Marine Air Conditioning System Types: How to Choose
The short answer
Compare the cabins to be cooled, available equipment spaces, duct or pipe routes and power supply. Self-contained systems package the refrigeration circuit together; splits separate components; chilled water distributes cooling through a freshwater loop. Cabin count helps define the brief, but it does not by itself determine the correct architecture.
Boat AC System Types: How to Choose — Requirements and Limitations
A self-contained unit can simplify a small installation when there is enough room for the unit, supply ducting and return air. Its compressor remains near the accommodation, so mounting and sleeping positions need consideration.
A split can place the compressor away from a cabin but needs suitable refrigerant routes and specialist installation. Chilled-water systems use local fan coils and a water circuit, making multiple zones possible at the cost of additional plumbing, pumps and controls. Ask the installer to explain why the proposed arrangement suits the actual boat.
Related Sizing, Installation and Service Guides
Each of these answers a different part of the same problem.
- the sizing pageswork out which band your boat falls in
- compare all seven unitsfilter by system type and see them side by side
- installed prices for eachthe price gap between the three is large
- how each one worksthe mechanism, if you want it before the recommendation