Best Air Conditioners For Boats: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing the right air conditioner for your boat is essential for a comfortable sailing experience. Marine air conditioners provide numerous advantages for boaters, such as maintaining a comfortable temperature, removing humidity and moisture, reducing odours, and preventing mould and mildew growth. When selecting a marine air conditioner, factors to consider include cooling capacity, power consumption, noise level, ease of installation, and maintenance.

There are several types of marine air conditioning systems available, including self-contained units, split systems, portable systems, and chiller systems. Self-contained units, such as the CTM Marine, are easy to install and often recommended for boats up to 40 feet in length. Split systems, on the other hand, are typically found on larger boats and separate the air conditioning components into two units installed in different locations. Portable systems offer flexibility and can be moved around easily, while chiller systems use water as a cooling agent instead of refrigerants.

When choosing a marine air conditioner, it is important to consider energy efficiency and quiet operation. Additionally, the available space and cooling power required will play a role in determining the best option for your boat. Some popular brands in the market include Webasto, Dometic, BLACK+DECKER, Frigomar, Marinaire, and Mabru Marine. These brands offer a range of features, such as low noise levels, compact designs, energy efficiency, and compatibility with different electrical systems.

How to choose the best marine air conditioner for your boat

A marine air conditioner is a necessity for boaters who want to enjoy their time at sea without suffering from heat exhaustion or discomfort. It maintains a comfortable temperature inside your cabin, removes humidity and moisture from the air, reduces odours caused by dampness, prevents mould and mildew growth, and improves indoor air quality by filtering out dust and allergens.

When choosing a marine air conditioner, there are several factors to consider, such as cooling capacity (BTUs), power consumption, marine air supply, noise level, ease of installation, maintenance, and replacement parts availability.

• Size of the boat: The size of the boat air conditioner's output is based on the number of cubic feet inside your boat. It is important to consider the inefficiency of a boat compared to a house when determining the required cooling capacity.
• Space availability: The footprint of the unit is crucial as you need to ensure there is sufficient space to install the air conditioner and allow for proper maintenance.
• Type of marine air conditioner: There are three main types of marine air conditioners: self-contained direct expansion systems, remote or split systems, and tempered water or chilled water systems. Self-contained systems are typically used for small to mid-sized boats and are easy to install and maintain. Remote systems are more suitable for larger vessels and offer quieter operation and more space-saving features. Chilled water systems are versatile and can be customised to meet specific requirements but may require additional housing for pipes, ducting, and air handlers.
• Cooling capacity: Determine the required cooling capacity by multiplying the length, width, and height of the boat to get the cubic feet, and then multiplying it by 14 BTU (for below deck) or 17 BTU (for topside).
• Power supply: Marine air conditioners run on AC power and range from 12V to 230V. Check the manufacturer's specifications for recommended amperage, wiring, and circuit breaker sizes.
• Noise level: Opt for a unit with quiet operation to ensure comfortable sleep and conversation onboard. Look for features such as a compressor sound cover or insulated blower chamber.
• Ease of installation: Consider the practical cost and complexity of installing the air conditioner. Some units may require specific wiring, plumbing, ducting, and location aspects.
• Maintenance: Choose a unit that is easy to maintain and service. Look for features such as removable air filters, accessible condenser coils, and a self-draining seawater plumbing system.
• Warranty and support: Opt for manufacturers that offer excellent support and comprehensive warranties to ensure peace of mind in case of any issues.
• Brand reputation: Consider the reputation and feedback of the brand and specific model from real boaters and reviews.

By considering these factors, you can select the best marine air conditioner for your boat, ensuring comfortable and enjoyable voyages even in fluctuating temperatures.

Benefits of a marine air conditioner

A marine air conditioner provides numerous advantages for boaters, ensuring they can enjoy their time at sea without suffering from heat exhaustion or discomfort. Here are some of the key benefits:

Maintain a Comfortable Temperature

A marine air conditioning system helps keep the temperature inside your cabin comfortable, providing a welcome respite from the heat and humidity of the summer months.

Remove Humidity and Moisture

Marine air conditioners are designed to remove humidity and moisture from the air, creating a drier, more comfortable environment. This not only improves comfort but also helps to protect your boat's interior and electronics from the damaging effects of excess moisture.

Prevent Mould and Mildew Growth

By reducing humidity and moisture, marine air conditioners also help prevent the growth of mould and mildew, which can be a common problem in the damp, enclosed environment of a boat cabin.

Improve Indoor Air Quality

Marine air conditioners filter out dust and allergens from the air, improving the indoor air quality and reducing potential respiratory issues for those on board.

Reduce Odours

The dampness that can build up in boat cabins can often lead to unpleasant odours. A marine air conditioner helps to reduce these odours by removing the moisture from the air.

