Marine AC Installation
Professional marine air conditioning installation for boats and yachts in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, and all of Southwest Florida. From single-zone self-contained units to multi-zone chilled-water systems, with model-specific planning by technicians with decades of marine HVAC experience. We handle everything from initial survey to final commissioning.
For accessible air-handler, drain, coil, duct cleaning, odor tracing, or model-qualified purifier planning, see Yacht A/C Cleaning & Air Quality.
Marine AC System Types We Install
We install all three major types of marine air conditioning systems. The right choice depends on your vessel size, number of zones, and cooling requirements.
Self-Contained
Boats 20–45 ft
4,000 – 16,000 BTU
All-in-one units with compressor, evaporator, and controls in a single housing. Easiest to install and maintain. Ideal for single-zone cooling on smaller vessels.
Models We Install:
Dometic DTU Turbo, Turbo GTX, ECD Envirocomfort, MCS
Split Systems
Boats 30–60 ft
4,000 – 60,000 BTU
Separate condensing unit and air handlers connected by refrigerant lines. Allows multi-zone cooling with quieter cabin operation. Flexible placement options.
Models We Install:
Dometic TVE Emerald, DEUX, AU Series, EBLE
Chilled Water
Yachts 50–200+ ft
24,000 – 120,000+ BTU
Central chiller circulates cold water to fan coil units throughout the vessel. Maximum flexibility for large yachts with many zones. Most efficient for high BTU demands.
Models We Install:
Dometic VARCX, EBE, Fan Coil AP Air Handlers
Our Installation Process
Every marine AC installation follows a proven 6-step process to ensure proper sizing, clean installation, and reliable long-term performance.
On-Board Survey
We inspect your vessel, measure cabin volumes, assess insulation, check electrical capacity, and identify the best mounting locations for equipment and ducting.
BTU Sizing
We review cabin volume, insulation, glazing, sun exposure, and zone needs. The AC System Builder provides an initial estimate; the on-board survey confirms the design.
Equipment Choice
We compare self-contained, split, and chilled-water options against the vessel layout, available power, access, controls, and serviceability before equipment is specified.
Seawater & Ducting Plan
We plan the seawater inlet, strainer, pump, discharge, condensate drain, return air, supply ducting, and air-handler placement so routing and future service access are clear.
Installation
Our technicians install the specified unit, seawater plumbing, ducting, electrical connections, thermostat, and controls. Scope and access are confirmed before work begins.
Commissioning & Walkthrough
We verify seawater flow, electrical operation, controls, condensate drainage, and system operation, then walk the owner through normal use and maintenance.
Proper Seawater Plumbing Layout
Correct seawater flow is critical for marine AC performance. Here is the standard installation layout for a self-contained turbo unit.
Standard marine AC seawater plumbing layout. Steady upward flow from scoop-type thru-hull inlet through strainer and seawater pump to the turbo AC unit. All hose connections double-clamped per ABYC standards.
Marine A/C Installation Gallery
Browse selected ACCUMAR HVAC field images. Captions describe only visible equipment and installation context, not unverified performance outcomes.
Chilled-water system components
Real ACCUMAR field work: chilled-water piping, pump, expansion tank, and connected equipment visible as one installed circuit.
HVAC seawater manifold
Real ACCUMAR field work: installed manifold, hoses, valves, clamps, and connected cooling-water plumbing accessible inside a machinery space.
System Upgrades & Retrofits
Replacing an older marine A/C system requires more than matching the footprint. We review equipment access, available power, seawater flow, ducting, controls, and serviceability before specifying a retrofit or upgrade.
For existing systems, the installation scope can include removing the old unit and adapting the new equipment to the vessel’s plumbing, wiring, and air-distribution layout. The final scope is confirmed after the survey.
Ductwork & Air-Handler Placement
Air handlers and grilles are positioned for practical airflow, access, and a clean fit within the vessel. We plan duct routes around tight spaces and existing systems, keeping service points reachable where the boat allows.
Learn about marine A/C maintenanceWhat's Included in Every Installation
Equipment & Installation
- New Dometic (or specified brand) AC unit with factory warranty
- Seawater pump, strainer, and thru-hull fitting
- Marine-grade ducting and supply/return grilles
- Digital thermostat and control panel
- All electrical connections and breaker installation
- Condensate drain plumbing
Quality & Standards
- ABYC-compliant installation practices
- Double-clamped hose connections throughout
- Proper refrigerant charge and leak testing
- Seawater flow rate verification
- Full system commissioning and performance test
- Owner training and maintenance documentation
Marine AC BTU Sizing Guide
Proper BTU sizing is the most important factor in a successful marine AC installation. Undersized systems run constantly and never reach temperature. Oversized systems short-cycle, causing humidity problems and premature wear.
