ac 40 sailboat

The AC40s are built at McConaghy’s state-of-the-art production facility, using a 7 axis CNC machine.

In light winds the AC40 is expected to be able to sail at up to 26 knots at 46º upwind and 30 knots boat speed at 138º downwind. At the upper limits of 20 knots TWS, the boat speeds are expected to escalate to 39 knots upwind at 41º and 44 knots at an angle of 155º downwind.

There are currently eight AC40’s under construction at McConaghy, with America’s Cup teams lined up awaiting possession.  These AC40s will be used by the Challenging teams for testing, development, Match Race training and preliminary events, and competed in for the Youth and Women’s America’s Cups.

The AC40 is available for purchase by private owners.

  “While the genesis of the AC40 project comes from the familiar design and innovation of the people within the Emirates Team New Zealand design department, we have really had to push the limits by utilising a combination of the best of the New Zealand Marine industry as well as key offshore partnerships. Specialised elements like the rigs are being built by Southern Spars and the boat building talent we have at the ETNZ build facility are producing the foil arms. We also have a great partnership utilising the production power of an organisation like McConaghy Boats in China for the hulls, decks and fit out as well as North Sails Marine group with the aero package.” – Richard Meacham, ETNZ

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America's Cup: New AC40 provides AC75 pathway for Women, Youth and new teams

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VIDEO: How to sail the AC40

Published on October 11th, 2022 by Editor -->

The 37th America’s Cup will use the newly conceived AC40 as the testing platform for all entrants, offering the ability to trial different foil wings and flaps along with sails and masts.

The AC40 also has a strict one design configuration that will be used for the Youth and Women’s America’s Cup.

Fresh from commissioning the launch of the first AC40, Emirates Team New Zealand Helmsman Nathan Outteridge explains how to sail the boat.

Following the publication of the AC37 Protocol and AC75 Class Rule on November 17, 2021 , the AC75 Class Rule and AC Technical Regulations were finalized on March 17, 2022 . The entry period opened December 1, 2021 and runs until July 31, 2022, but late entries for the 37th America’s Cup may be accepted until May 31, 2023. The Defender was to announce the Match Venue on September 17, 2021 but postponed the venue reveal, confirming it would be Barcelona on by March 30, 2022 . The 37th America’s Cup will be held in Summer/Fall 2024.

Teams revealed to challenge defender Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL): • INEOS Britannia (GBR) • Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI) • Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (ITA) • NYYC American Magic (USA)

Training timeline: www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2022/04/21/training-calendar-for-37th-americas-cup/ Noticeboard: https://ac37noticeboard.acofficials.org/ Additional details: www.americascup.com/en/home

Source: Team New Zealand

Tags: AC40 , America's Cup , Nathan Outteridge , Team New Zealand

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Ep12: Road to the 37th America’s Cup →

First glimpse of the AC75 racing →

America’s Cup: Alinghi dismasted again →

America’s Cup: Are teams ready to show? →

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A 40-Foot Foiling Yacht Inspired by America’s Cup Racers Will Be the Star of a New Grand Prix

Designed by emirates team new zealand, the speedy new ac40 is based on a previous winner of the auld mug., rachel cormack.

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Racing your own advanced foiling yacht on the high seas sounds like a dream, and three marine heavyweights have teamed up in an effort to make it a reality.

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Crafted from carbon composite, the 40-foot newcomer is capable of reaching speeds in excess of 50 knots and can be operated by four crew (two drivers and two trimmers). You don’t need to be an Olympic sailor to helm the AC40, either. The yacht is equipped with an automated control system to simplify flying. In addition, all the sail and foil controls are driven by battery-powered hydraulic systems. The yacht can also be unpacked and afloat in 48 hours, so you won’t need a big support team.

The AC40 will first be put through its paces at the 2024 Youth and Women’s America’s Cup in Barcelona, with 12 international teams committed to both events. The AC40 management group is eager to expand beyond that in the future, though. It wants private owners to compete in a new AC40 Grand Prix Circuit. It’s even setting up a Mediterranean training base where the AC40 fleet will be located. Here, seafarers will be able to hone their skills in an AC40 simulator and obtain an AC40 Class License before the race season kicks off.

“The AC 40 Gran Prix circuit represents the first ever opportunity to sail and race a privately owned yacht designed by an America’s Cup winning team,” Luca Rizzotti, AC40 Class Manager, told Robb Report via email. “The AC 40 will bring exhilarating speeds with the peace of mind that the most advanced, automated flight control systems are helping you fly the yacht.”

This “dream” will cost you, of course. The AC40 is priced at a cool $2.85 million.

Rachel Cormack is a digital editor at Robb Report. She cut her teeth writing for HuffPost, Concrete Playground, and several other online publications in Australia, before moving to New York at the…

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Winds of change: how AC40 boats are advancing women’s racing at the highest international level

New to this America’s Cup is a series of events aimed at advancing women’s sailing and raising their profile on the world stage, Marilyn Mower shares.

Although a few women were present in the America’s Cup’s earliest regattas, their participation over the years has been inconsistent: Susan Henn (1886) aboard the Irish challenger Galatea , Enid Wyndham-Quin aboard her father’s challenger Valkyrie II (1893) and Phyllis Sopwith aboard Endeavour in 1934 and 1937. 

The American defenders were just as few and far between, with only Edith Hope Goddard Iselin, who celebrated victory three times between 1895 and 1903 on Vigilant , Defender and Columbia , Gertrude Vanderbilt on Ranger (1930), and Elizabeth “Sis” Hovey aboard the J Class Rainbow in 1934 sailing as crew.

In 1995, after a 61-year drought, Bill Koch, who won the Cup in 1992, sponsored an all-women America3 challenge aboard 12-Metre Mighty Mary skippered by Dawn Riley, with Leslie Egnot helming and Annie Gardner navigating. They were eliminated by Dennis Connor and Stars & Stripes , who was beaten in turn by the Kiwis.

And that was it. As Riley once quipped, a woman’s chance at getting a crew position on an elite offshore racer was largely determined by her answer to the question: “Can you cook?”

Not all that is down to sexism; today’s Grand Prix boats have such heavy loads that muscle and body mass are important, although women have been sailing in fair numbers in endurance races.

