess is you have lots of exposed windows. By covering my windshield I reduced the ac load by about 2k btu. Also remember the number of times you open and close doors will effect the temp quite a bit.

 

[bobk]

Are you getting a good temperature differential between supply and return air? If not, you might have a water flow restriction or condenser needing a cleaning.

Bobk

 

[savarese1]

Thanks for te input thus far. Our a/c functions fine and is up to date on all maintenance. The issue is the heat, the heat index is 110 down here.

 

[SEVEN]

I have the fiberglass window covers on all windows. It really cuts down on the heat. There are 2 different mesh sizes. The more dense is the best but the windshield cover needs to be removed while cruising.

 

[jim rosenthal]

I have a Sunbrella cover on the triple windshield on the front of the cabin. I also have curtains on the side windows. Also, since a lot of heat comes in through the triple windshield, I have a big piece of Mylar insulation inside the glass, propped in there. It isn't fancy but it keeps a lot of the heat out. You can get rolls of it at HD or Lowe's- it's used for insulating houses- basically it's bubble wrap with Mylar on each side of it. Cheap and effective.

 

[PeterK]

I have a Sunbrella cover on the triple windshield on the front of the cabin. I also have curtains on the side windows. Also, since a lot of heat comes in through the triple windshield, I have a big piece of Mylar insulation inside the glass, propped in there. It isn't fancy but it keeps a lot of the heat out. You can get rolls of it at HD or Lowe's- it's used for insulating houses- basically it's bubble wrap with Mylar on each side of it. Cheap and effective.

I do the same and it makes a huge difference!

 

[SEVEN]

You can always move to Northern California. Did I say that? Sorry but it's 56 degrees here right now.

 

[saltshaker]

Tinting the Windows will also make a huge difference. Are you positive all the filters are clean as well as the coils on the air handler? I have a filter at the return and on the air handler right in front of the coil. Are your fans moving enough air?

 

[hoop1013]

I have all the salon windows tinted with a UV resistant tint and keep the blinds down all day. In the pilot house I have a "Phifertex" screen wrapped on the exterior of the windshield with silver backed corrugated insulation behind it on the center 3 panels (think of the folding panels used on car dashboards. With all of that said the salon A/C can't keep up on its own. If I close the pilot house to salon door then the salon will stay down to 72 with normal on/off cycling. Or I can run the pilot house A/C and keep the door open..... Too much sun makes MUCHO heat !!


Hoop
1978-58' MY Soo Easy

 

[Angela]

I agree with RSmith. In the summer, down here, clouds are your best friend.

 

[Angela]

I mean I agree with "hoop".

 

[rsmith]

I say that too. When I moved here I found out the hottest time of year was inbetween seasons when there is no daily tropical cycle going on and nothing to block the afternoon sun.

 

[LUV'N LIFE]

y

1/2" foil backed foam board on glass with 1/8" black plexiglass covering. No more heat intrusion. No lowere helm, so no problem.

 

[Walter P]

Frank,

That really looks good.... how did you attach everything together? I have a 48' 1982 Hatteras MY which
has a very similar front windshield arrangement.

Walt

 

[LUV'N LIFE]

Walter,

When I dropped off the paper templates at the shop that would cut the plexiglass, the owner said that 100% silicone adhesive was best to secure plexiglass to any surface. My windows were already tinted and it was in good shape. I siliconed the foam boards silver side out to the windows after a good cleaning. Couple days later the plexiglass was ready. I lightly sanded one side of the plexiglass, cleaned the surface and applied the silicone. After setting in place against the previously installed foam board, the Admiral held the glass while I positioned a piece of plywood covered with a towel on the glass and held it tight against with a pole. Left it supported for 24 hours before hanging the next window. The glass cutter followed my templates so well that a 1/4" space all around the window was faired with black silicone. The black plexiglass does not allow any silicone to show thru.
The plastic Windows have been up for over 2 years in Florida heat and no sign of movement. 1/8" plexiglass and foam board are not very heavy.

 

[Bottom Line]

I thought I saw a post on here a while back about a heat reflective film from 3M that is applied to the outside of windows that have dark film tint on the inside. I used the search function but can't find. Does anybody have any knowledge or experience with this kind of film?