Keep cool and dry when the weather is hot and humid.
If you own a boat with an enclosed cabin and use it in any region subject to hot, muggy weather, we suggest you consider installing a marine air conditioner. Along with keeping you cool and dry, adding an air conditioner to your boat will also lower your cabin’s humidity, which will reduce the growth of mold and mildew—which in turn helps to keep your cabin smelling fresh.
Dometic Reverse-Cycle A/C Kits
West Marine offers Reverse-Cycle Air Conditioner Retrofit Kits manufactured by Dometic in cooling capacities that range from 6,000–16,000 Btu. These retrofit kits are designed to replace an old air conditioner and reuse the existing ducts. The advantage of reverse cycle air conditioning is that in addition to keeping you cool when the weather is hot, it also keeps you warm and toasty when temperatures drop.
Webasto reverse-cycle A/C kits give you everything you need.
West Marine also carries Webasto reverse cycle air conditioner kits. Along with the evaporator/compressor assembly and a digital control panel, these popular kits come standard with virtually everything you need to complete an installation, including: an A/C pump, return air grille, supply air grills, air divider, duct ring, transition box, insulated ducting, seawater hose, bronze seawater strainer and bronze and stainless steel hardware and fittings. Kits are offered in 6K, 10K, 12K and 16K Btu capacities with a choice of 115V or 230V operation.
Marine Air Conditioners FAQ
To select the right size marine air conditioner, consider:
- Cabin Size & Layout: Measure the total square footage of the area you need to cool.
- BTU Rating: Choose a unit with the correct cooling power:
- 6,000-10,000 BTUs: Suitable for small cabins.
- 12,000-16,000 BTUs: Ideal for mid-sized cabins.
- 20,000+ BTUs: Required for large, multi-room spaces.
- Ventilation & Insulation: Poor ventilation may require a more powerful unit.
The key differences between reverse-cycle and standard marine air conditioning units are:
- Reverse-Cycle Units: Provide both cooling and heating, making them ideal for boats operating in various climates.
- Standard A/C Units: Offer cooling only and are best for warm-weather regions where heating is unnecessary.
- Energy Considerations: Reverse-cycle units consume more power when in heating mode.
While some boat owners may choose DIY installation, professional installation is recommended because:
- Electrical Safety: Proper wiring and grounding are essential to prevent hazards.
- Cooling Efficiency: Incorrect installation can lead to inadequate cooling performance.
- Compliance with Marine Standards: Professionals ensure the unit meets ABYC and Coast Guard regulations.
If installing yourself, ensure you have the proper tools, marine-grade wiring, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Regular maintenance helps extend the life of your marine A/C unit:
- Clean or Replace Air Filters: Check and clean filters every few weeks to ensure optimal airflow.
- Inspect Air Intakes: Keep vents and ductwork free from obstructions.
- Flush the System: Prevent saltwater buildup by flushing with fresh water periodically.
- Check Refrigerant Levels: Low refrigerant can reduce cooling efficiency.
- Inspect Electrical Connections: Look for corroded or loose wiring to avoid performance issues.
Portable marine air conditioners offer:
- Flexibility: Easily move the unit between different cabins or areas.
- No Permanent Installation: Great for temporary cooling needs or renters.
- Cost-Effective: Generally more affordable than built-in marine A/C units.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep compared to traditional systems.
They are ideal for smaller boats or as a backup cooling solution.
Yes, many modern marine air conditioning units are designed with energy-efficient features such as:
- Variable-Speed Compressors: Adjust cooling output based on demand, reducing power consumption.
- Digital Thermostats: Provide precise temperature control for optimized efficiency.
- Energy Star Ratings: Some units meet Energy Star standards, ensuring lower operational costs.
- Eco-Friendly Refrigerants: Many newer models use environmentally friendly coolants that improve efficiency.
Choosing an energy-efficient model helps reduce battery drain and fuel consumption on your boat.
For more about marine air conditioners, please read our West Advisor article Selecting Air Conditioning for Your Boat.