Credit Grant Dalton, CEO of America’s Cup Events, with being among the first to see the AC40’s potential, originally developed for training and testing, as a perfect platform for women’s racing at the highest international level and to build the next generation of sailing stars.

The boats are truly plug and play. All were built by McConaghy to a single design with foils and systems by Emirates Team New Zealand, and all use a strictly limited sail inventory. But the keystone that makes these perfect for the women sailors is that instead of cyclors creating the power for the hydraulic controls à la the AC 75s, the AC 40s are powered by lithium-ion batteries, so it’s all about the sailing.

In 2023, Barcelona-based Puig, a global premium beauty and fashion company, committed to underwriting the Women’s America’s Cup as a pathway to future participation by more female athletes. Upwards of 70 athletes in Barcelona will compete for the 2024 Puig Women’s America’s Cup.

For Abby Ehler, offshore sailor and Puig Women’s America’s Cup event co-ordinator, “The Puig Women’s America’s Cup is the most exciting initiative that I’ve seen for female participation in sailing in my career. This will strengthen the pool of sailors aiming to make it to an elite level and supporting those pursuing technical shoreside roles. We are providing a platform and opportunity for female sailors globally and creating high-profile role models that will inspire young girls at the grassroots of our sport.”

The format and challenges

The Puig Women’s America’s Cup will follow the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup event for sailors aged 18 to 24, which premiered at the 36th Cup.

The competitions feature 12 teams, each representing a different yacht club or sailing organisation. Six are affiliated with the AC75 teams, and six are national teams from countries not fielding a Cup program this cycle.

The format will be rigorous and exciting, featuring a series of fleet races to challenge the teams’ tactics, teamwork and adaptability to wind and sea conditions. This round-robin is followed by knockout rounds, culminating in match racing finals where the top two teams vie for the title.

In addition to the teams affiliated with the AC 75s, the six nations backing youth and women’s teams are: the Netherlands, Australia, Spain, Canada, Germany and Sweden.

The AC40 is new for the Louis Vuitton 37th America's Cup and has been chosen as the boat for both the UniCredit Youth & Puig Women’s America’s Cup events. The multi-use foiling monohull is also used for sailing and testing purposes by all the confirmed teams.

First published in the September 2024 issue of Life under Sail.

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In the August 2024 issue of Yachting World magazine: News Few finish a tempestuous Round The Island Race European rules are eased for cruising to France and Greece Olympic sailing…

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First America’s Cup AC40 races: France and New Zealand share wins

• Helen Fretter
• September 16, 2023

At the America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta in Villanova light winds made for a frustrating day of low-riding rather than foiling for the AC40s, but Day 1 still delivered some surprises. Helen Fretter was watching from the water

It was a day of firsts in Villanova, some 30 miles along the coast from Barcelona today: the first races in the 37th America’s Cup cycle, the first ‘proper’ races in the new AC40 one-design class , and the first chance to see how the new teams – and new crew combinations – compare with one year to go until the Cup proper.

This first America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta event has a slightly different feel to the usual Cup events – something of a matinee performance. The practice races earlier this week were a chance for teams and organisers to iron out a few teething problems, while the event also had a pleasing air of informality – there are no paid for spectator stands, instead racing is free to view from the beach, and the team bases are equally matched marquees without any glossy hospitality quarters.

Although today began hot and still, by lunchtime the flags were fluttering well and the 200-plus Pati Catala dinghies (a classic local design that has no tiller or rudder, but is instead steered by trimming the mainsail and shifting bodyweight) were racing off the beach for a special celebration regatta in moderate breezes.

Coming off the foils can see an AC40’s boat speed halved compared to a boat in flight mode.

At the pre-start for Race 1, all teams were burning around on their AC40s with ease. The on the water view from a team chase RIB was a frankly eye-opening indication of the closing speeds that can occur with six foiling AC40s in confined water. They may be just 40ft, but with some teams reporting hitting over 50 knots in practice sails (see Matt Sheahan’s column in the current issue of Yachting World for more), these are not toothless mini-models, but a genuinely impressive class in their own right.

When there’s breeze, that is…

America’s Cup AC40s first race

Sadly by the start of Race 1 the wind had dropped, and with around 7-8 knots at the gun few teams were positioned for a clean foiling start. With just 1 minute 40 seconds to go the French Orient Express Racing Team had dropped off their foils and were sluggish in the water, but recovered impressively to cross the line at speed on port, and keep going, maintaining flight and pace to round the top mark in first.

Close behind them was Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli , who traded places for 1st place as the breeze began to fade and the AC40s came off their foils onto a low-riding displacement mode. The remainder of the race was characterised by the curious sight of crews climbing out of their stream-lined, aero-efficient cockpits to stand on the bow to lift the AC40 transoms out of the water.

With a shortened course the leading French and Italian pair crawled down to the finish line, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli with right of way on starboard. But as the boats made their final gybes the Italians picked up a penalty for their foil coming too close to the French. This gave the French Orient Express Racing Team the first ever event win in the AC40s. In a final twist, it turned out that Luna Rossa had started incorrectly and were DNS.  [In a final, final twist, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli was then reinstated 2nd place later that evening]

The French team went into this race as the outsiders, having only taken delivery of their AC40 in mid-August. They were, unsurprisingly, delighted with taking the first win.

Orient Express Racing Team trimmer Jason Saunders commented after racing: “Yeah, we’re surprised. The training hadn’t been going as well as that.

“We’d actually been struggling a lot in those [light] conditions and we’ve spent a lot of time analysing the data, analysing the footage that we’ve got, and we’re just super happy for the whole team, because it’s a massive team effort to be able to help us to progress. And today we were able to put that into place and we showed that we certainly improved. Once we’re up and foiling, we’re able to match with the best. That’s pretty positive for day one.”

Low riding mode

With a fading breeze racing the start of Race 2 was delayed, and it looked very likely that racing would be abandoned for the day. However, by 5pm some boats had headed to the top of the course and were foiling unassisted, with other teams using their chase RIBs to tow their AC40s to get them up to speed before casting off in flight mode, and the race committee quickly followed suit by setting off Race 2.

The start area, however, was still in a patch of much lighter wind, and one by one the AC40s fell off the foils in the pre-start. All but one, in fact, with Alinghi holding flight mode to cross the line on foils and pull away in a completely different race. Behind them the French made another good start with INEOS Britannia behind, both firmly stuck in low-rider mode.

