Self-contained: Marine Air Conditioning Definition
Compressor, evaporator and fan in one box, ducted to grilles. One unit per zone.
Self-contained in a Boat Air Conditioning System
The simplest and cheapest marine system, and what most Australian yachts between 28 and 45 ft end up with. Its defining trade-off is that the compressor is inside the accommodation with you, at 52–58 dB. Where the box physically goes is the single most consequential decision in the whole install, and it is effectively permanent once the ducting is in.
Using Self-contained Specifications in Quotes and Manuals
Use this definition to understand a quote, manual or fault report—not as an instruction to modify the boat. Before buying, compare the wording against the current manufacturer documentation. For refrigerant, fixed 240 V wiring or below-waterline work, use the official licensing and standards sources and an appropriately qualified tradesperson.
Start with the complete system guide for context, or check the owner questions for plain-language answers. Technical information can change or be wrong; the disclaimer explains the limits.