Glynn,
On our 420 we have two Cruisair units, 16k for the main salon/aft cabin and an 8k in the fwd stateroom. We find that this arrangement works well for our set-up and maintains comfortable temps throughout the boat, also provides options for running the smaller unit at night with the other one shut off. The 8k is plenty big enough for the smaller spaces up forward. It was felt that the 16k alone wasn't sufficient for cooling the entire boat on it's own. Not sure how that relates to your 380 but I don't think our boats are all that different in size. In colder weather these units work nicely for providing warmth until the water temps reach 38F. We keep our boat between 73-75 in hot weather and 76-78 in cold. Our most recent electric bill (Baltimore G+E) for August was $159.58.
Our 16k is located the same as Hayden suggested. The 8k is installed under the fwd bunk and has one outlet in the cabin and one in the head, with the return at the foot of the bunk. The noise in our stateroom is negligible as long as the fan is on low (setting = 28 in the menu), almost silent. Biggest drawback with this location is getting under the bunk for maintenance.
We run our units 24/7 (except December through February due to cold water) and haven't had any problems with them. Water and air filters require cleaning every two weeks with this use.
Tom
IP420-35
La Vida Dulce