Halfway up the first beat, however, Emirates Team New Zealand got back up on foils and, racing at twice the boat speed of all the other teams (Alinghi also having dropped back down), essentially sailed rings around them, approaching the top mark for the final time while other had barely rounded it for the first.

Emirates Team New Zealand was noticeably able to get their AC40 foiling earlier when other teams were in low-rider displacement mode at the America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta in Villanova.

Getting back on the foils

One observation I heard in Villanova, which seemed confirmed by today’s races, is that Emirates Team New Zealand are often seen to foil first, in 5-6 knots of breeze, with other teams needing 1, 2 or more knots extra to get back up onto the foils mid-race.

For teams struggling to foil, the alternative is to sail in VMG displacement mode, sailing the most direct route to the mark. With shortened races, such as today, this also gives the advantage of protecting their position on the course as teams are scored according to their placing on the water if they do not finish the race.

There seemed to have been some confusion over how these points were awarded for those watching the TV commentary, but there was no doubt the teams were racing for rankings on the water no matter how they would be finished (a bit like a Whiskey flag to award tail enders in a dinghy fleet with a result).

The AC40 crews using body weight to get their boats moving when not in foiling mode. Photo: ACEM

Ben Ainslie , skipper and Principal of INEOS Britannia , explained that it’s a balancing act between knowing when to best sail as fast as you can in displacement mode, and when to try and get back onto foils:

“We were actually not in that bad shape sailing around in displacement mode [in the second race]. We were in second place, saw New Zealand had go back on foils, decided to try and pop up, but we didn’t make it and got overtaken.”

“You got to make sure you’ve got some runway, you’re not too close to the boundary going into it. Then you’re trying to figure out is there enough wind, you’re looking at the wind speed on the boat, also looking at the wind on the water and what the other boats are doing, have they got up or not?

“And of course, there’s a lot of technique in it. The Kiwis are very good at it – kind of not surprisingly, they got great sailors and they spend a lot of time in the boat. So, yeah, we’re certainly in catch up mode on that.

“It’s a lot of things. It’s to do with the setup of the boat, of course, the aero side of things, but also the foils. And then, like any other boat, really, it’s just very subtle. We all know how difficult sailing any boat in light airs is. It’s a very subtle technique: when to trim on the sails, when to try and accelerate and when to try and lift the boat out of the water, drive, the pitch of the boat. It’s really dynamic and takes a lot of choreography.”

Does that stance look similar to the one above? The local Pati Catala vintage catamaran dinghies are sailed with body weight rather than a rudder. Photos: ACEM

Today might not have showcased the AC40s’ real potential on their debut, but it did prove that the Kiwis are not actually invincible, and that no team – even the least experienced – can be discounted.

Tomorrow there’s a more solid breeze forecast, and bigger sea state forecast, which is likely to deliver the teams a whole new set of boat handling challenges.

Everything You Need to Know About American Magic's AC40 "America."

The new AC40 one-design yachts are foiling monohulls that measure 11.3 meters long and are capable of achieving high speeds in the high 40-knot range. They are incredibly agile and maneuverable, making them the perfect match-racing platform.

At the start of March, "America" was launched, and now, it is undergoing rigorous testing and development. Later this summer in Barcelona, Spain, the NYYC American Magic team will commence two-boat testing with a second AC40 yacht.

Click now to watch exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the NYYC American Magic team and their cutting-edge new AC40 yacht, 'America'.

"We went out the first day, left the dock, and did the tow testing that was required just to check the systems and everything. We hoisted some sails and checked the geometry of the sails; we cut the tow and sheeted in, and three minutes later, we were foiling, and the first maneuver was a foiling tack," said Tom Burnham, Coach for NYYC American Magic.

"The AC40 with four people on board is two helmsmen and two trimmers. The windward helmsman is steering the boat; the only real control they need to do besides steering the boat is putting the board down and pulling it up. The leeward helmsman is like the flight controller, it's an autopilot and flight control on the AC40, but there are still a lot of settings involved in getting the boat to foil properly." Tom added. 

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Ac40 americas cup boat for sale.

Gallery Images

Presenting the AC40, a scaled AC75 foiling day-racer designed by Emirates Team New Zealand and built by McConaghy.

​ A one-design class that brings America’s Cup foiling performance to a competitive racing circuit.

​ With self-tacking headsails and battery power replacing grinders, the yacht is sailed by two helmsmen and two trimmers. An autopilot control system maintains stable flight.

The AC40 hull shape is based on that of Te Rehutai- but is already a generational step forward incorporating a number of developments learned after the completion of AC36 last year.

In usual America’s Cup fashion, the AC40 design and production timeline has been highly condensed yet achievable due to a global collaboration led by Emirates Team New Zealand design team with Dan Bernasconi and Richard Meacham central to the management of the production process with Mark Evans Group Managing Director of McConaghy Boats.

“While the genesis of the AC40 project coming from the familiar design and innovation of the people within the Emirates Team New Zealand design department we have really had to push the limits by utilizing a combination of the best of the New Zealand Marine industry as well as key offshore partnerships.

​ With the likes of Southern Spars and the boat building talent we have at the ETNZ build facility for more specialised elements like the rig and foil arms, we also have a great partnership utilizing the production power of an organisation like McConaghy Boats in China for the hulls, decks and fit out as well as North Sails Marine group with the aero package.” said Meacham.

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5 Best Sailboat Air Conditioners

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

It's quite easy to imagine yourself anchored near an island, sipping juice from a young coconut without a worry in the world while aboard your sailboat. But complete comfort can only be possible if your sailboat is fitted with one of the best air conditioners (ACs).

Sailing in the hot scorching sun or tropical heat is great. But the reality that you have to deal with such hot weather and the possibility of suffering from heatstroke can be some of the major drawbacks. Sure, you can take a dip into the water or take a shower to mitigate the sweltering heat and sweat but this can only work for a few minutes if not seconds. As such, nothing is more comfortable than having your sailboat fitted with high-quality air conditioning if you want to get rid of that heat.