Energy Efficiency

Marine air conditioners can be highly energy efficient, especially when compared to other systems like generators. This means you can maintain a comfortable environment without using excessive power, which is important when you're limited to battery power.

Quiet Operation

Many marine air conditioners are designed with quiet operation in mind, ensuring that excessive noise doesn't disturb sleep or conversation on board.

What to look for in a marine air conditioner

When choosing a marine air conditioner, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Cooling capacity and power consumption: Look for a unit that can provide sufficient cooling for the size of your boat while also being energy-efficient to avoid draining your battery power quickly. Consider the British Thermal Units (BTUs) as a measure of cooling capacity and choose a unit that matches the cubic feet of the area you want to cool.
• Marine air supply: Ensure that the unit can draw in enough marine air to function effectively. This may involve considering the placement of the unit and any ducting or ventilation systems required.
• Noise level: Opt for a unit with quiet operation, as excessive noise can disturb sleep and conversation onboard. Look for features such as sound insulation or remote-controlled settings that allow you to adjust the unit's performance.
• Ease of installation: Choose a unit that is easy to install and maintain. Self-contained air conditioners are often the most straightforward to install, while split systems and chiller systems may require more complex setup and maintenance.
• Maintenance and replacement parts availability: Select a unit from a reputable brand that offers good warranty and after-sales support. This will ensure that you can easily access replacement parts and maintenance services if needed.
• Portability: If you want the flexibility to move the air conditioner around, consider a portable or self-contained unit. These can be easily installed and removed, making them convenient for boats with limited space.
• Additional features: Some marine air conditioners offer reverse-cycle heating, which can extend the use of your boat into cooler months. Other features to look for include remote controls, digital displays, and wireless connectivity.
• Cost: Marine air conditioners vary in price, so consider your budget and the features that are most important to you. Keep in mind that while portable or self-contained units may be more affordable upfront, they may have higher long-term costs due to power consumption.

Different types of marine air conditioning systems

Marine air conditioning systems are essential for boaters who want to maintain a comfortable temperature and prevent mould and mildew growth in their cabins. There are several types of marine AC units available, each with its own advantages and features. Here is an overview of the different types of marine air conditioning systems:

Self-Contained Air Conditioner Units

Self-contained air conditioner units are popular as they have everything built into one unit, making them easier to install. These units are typically the best choice for boats up to 40 feet in length. They require thru-hull connections to draw cooling water and use environmentally-safe refrigerants. An example of a self-contained unit is the FCF Series air conditioner, which can also function as a reverse-cycle heating system.

Split Systems

Split systems, also known as central air conditioning systems, are usually found on boats up to 80 feet in length. These systems have separate components, such as compressors located in engine rooms, and air handlers located near vents. The two units are connected by insulated copper tubing through which the refrigerant travels.

Portable Systems

Portable systems offer flexibility as they can be easily moved around the boat. They are a good option for those who want the convenience of being able to cool different areas of the boat at different times.

Chiller Systems

Chiller systems use water as the cooling agent instead of refrigerant to cool the return air. They are often used on large boats and super yachts, as they can air condition many cabins using a water loop. Chiller systems offer flexible load management and reduced peak electrical load.

When choosing a marine air conditioning system, it is important to consider factors such as cooling capacity, power consumption, noise level, ease of installation, and maintenance. Additionally, the available space on the boat and the desired cooling power will also influence the decision.

How to size a marine air conditioner

Sizing a marine air conditioner is a crucial step in ensuring your comfort on a boat. It involves more than just guesswork; a planned approach is required to match the cooling capacity with the specific requirements of the boat. Here are the steps to correctly size a marine air conditioner:

Calculate the Space:

Determine the total cubic footage of the area you intend to cool. Measure the length, width, and height of the space, then multiply them to get the cubic footage. This fundamental value is essential for selecting the right air conditioner.

Assess Insulation and Sun Exposure:

Evaluate the insulation and sun exposure of the area. Well-insulated spaces will require less cooling, while areas exposed to direct sunlight will need extra cooling. Adjust the calculated cubic footage accordingly.

Consider Heat-Producing Equipment:

If your vessel contains heat-producing equipment like ovens or machinery, account for their heat output and add their heat load to the cooling requirement.

Account for Occupancy:

The number of occupants can significantly impact the cooling load. People emit body heat, so for spaces with frequent occupancy, select an air conditioner with a slightly higher capacity.

Additionally, when choosing a marine air conditioner, consider factors such as cooling capacity (BTUs), power consumption, noise level, ease of installation, and maintenance.

It's important to note that an undersized air conditioner will result in insufficient cooling, while an oversized unit will lead to wasted energy, higher costs, and shorter equipment life. Therefore, a precise calculation of the required cooling capacity is necessary for optimal performance and comfort on your boat.

Frequently asked questions