GL: Boating with Washer and Dryer

[Phil Bolin]

Hello ... I'm asking for some opinion/help with an issue:

Having cruised for 5-6 months of year for 4 years, we're moving aboard
permanently in April 2009.

One of several issues we're dealing with is usable washer and dryer for full
time live aboard.  We have combination w/d (non vented Mabler) that we do
not like.  We have 110V to boat now, but no 220V (2 30 amp cables from shore
when in port and 8 kw gewnerator).  

Options include 1) adding 110V washer and 110V vented dryer (either stacked
or separate, 2) adding 220V system and 220V vented dryer (ouch), or 3) live
with what we have.

Would appreciate past experience, opinions or just comments on choices.
Some specific issues/questions are:

1) Is the 110 vented dryer with larger drum (2.6 to 3.5 cu. Feet) really
better than the combo non vented one?
2) Do full time live aboards (anchor a lot) really need a w/d that works
well?
3) Regular 3.6 cu ft dryers are 23.75 inches and my access to spaces that
will hold same is 23.5 inches.  Has anyone had experience taking dryer apart
to move around inside boat?  Is it easy?  Other choice is taking framing off
door.  



Sincerely,
 
Phil and Carey Bolin 
Apolonia, 43' Vista
804-761-3425
web page:  www.yachtapolonia.com
email:  pwbolin at verizon.net