If you, like most of us, do not fare well in sweltering temperatures, investing in one of the best sailboat air conditioners should be the right thing to do. A sailboat air conditioner will ensure that your sailboat has the right temperature, humidity level, and airflow so that you can have a comfortable, memorable, and enjoyable sailing experience even when the temperatures are quite high.

There are hundreds of sailboat air conditioners on the market today. This makes it quite overwhelming to choose the right sailboat air conditioner for you. But as we always do, we are here to help you choose the best sailboat air conditioners that will allow you to enjoy your sailing escapades and make the boat appropriate even if you're traversing the waters with your young ones.

Table of contents

The Importance of Having a Reliable Air Conditioner on Your Sailboat

Sailing, especially in the summer, generally means that you'll have to deal with temperatures on the north of 95 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity that's close to 90%! Sailing in such temperatures is hands down challenging. Add to the fact that it can be extremely cold at night or during winter, and you have several reasons to have a reliable sailboat air conditioner installed on your vessel.

Honestly speaking, sailboat air conditioners are quite costly, especially for those of us who are cruising on a budget. However, their importance in ensuring that you have an enjoyable sailing experience and do not suffer from heatstroke can never be downplayed. With a reliable air conditioner, your sailboat will be comfortable, cool, and air will circulate in your boat, which is essential in preventing mold.

Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Sailboat Air Conditioner

Besides being expensive, an air conditioner plays a crucial role in making your vessel more comfortable and enhancing your sailing experience. You certainly do not want to end up with a poorly working air conditioner. This is exactly why you must have a well-thought-out plan when in the market for the best sailboat conditioner.

Here are things to consider.

Size and Layout of Your Sailboat

The right air conditioner system is one that can efficiently cool or arm the entire boat without struggling. The larger the boat, the more powerful the air conditioner system you will need. Of course, you'll need more than one unit if your boat has several cabins. You'll also need space for an engine room if you choose a split air conditioning unit.

The Size of the AC Units

Modern AC units are designed to be lightweight, easy to set up, and install. These are some of the most important features to consider when choosing an appropriate AC for your vessel. You do not want to end up with a bulky unit that may not fit in your vessel.

The Air Conditioner's Power Requirement

One of the most important things to consider when choosing the best sailboat air conditioner is the unit's power requirement. Generally, you need to have generous battery banks, a powerful inverter, and an efficient source of power such as a generator or solar panel.

Most air conditioners are noisy when they operate and this can be irritating. You should go for an AC unit that is less noisy, especially if you're a light sleeper.

Your Planned Sailing Ground

Weather conditions generally affect how an AC unit will work. Of course, the unit will work a lot harder if you are sailing in hotter climates than when sailing in colder climates. With that in mind, your preferred sailing ground and its climates will determine the appropriate BTU (British Thermal Unit) that you require.

Budget and Maintenance

Keep in mind that sailboat air conditioners can be costly, so you need to consider your budget. Again, it's important to ensure that the unit is well-maintained to operate effectively without breaking down.

Best Sailboat Air Conditioners for 2020

Without wasting much of your precious time, here are the best sailboat air conditioners for 2020.

DOMETIC EnviroComfort Retrofit Air Conditioner

It has to be noted that ACs are generally costly but their importance on a sailboat can never be underestimated, especially when sailing in hot temperatures. You certainly do not want to spoil your sailing experience and that's why you have to invest in a worthwhile AC such as the Dometic EnviroComfort Retrofit Air Conditioner.

Designed with some of the most innovative features in the AC industry, the Dometic AC can perfectly cool down your sailboat and will give your vessel ideal temperatures throughout the year. Thanks to its British Thermal Unit (BTU) climate control feature, you're damn sure that you won't have any problems with whatever temperatures or seasons you face while sailing. Its R-410A refrigerant is eco-friendly and is widely recognized as one of the most environmentally safest gases.

It doesn't matter whether you're planning to sail during the hot summers or plan for ocean crossing during winter, The Dometic Retrofit will always have you back as far as the temperature of your sailboat is concerned. This AC offers 16,000 BTU per hour of cooling and reverse-heating capacities. If the 16,000 BTU per hour is so much for your vessel, this AC gives you the option of sizing down the system to perfectly fit your sailboat so that you can have maximum comfort in varying climates.

That's not all; this AC comes with reliable digital control and a self-contained AC system. It has a pre-installed air filter, which is easy to clean. In terms of installation, this AC is probably the easiest to install, thanks to its easy-to-understand installation procedures.

On the downside, you may have to contend with the system's audible fan, as well as difficulties in programming between heating and cooling. But overall, this AC is the real deal thanks to its superior velocity blowers. Of course, you'll love the fact that it is compact and very small so can fit even in the smallest of spaces.

• ‍ Comes with a pre-installed air filter, which is easy to clean
• It's compact and is built for very small spaces
• It is eco-friendly
• Comes with a high-velocity rotatable blower
• It's ultra-light
• It's energy-efficient
• It's easy to install
• ‍ It's quite noisy
• The blower doesn't move 360 degrees
• Spread controls should be improved
• May experience unintentional temperature fluctuations

MarinAire 16000 BTU/H Self-Contained Marine Air Conditioner and Heat Pump

For first time buyers, investing in the best sailboat air conditioner can be challenging, especially if you do not have the right information about the features that you need in your sailboat's air conditioner. Luckily for you, MarinAire knows what you need in your sailboat as is evidence on this amazing 16,000 BTU air conditioner.

This is unquestionably a top-quality sailboat air conditioner that's designed with built-in pressure gauges so that you don't have to constantly monitor the AC just to see whether or not it's operating efficiently. Manufactured using an SS316 stainless steel drain pan, this AC comes with a sound cover that makes it one of the quietest sailboat air conditioners currently available on the market. This sound cover can reduce up to 60% level of noise.

In terms of size, this is one of the most compact marine ACs out there. It doesn't matter how tiny your sailboat is; you'll never lack somewhere to fit in this superb AC. From its D-Smart control system, its 360-degrees blower outlet to its low start-up current, it's easy to see that this AC has one of the most innovative features in the Ac industry.

This AC comes with a distinctive design, eco-friendly R410A refrigerant, low energy consumption, and works effortlessly to make your sailing experience quite enjoyable.

