Answer
Apr 18, 2023 - 05:19 PM
In a keel-cooled system, the engine's coolant flows through a series of pipes or sometimes an aluminum block attached to the outside of the boat's hull, typically running along the keel where it is always in the water even when underway. The hull acts as a heat sink, allowing the surrounding water to absorb the heat generated by the engine. The cooled coolant is then recirculated through the engine. Because fluid speed increases generally improve the efficiency of a cooling system the faster the boat is driven, the better the cooling, which is good because the engine is generating more heat!
In a heat exchanger-cooled system, the engine's coolant flows through a heat exchanger, which is essentially a device that transfers heat from one fluid to another without the fluids coming into direct contact. The engine's coolant is circulated through the heat exchanger, and a separate circuit of seawater is pumped through the heat exchanger to absorb the heat from the coolant. The heated seawater is then discharged back into the ocean.
The greatest benefit to a keel cooling system is they do not get plugged up as the port sizes are frequently generous. They are typically less expensive and simpler to install, but generally are not very efficient at cooling the engine as would be a heat exchanger-cooled system. Heat exchanger-cooled systems are generally more complex and expensive, but are often preferred for higher performance or larger engines, as they provide more consistent cooling and are less affected by changes in seawater temperature. Keel coolers are frequently found on sailboats where engines sizes of 15hp are frequently found
©2023 Mr. Cool Marine LLC
In a heat exchanger-cooled system, the engine's coolant flows through a heat exchanger, which is essentially a device that transfers heat from one fluid to another without the fluids coming into direct contact. The engine's coolant is circulated through the heat exchanger, and a separate circuit of seawater is pumped through the heat exchanger to absorb the heat from the coolant. The heated seawater is then discharged back into the ocean.
The greatest benefit to a keel cooling system is they do not get plugged up as the port sizes are frequently generous. They are typically less expensive and simpler to install, but generally are not very efficient at cooling the engine as would be a heat exchanger-cooled system. Heat exchanger-cooled systems are generally more complex and expensive, but are often preferred for higher performance or larger engines, as they provide more consistent cooling and are less affected by changes in seawater temperature. Keel coolers are frequently found on sailboats where engines sizes of 15hp are frequently found
©2023 Mr. Cool Marine LLC
