Marine Cooling Systems
Air Conditioning Systems for Pleasure Boats
Whatever type of boat you own, you deserve the unbeatable comfort and luxury of a Cruisair climate system. Cruisair was a pioneer of air conditioning systems for pleasure boats in the 1960's and now, as part of Domestic Group, the Cruisair brand continues to represent innovative new products in the marketplace.
A self-contained air conditioner has all of the major components mounted on a single chassis, which is installed in the living area; usually under a bunk or settee, or in a locker. Cooling-only models are available, as well as reverse-cycle, which can cool or heat. Also available are air conditioning kits, which include the self-contained unit, water pump, ducting, and grilles, all the components needed for a complete system.
A single unit can cool each cabin, or can be ducted to two or more cabins to save space and cost. Self-contained units often require less power than other systems due to the highly efficient rotary compressors.
Cruisair Catalogue (4951 KB)
Cuddy DC AC (252 KB)
Isotherm Marine Refrigeration (10121 KB)
Stowaway Turbo Self-contained (325 KB)
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For Fly bridge, Cockpit & On-Deck Installations
The Breeze delivers high-velocity cold air (or hot) onto the bridge, cockpit, or deck using an innovative horizontal compressor.
The 16,000 BTU/hr. self-contained units stand just 8 inches (203 mm) high and is easily ducted to confined spaces like fly bridge dashboards and consoles.
The Breeze units use R-410A, an environmentally safe refrigerant with exceptional thermodynamic properties that maximize system efficiency.
The Breeze remote systems are also available, which consist of low-profile, 16,000 BTU/hr. direct expansion evaporators or chilled water air handlers.
Seawater System
The seawater cooling system consists of an inlet through-hull fitting, seacock (water valve), strainer, pump, and overboard discharge fitting, all connected by hose or piping.
Cruisair recommends a centrifugal seawater pump for efficient, quiet operation and long life. Centrifugal pumps are not self-priming and must be mounted below the water-line. It is important that the seawater plumbing be “self-draining”, meaning that if the boat is lifted, all water in the piping will drain out. An air conditioning system plumbed this way will have no air locks which could disrupt the flow of seawater. For shallow-draft boats where it is impossible to mount the pump below the water-line, a self-priming pump must be used.
Air Distribution Systems
Cabin air is drawn into the self contained unit or air handler through a return air grille. It is then cooled or warmed and blown back into the cabin through a ducting system. The air should be discharged high in the cabin and away from the return air grille to ensure good circulation. Plenums (transition boxes) can be installed in the ducting to allow multiple discharge grilles, in one or more cabins. Insulated duct is recommended to prevent secondary condensation. An air filter, located on the cooling unit or on the return air grille, must be cleaned regularly.
System Layout
Self-Contained systems are ideal for smaller boats in which engine room space is limited. All of the system components, except for the seawater pump and strainer, are built on a single low-profile chassis. It is normally installed under a berth, in a closet or any other out-of-the-way location. Air is carried through flexible ducts to air grills for discharge into one or more compartments. StowAway systems are easy to install in an existing boat, since the unit doesn't take up much space and it can be installed without disrupting the boat's interior. The system's closed refrigerant loop is precharged at the factory, and no field charging is needed. A pre-wired plug makes for easy, error-free electrical hookup. StowAways are available in 1.2kw-6.0kw capacities.