• ‍ Constructed with lightweight materials
• Comes with a built-in pressure gauge
• Built with D-Smart control system for easier control
• Low start-up current
• The sound cover makes it very quiet
• Designed with 360 degrees rotatable blower
• Very compact and can easily fit in small spaces
• ‍ The electric box can be difficult to use
• The main power cord is extremely short

WeBasto AC Retrofit Unit

When it comes to the best sailboat air conditioners, WeBasto is your go-to-guys. For years, this company has been manufacturing some of the best sailboat air conditioners and the FCF Series is just a testament to what you get from this company: quality, reliability, efficiency, and affordability.

Consuming just an average of about 8.5 amps at 115 volts, this AC is quite affordable in the long run as it's probably the most energy-efficient sailboat air conditioner currently available in the market. First-time buyers will love it as it's very easy to set up and install. This is a sure guarantee that your vessel will have that much-desired cooling and heating effect with fluctuating temperatures of 45 degrees Fahrenheit and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

This AC's compressor is very quiet and doesn't generate that irritating noise like other units while still working efficiently in keeping the cabin at favorable temperatures. More importantly, this unit is designed in such a way that you won't have to worry about servicing it for its entire lifetime.

From the onset, this sailboat AC unit may seem extremely overpriced but it will offer great value for your money in the long run. This AC is designed to be durable and efficient thanks to its superior velocity and 360-degree, three-speed blower. Although you'll have to buy the heat pump separately, this air conditioner offers some of the best features that you may require in the best sailboat air conditioner.

• ‍ Comes with a high-quality anodized evaporator
• The air filter is easy to remove and clean
• The unit is very easy to set up and install
• Comes with multi-capillary ports
• The velocity 360-degree rotatable three-speed blower is superb
• This unit is certified, reliable, and functional
• It's very quiet
• One of the most energy-efficient units
• Offers accurate temperature controls
• ‍ It's quite pricey
• You'll have to buy the pumps separately
• The condenser and compressor are faulty and need to be replaced

MarinAire 14000 BTU/H Self-Contained Marine Air Conditioner

MarinAire is a revolutionary manufacturer in the AC industry and is credited with bringing to the fore the self-contained marine air conditioner. This model is widely popular among boat owners thanks to its practicality, innovativeness, and affordability.

This sailboat air conditioner is designed with superb built-in pressure gauges that are in place to ensure that the entire unit works perfectly without any hitch. It also comes with the MSB Integra compressor that's built with an excellent sound cover to ensure that the noise levels of the unit are significantly reduced by nearly 60%.

The unit's state of the art design not only makes it sleek and modern but makes it a lot easier to use and maintain. Its 360-degree rotating blower is durable and reliable while the entire unit is made using lightweight materials. This is essential in ensuring that it can fit in compact spaces.

It's also structured with the eco-friendly R410A refrigerant, which makes it highly energy-efficient. This unit is arguably one of the best sailboat air conditioners in terms of durability, functionality, and ease of installation.

• ‍ It's highly energy-efficient
• It's eco-friendly
• Offers superb cooling and heating efficiency ‍
• O ne of the quietest units
• Very lightweight and compact
• Easy to install and maintain
• Offers good value for money 
• ‍ Not suitable for other types of vehicles
• Not ideal for home use

MarinAire 11000 BTU/H Self-Contained Marine Air Conditioner

If you've been looking for a smaller but highly reliable sailboat air conditioner, the MarinAire 11,000 BTU/H AC can be your best solution. Like most MarinAire units, this self-contained AC comes with excellent low and high-pressure gauges to ensure that it works efficiently in all climates. This means that you won't have to worry about setting it manually; it will do everything automatically and that's how many boat owners love it.

Its superior centrifugal 360-degree rotatable blower will ensure that the entire cabin is easily conditioned and kept at desirable temperatures. In other words, you won't have to move from one corner of your boat to the other just to feel the cool or warm breeze. Like most boat owners, you certainly want a unit that carries on with its job without much fuss. Well, this AC unit is designed with a superb sound cover to reduce the level of exasperating noise that's widespread in most sailboat AC units.

This unit is designed with an excellent Toshiba R410A refrigerant that is not only eco-friendly but a true guarantee of superior efficiency. When compared to other affordable options out there, this AC unit has everything that you'd want in a perfect air conditioner for your sailboat. It comes with a remote temperature sensor, intuitive display, and more importantly, it's energy-efficient.

This is, without a shred of doubt, an innovative sailboat air conditioner that will take your sailing adventures to the next level. You won't have to worry about getting exhausted because the temperatures are so hot. It's easy to set up, install, operate well and will serve you diligently for many years to come.

• ‍ Comes with an excellent 360-degree blower
• It's lightweight
• It's easy to set up and install
• It's one of the quietest units
• It's sleek, modern, and compact 
• ‍ The control box is bulky
• The control panel is difficult to operate

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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Air Conditioning for Sailboats

Long-term test compares ac choices.

One of the great joys of sailing is the state of near nakedness (literal and figurative) to the wind, air, and sea-and the wisdom that comes with it. From that perspective, climate control seems antithetical to the sailors art. But being Practical Sailor (not Philosophical Sailor) we recognize that even the hardiest round-the-world racers seek temporary refuge dampness, cold, and heat. And for one looking to make the transition from the landlubbers life in temperate climates to full-time cruiser in the tropics, the idea of air-conditioning-despite its huge power demands-is alluring.

Today’s air-conditioning units are lighter and more power efficient than they were ten years ago, but they are still relatively expensive, regarded as luxury items on most boats. The expense of a professionally installed unit on a 35-footer can be as much as a new set sails.

Whenever you are plunking down that much money on a piece of gear, the first question that comes to mind is durability. How long will it last? So, in this, our first in a series of articles on climate control well look at types of air-conditioning and prospective life spans in the real world. (For those who are headed northbound and exploring heat options see Playing it Safe with LPG Heat , Practical Sailor , December 2015).