| Boat Size | Typical Cabin Area | Recommended BTU | System Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20–28 ft | Small cabin / V-berth | 4,000 – 7,000 | Self-Contained |
| 28–35 ft | Salon + 1 cabin | 7,000 – 12,000 | Self-Contained |
| 35–45 ft | Salon + 2 cabins | 12,000 – 24,000 | Self-Contained or Split |
| 45–55 ft | Multiple zones | 24,000 – 48,000 | Split System |
| 55–80 ft | 4–6 zones | 36,000 – 72,000 | Split or Chilled Water |
| 80+ ft | 6+ zones | 60,000 – 120,000+ | Chilled Water |
These are general guidelines for Southwest Florida conditions. Actual BTU requirements vary based on insulation, window area, sun exposure, and desired temperature. We always perform an on-board survey for accurate sizing.
Marine AC Brands We Install
We primarily install Dometic systems due to their proven reliability, parts availability, and comprehensive warranty. We also work with other brands based on customer preference and vessel requirements.
Marine AC Installation Questions — Southwest Florida
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Marine AC Installation Service Areas
Professional marine AC installation at your dock, marina, or boatyard throughout Southwest Florida
Ready for a New Marine AC System?
Whether you're replacing an old system or adding AC to your boat for the first time, we handle everything from survey to commissioning. Call today for a free consultation.
Captain's Maintenance Bulletin
Seasonal checklists, diagnostic tips, and marine AC insights from decades of experience in the field. No fluff — just what works.
Tell us what the vessel needs.
Open ACCUMAR’s verified Jobber Client Hub to submit available request details, review a quote, approve a required deposit, and keep job records in one secure place.
Recent Jobs
ACCUMAR job records and photographs. Job dates, reported faults, findings, repairs and verification are published only when supplied by Roland. Dates are not supplied for these records; this is not a chronological job list.
Actual ACCUMAR service photographs. Each caption retains its own recorded location; these are not all one assignment. No repair outcome is inferred. Select a photograph to enlarge it. Use the arrows or swipe to move through the gallery.
Condaria compressor equipment documented during the owner-reported auxiliary chiller installation on the Pershing. Naples, Florida.
Related ACCUMAR serviceAqua Air triple-bank chiller system installation with connected piping, hose couplings and directional-flow labels, identified by ACCUMAR’s owner.
Related ACCUMAR serviceDual Dometic chiller installation with controls and insulated piping among adjacent equipment, identified by ACCUMAR’s owner.
Related ACCUMAR serviceOpen shell-and-tube heat exchanger on a workbench with heavy visible deposits across the tube openings.
Related ACCUMAR serviceACCUMAR is factory-authorized for Dometic and Webasto. Other listed HVAC brands are serviced without implying factory authorization.
Typical price ranges
- A/C service and repair
- Typical A/C repair is $160–$850 on average. Every boat is different, and we confirm the price after we look at it. Labor starts at $160/hr with a 1-hour minimum.
- A/C compressor replacement
- Compressor replacement is $600–$1,800, depending on the unit. Every boat is different, and we confirm the price after we look at it. Labor starts at $160/hr with a 1-hour minimum.
- A/C pump replacement
- Most jobs run $1,000–$1,500, parts included, before tax. Every boat is different, and we confirm the price after we look at it. Labor starts at $160/hr with a 1-hour minimum.
- A/C unit replacement (one unit)
- Most jobs run $4,500–$7,000, parts included, before tax. Every boat is different, and we confirm the price after we look at it. Labor starts at $160/hr with a 1-hour minimum.
- Chiller service
- Most jobs run $550–$900, parts included, before tax. Every boat is different, and we confirm the price after we look at it. Labor starts at $160/hr with a 1-hour minimum.
- Refrigeration repair
- Most jobs run $400–$850, parts included, before tax. Every boat is different, and we confirm the price after we look at it. Labor starts at $160/hr with a 1-hour minimum.
- Fridge, freezer or ice maker replacement
- Most jobs run $1,300–$3,100, parts included, before tax. Every boat is different, and we confirm the price after we look at it. Labor starts at $160/hr with a 1-hour minimum.
A/C maintenance program: $140 per visit
Diagnostic visit
Most jobs run $200–$400, parts included, before tax. Every boat is different, and we confirm the price after we look at it. Labor starts at $160/hr with a 1-hour minimum.
Our AI phone receptionist answers calls 24/7. Service is by appointment, not 24/7, and there is no emergency service. Typical lead time: 3–4 weeks.
Request ServiceFrequently Asked Questions
Awaiting Roland’s real customer questions and answers.
Focused service pages
Equipment-specific symptoms, access requirements and information to send before your appointment.