Thermal Management (as in staying comfortable in the tropics at anchor) is a real important part of the FPB concept. Since leaving New Zealand, we have only been tied along side (without power) for just 2 nights and that was because of our customs debacle in Nuku Alofa. With a big, grunty traction battery bank (1200 amp hours at 24 volts), the boat can quite happily go as much as 2 days and easily 1 day without running the genny IF you don’t need any of the big 230 V AC consumers (air con, water maker and dryer).
The boat can hold something like 2400 gallons of water and the water maker produces 65 gallons per hour so their is generally no compelling need to make water. Clothes can easily be washed every other day when the gen is run. So the key to leaving the genset off is keeping all the POB’s cool and happy – especially Admiral Debby.
In addition to wonderful views, the massive great room windows also admit massive amounts of solar energy. Thermal control at anchor starts with awnings on the port and starboard side. When not in use they are rolled up behind the grab rail and lashed in place. To deploy them takes just a few minutes. They are rolled down and bungied to the lifelines – the process takes just minutes.
All of the great room windows also have blinds which can be lowered to reduce thermal load further.
Hatches in the master stateroom and over the galley are opened and even with a modest breeze, there is good air flow thru the boat.
There have been a few nights when the Admiral demanded the genset and air con, but that has been the rare exception.