Photos by Drew Frye

What We Tested

This long-term comparison focused on two products from Dometic, a world leader in this field-the Dometic CruiseAir 6,700 BTU portable air conditioner and the Dometic 10,000 BTU Turbo Air Conditioner. The units were chosen as representatives of two popular types of integral air conditioning units designed specifically for cruising boats, and were confident that most of our findings can be applied generically to each type. To put these two units into context, we compared their specifications, performance, and attributes to those of portable air-conditioners designed for home use but often used by live-aboard cruisers. A fourth type of air conditioner, the split gas system, which allows separate installation locations of the compressor (usually in the engine space) and the condenser coils and fans, will be looked at in a future article. A fifth type, the RV-type permanent roof-top (or hatch) mount is only really suitable for house boats, or boats that are permanently moored to a dock.

Both systems were installed on the same boat-a PDQ 32 – for an extended period. PS tester Drew Frye, who carried out the testing, has several years of experience using with each of these units on board. For comparison sake we included a portable window unit and a portable ducted air-conditioner, readily available at local home supply stores. Since we did not test the non-marine products, we relied on manufacturer supplied data for comparison.

How We Tested

Along with durability, noise and efficiency are the key concerns for most buyers. Using a calibrated decibel meter we took multiple noise readings from the two air conditioning units at a distance of one meter. We took current readings using a Fluke multimeter to compare energy efficiency and peak current loads. Finally, we observed any other notable differences in performance. The data is recorded in the adjacent tables.

Observations

Without question, portable units are cheaper than fixed units. The CruiseAir 6,700 BTU is no longer in production, but Pompanette makes a similar 6,000 BTU unit available from West Marine for about $1,200. Contrast this to $2,200 plus $1,200 in installation parts and materials for the Dometic Turbo 10000 BTU unit. Fitting the ducts and installing hardware for the Turbo can add two days to the DIY job. If you opt for a professional installation, this can raise the total cost to more than $5,000. The expense of a professionally installed permanent AC is a little less painful when you consider that the AC will increase the boats resale value-especially in warmer climates.

Is a DIY installation practical for a permanently installed AC? Sure, if you’re prepared to run wires and duct work and install through hulls and plumbing. The vendors say it can be done in an afternoon, and this is possible for skilled workman in an ideal situation. However, if the job requires complicated ductwork, allow a day for planning and three full days for installation. If you do decide to do your own installation, be careful not to compromise any structural bulkheads when cutting out passages for ductwork.

Follow the instructions rigorously. We have seen many botched installations, both amateur and professional, almost always because the installer did not follow the instructions. To save money on ductwork, buy the insulated duct and inlet/outlet fittings from a home improvement store or an RV store rather than from the manufacturer or a marine equipment supplier.

Floor mounted portables, connected to the outdoors via flexible ductwork, are another option. These are less expensive, only $250-$500 for comparable sizes, but they are still bulky, and they must be secured while the boat is underway. They are not a long-term solution for the mobile cruiser looking for maximum efficiency, but for the low budget cruiser stuck on the dock they are an affordable alternative to sweltering.

Avoid single-hose models. These draw cooling air only from inside, and exhaust hot air out through a duct. Since the air within the boat is often hotter and more humid than the outside air, this can reduce the cooling efficiency by as much as 50 percent.

A dual-hose unit recirculates indoor air and also draws air from outside, which improves efficiency significantly. Dual hose units are all greater than 10,000 BTUs. Some require a drain hose, while others evaporate the water into the hot air stream. Some can also operate as high capacity dehumidifiers.

Noise. A permanently installed air conditioner runs on seawater instead of air cooling, eliminating the often noisy cooling air fan required of all portable units. Testers installed the Dometic Turbos compressor and circulating fan inside one of the PDQs salon settees. With the settee seat cushions in place, the unit was very quiet-air hissed through the vents and the compressor emitted a low rumble.

The noise difference is considerable. Testers recorded 67 decibels for the installed Dometic Turbo vs. 75 decibels the smaller portable CruiseAir. Remember that a 10 decibel increase represents ten times the sound energy-so the difference is significant.

Tone. The sound pitch can also make a difference. The installed Turbo was lower in pitch and less intrusive than the CruiseAir. Quiet conversations were nearly impossible when the CruiseAir was running, while the noise of a permanently installed AC is can be nearly unnoticeable if installed correctly. Since the industry sound rating system is not directly comparable our own ratings for installed units, we did not rate the untested units for noise. Experience tells us that the standup and window portables will be closer to the hatch-mounted CruiseAir in terms of noise.

Distribution of cooling. With a portable air conditioner-any type-the person sitting next to it freezes. Distribution through the cabin can be aided by fans, but it will always be uneven. With installed air, vents take the air wherever you want it. However, it is important that area of the supply vent inlets falls within a recommended range. If a vent is too small efficiency suffers. If the inlet area is too big, the flow of cooler air is reduced.

The return volume must also meet the manufacturers minimum requirements, and the return inlet should not draw air from the bilge or engine space, which would not only spread odors and be inefficient, but also present a hazard.

Maintenance. The portable units require no maintenance, other than annual air filter cleaning. A permanent, central air conditioner requires regular raw water strainer cleaning, every 8 to 100 hours, depending on the amount of sea grass and nettles in the water. An external strainer is also required. This, too, needs to be checked for blockages, especially in high fouling areas.

Durability. The Dometic CruiseAir portable survived 18 years of seasonal use without complaint. Frye defied manufacture warnings, leaving it in place during many coastal passages on his catamaran, since it was too heavy to reasonably move and occupied too much space in the cabin. He lashed it down tightly, but that didn’t save it from spray and occasional green water. In the process of moving it, it took a few hard knocks. Eventually, the clamps on the leveling mechanism began to slip, but they were easily replaced with pins that were fabricated from fiberglass tent poles.

Weight. Excess weight is always a concern for sailors. The Pompanette 6,000 BTU unit weighs 53 pounds and the Dometic Turbo 10,000 BTU weighs 47 pounds-plus 17 pounds worth of installation parts (64 pounds total). The added weight of the installed unit is carried much lower, reducing pitching and lowering the center of gravity.

Storage Space. The compressor and condenser coils will occupy one small locker, and you’ll give up parts of other lockers for the duct work. This is the time for that house cleaning you’ve been putting off. Portable units require space when stowed for sailing, preferably where they are out of the way.

