Tyler and Dave, thanks for your input.  As mentioned my thoughts continue to swirl around on this issue.  Heck, if I could contain the swirling in a box,I might have a perpetual energy machine!!!

Dave, your comments provided a key consideration.  We don't intend to be live-a-boards on our WS42, and our cold latitude cruising won't extend beyond the Atlantic ICW starting south in November from Norfolk.  The ICW travels may only be once, and most of our heating needs will during the Fall in New England.

At this point, I will be choosing between a Dickinson model (i.e. Alaska or Antarctic), or a Refleks model.  The Dickinson install may well be about 1/2 the cost of the Reflecks.  My next steps will be to measure, and make a final decision.

Thanks to all for the great input!

Doug

Flagship HVAC 18,500 BTU Heat&Cool is the way I went. Big job to install but no regrets. Have also installed 4.2KW genset to run HVAC when away from dock. Almost like being at home!

If we were keeping the boat in high latitudes probably would have gone with just the ESPAR but New Orleans summers require AC.

Diesel heaters I have operated on previous boat required two holes for balanced draft of furnace. Eliminates back drafting and soot inside the boat. (Not an issue with ESPAR)

Tom G W42 (Second-Line)