Power Requirements. The Pompanette 6,000 BTU portable draws 17 amps to start and 6.9 amps running. The Dometic Turbo, 10,000 BTU draws 14.5 amps to start and 6.7 amps running. It incorporates Dometics Smart Start capacitor and controller to reduce load spikes during start-up. The Avallon 12,000 draws a whopping 10.8 amps running, pressing the maximum safe running load of a 15 amp circuit. Clearly, the Dometic unit is the most efficient, and that translates not only into lower power bills, but also into reduced installation complexity. The Dometic, aided by the smart start controller is easily served by a 15-amp circuit, while the Avallon portable is bumping right up against the maximum.

Inconveniences. Carrying a 55-pound AC unit around the side decks, on-and-off the dock, and down below can be dangerous. Even with two people, getting it down through the companionway is still tricky. What is the cost of a single serious injury? When the unit is stored below for a foul weather passage, it must be well secured and takes up valuable space. If left in the deck hatch during fair-weather sailing, it blocks the view, blocks natural ventilation through the hatch, and snags every sheet that comes near it.

No matter how carefully fitted, hatch units leak rainwater during squalls. Because the close proximity to humid air where they fit through the hatch, most drip condensation. Window units and dual hose units also have concerns.

The only inconveniences of installed AC are opening the seacock and cleaning the raw water strainer. Locate both so they are easy to access. The strainer should have valves on both sides to reduce water spillage. The seacock should be closed when not in use (safety) and for 24 hours every few weeks. Closing the seacock for 24 hours prevents marine growth by eliminating oxygen and by allowing the concentration of copper ions in the water, leached from the copper coil, to reach preventative levels.

Hatch Mounted Units

A step above home store window units, hatch mounted units are a good temporary solution for dockside living while your moored to terra firma doing boat work or rebuilding the cruising kitty.

Dometic CruiseAir 6,700 BTU

We knocked this one around, it took green water right over the top several times (not while running), and though noisy and annoying to have on deck, it just kept running. I doubt many users abused theirs any more, although they may have more hours on them.

Bottom line: Recommended as a second-hand purchase.

Pompanette 6000

Very similar in size and weight to the CruiseAir, we’ve observed them on other boats but not studied them in depth. Those users we interviewed reported zero mechanical problems.

Bottom Line: Consider saving up for installed air.

Installed Air Conditioning

This is the option best suited for long-term cruising, because all of the critical components remain below decks protected from the elements. This feature is especially important for saltwater sailors. The premature failures with installed air systems that we know of stem from installation shortcomings, usually in the raw water suction design.

High intake loops that collect air result in unreliable operation. Oversized water pumps cause premature wear on the coil-bigger is not better in this case. Stray current can eat the cooling coil on the inside, and water leaks can drip seawater on the cooling coil, rotting it from the outside. Low voltage due to undersized wire or poor connections can strain the compressor. Properly installed, the unit should be as reliable and durable as a shore-based unit.

Dometic Turbo DTU 10 10,000 BTU

Dometic dominates this field with several lines of air conditioners to meet specific needs. Its smallest unit is the 3,500 BTU Cuddy, we opted for the 10,000 DTU 10 model.

This unit is quiet and efficient. Although the installation is time-consuming, the several days of boat yoga are well worth it. The very low power draw is a big bonus, allowing us to stay at marinas with modest power supplies.

A DIY installation requires good power tool skills and common sense (see aforementioned caution about penetrating structural bulkheads). It will likely require several days of steady work, or you can pay a contractor $1,000-$2,800, depending on the complexity of the installation and location of your boat.

Bottom line: Installed air is certainly the Best Choice, if you have either the DIY skills to do it right, or the dollars to hire someone.

Portable Uprights

There are dozens of brands of upright, dual hose-air conditioners. Friedrich is one brand that tested well with Consumer Reports, but their test field was limited. Our advice if you go this route is to compare warranty coverage and buy from a reputable supplier.

Avallon APAC120S

The advantage of caster-mounted units is that, unlike hatch mounted portables, you don’t have to lug them above and below decks. When you get the urge to sail they can be wheeled into a corner and secured, although they still eat up space. They are generally very quiet. Because they use a different BTU scale, a 12,000 BTU unit is closer to 5,500 BTU.

Finally, although they claim to evaporate all of the condensate back into the hot air exhaust, we still observed a few ounces of condensate on the most humid days. There is a pan with a sensor-remember to check it daily.

Bottom line: If you need quick AC for summer, this is a good solution while you make up your mind.

Window Units

Window units are clearly the shoestring sailors choice. Look for familiar brand names with good warranty coverage. Most today come with a remote control, which comes in handy.

Kenmore 10,000 BTU (#77060)

A dime a dozen, these are a cheap solution for the boat that spends a lot of time at the dock. We’ve seen them installed in companionway hatches using modified hatch boards, and over deck hatches, adapted to fit using some manner of home-made carpentry.

The former is more compatible with the design since the faceplate is meant to be in the room. There is also a YouTube video showing on how to modify one of these to operate below decks (although it requires quite a bit of metalwork).

Costing as little as $120 on sale, these can be the bargain solution for a small boat in a warm climate. Stowability and durability-especially in a marine environment-are the biggest drawbacks.

Bottom Line: A window unit can be a cheap, short-term solution while you make up your mind.

Conclusions

Portable air conditioning units can be durable and reliable, but they are inconvenient. Installed air conditioning adds considerable expense, particularly if professionally installed, but there is some recovery in increased resale value if properly done.

Generally these units are brought into service when the boat is dockside for long periods of time. If you are on the move between marinas – the stow and set-up routine with a portable can get tedious. But if you are held captive in one spot by circumstances and need some relief from the heat and stillness-a window mount or upright dual-hose will civilize your summer.

Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the world of compressors and coils and various options among split-gas systems.

Portable air conditioner can meet the needs of a casual cruiser, but long-term cruisers in tropical climates, especially those with boats greater than 40 feet long, will be better served by installed systems.

Nearly all marine air-conditioning problems can be partly traced to poor installation. A key step is to create a schematic that maps out the wiring, plumbing, ducts, and vents. Due to the potential fire risk with these systems, if you have doubts about wiring or fuses, you should consult an electrician. Although you don’t need to be an expert to succeed with a DIY installation—it helps if you are a jack of all trades. And you need to do your homework.

1. A Fein Multimaster simplifies cutting in close quarters. Be careful not to compromise structural bulkheads or liners. 2. Measure twice, cut once. An inlet vent, mounted low in the main saloon fits snugly in its cutout. 3. We fabricated some of the plenums, transitions, and elbows, others were meant for use with clothes driers. 4. An above-the-waterline loop in the cooling water outlet (white hose) prevents backflow into a heeled boat. 5. Glue-on studs are a big help if you cannot through-bolt. These studs are from Duckworks. Weld Mount is another source. (See “ Glue-on Fasteners ” PS July 2017).

Properly plumbing the AC system is one of the most important installation tasks, not only from a functional standpoint, but also safety. In order to meet the American Boat and Yacht Standards for through hulls, the seacock needs to be able to withstand 500 pounds of static force for 30 seconds. This typically calls for a flanged base that is supported with screws or through-bolts. A backing plate that incorporates studs is one of the most sensible ways to meet the standard because it avoids the need for additional holes in the hull.

1. The home-made backing plate assembly is tested before gluing, from left: long screw used for clamping during gluing, UL certified Marelon through-hull, the assembled seacock and backing plate. 2. The backing plate with studs is clamped in place as epoxy glue cures. 3. A t-connector simplifies draining for winterizing, ensuring no low spots. 4. The water should rise smoothly from intake, through the strainer, to the pump. If any air pockets exist, the pump will not prime after a short peried of sailing (waves drive air into the pipes and the pump cavitates).

• West Marine

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One suggestion, if you are using your AC system in places like Florida – include provisions to flush the piping. This includes connections from the seacock to the thru-hull, with connectors that are easy to get to and install. plus valves, if you have more than one unit on the boat. You will have to periodically use Barnacle Buster to clean out the pipes, and this is best done in recirc mode with a 5 gallon bucket. Also, think about installing a strainer that will accept a pool-cleaner chlorine tablet (or a sizeable piece of a tablet), to keep the piping clean.

Here, this is really useful comment, many thanks!

I am sorry but this article does not help. You should have tested same type of ac across different brands. But here, you are comparing apples to oranges….

Thank you for this article. Very encouraging in a safe manner.

We have a 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 321. We bought the boat in 2015. The first owner installed a Mermaid M6 6,500 BTU air conditioner shortly after he bought the boat. It has a heat cycle. It is designed to cool 550 cubic feet. We keep the boat on Lake Erie and sail six months a year. It works very well. No major repairs. The only repairs have been that we have had to replace the water pump in 2016 and 2022 due to wear and tear on the impeller.

We use the heat cycle in the spring and the fall. We leave it on most of the time at our dock. It keeps the humidity down in the boat. We have two effective 12v fans that we can run when we are not on shore power. We run it off 15 amp, 115 volt shore power.

I have experience as a yacht broker.

I agree with the advice in your article. I would add the following suggestions, 1. If at all possible buy a sailboat with factory A/C. The installation should be neater and easier to maintain. As the article states, most faults are with the installation. The yard who installed ours did a good job but I have seen many others that are less than seamanlike. 2. If installing an A/C unit, ensure you have an easy way to bleed air out of the water inlet plumbing to the pump. We have to bleed the system every spring after winter haulout. It is a pain in our boat. There are self priming pumps available but they are two to three times more expensive. 3. If installing an A/C unit, ensure you have a relatively easy way to clean the inlet water filter strainer. We have to clean the strainer about once a month in the summer. It is a pain on our boat. 4. If you are installing an A/C unit, ensure you install effective sound proofing. Ours is a bit more noisy than the factory A/C units I have experience with.

We have a Swallow Craft Swift 33 sailboat. It is a very large capacity 33′ boat. After almost a year of exploring options for AC we put in an overhead RV unit in the main cabin overhead hatch. One season in Florida and so far, we are very pleased. The unit is a Houghton B3500. It is low profile with 13,000 BTUs of cooling and 12,000 BTUs of heat. We just could not afford the lazarette space for a built in.

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The headline writers might easily scream about today’s layover but as all sailors know, it’s very much part of the sport of sailing, and the most annoying ones happen at low or no speeds.

And so it was today out on a perfectly smooth Hauraki Gulf just ahead of persistent rain cover that saw Emirates Team New Zealand slide over on their side after disconnecting from the chase boat having changed down their jib.

With the boat effectively stuck in irons and no water flowing over the inverted gull wing rudder, the hull form elicited a capsize with very little that the crew could do about it. In a flash the chase boats were in and attaching a line to the bow and just moments later the AC40 was back up and flying. “We pushed off, didn’t have enough forward momentum and started going slowly backwards,” commented Ray Davies, “so to get the boat out of going backwards, you invert the mast the other way to drive the stern to windward and then we’re slowly getting out of irons and then we went into a slow capsize.”

Once the boat was upright, a crew member jumped below to check for water ingress but with all the systems inboard, any water drained away rapidly, and the day continued. Forward momentum is key in any foiling boat, but the day’s headline was a brief blot of less than five minutes on an otherwise amazing commissioning session for the Kiwis who are proving the ease of the AC40 and why it’s such a compelling plug-and-play platform for not only testing but for the Youth & Women’s America’s Cup sailors.

In over four hours of sailing, the team led by Nathan Outteridge and Ray Davies started to really apply the pressure, hitting speeds in excess of 40 knots whilst all the while tweaking the auto-pilot to build up vital data that will be shared around the teams in open-source updates.

Downwind on one high-speed run, the AC40 buried its flared bow as the helms, seated in pods either side of the boat and in the forward position, tested a new mode as Davies explained later: “We were testing different auto-pilots and this one just went hard one way which caused the rudder to lift the stern and stuff the bow in. Not an ‘event’ just a test.”

And with a range of conditions today from glassy to moderate, the team found that take-off could be achieved at around 7.5 to 8 knots of boatspeed, something that they are looking to reduce even further with better technique over the coming days.

Once airborne however, the AC40 stayed on its foils consistently as Davies explained: “Once up, in these light conditions, you stay up for a long, long time. And you really don’t need that much sail area as it just becomes drag.” Hence the team went through pretty much their entire jib inventory today, changing down to ever smaller and smaller jibs. Tacking and gybing angles were estimated at a flat 90 degrees and after a thorough day on the water, the team returned to a wet Wynard Point for the haul out and systems checks.

Another great day on the water for the exciting AC40.