- Boat Air Conditioner Buyer Guide
- The Best Boat Air Conditioners
- The Best In Class Boat Air Conditioner
Boating is a great way to relax and have fun, but it can quickly become uncomfortable if the temperature inside the boat is too hot or too cold. A boat air conditioner can help regulate the temperature and humidity inside the boat, making your boating experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
We spent countless hours researching and testing various boat air conditioners to identify the ones that provide the best performance, energy efficiency, and ease of use. In this article, we’ll share our top picks and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision when purchasing a boat air conditioner.
Boat Air Conditioner Buyer Guide
| Capacity | Choose an air conditioner with sufficient BTUs based on boat size and occupancy. |
| Power Consumption | Opt for energy-efficient models with an Energy Star rating to minimize electricity costs. |
| Noise Level | Select an air conditioner with a low decibel rating (<50 dB) to avoid disruption during use. |
| Type | Decide between self-contained units (easy to install and maintain) or split-system units (more efficient but require professional installation). |
| Other Features | Consider additional features such as built-in heater, remote control, or programmable thermostat. |
Best Boat Air Conditioners
We know how important it is to stay cool and comfortable while out on the water. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best boat air conditioners on the market. Whether you’re looking for a portable option or a permanent installation, we’ve got you covered. Our team of experts has researched and tested these products to ensure that they meet our high standards for quality and performance. So, without further ado, here are the best boat air conditioners available today.
Garneck Air Conditioning Deflector Outlet
If you’re looking for an affordable solution to replace the old or damaged parts of your RV’s air conditioning system, the Garneck Air Conditioning Deflector Outlet might be worth considering.
Pros
- Made of durable ABS material
- Facilitates air venting to provide a comfortable car interior environment
- Easy to install and universal for RV and bus
Cons
- Not suitable for use with a heater
- May not withstand the heat from a heater for long periods
- Some users have reported that it breaks easily
We installed the Garneck Air Conditioning Deflector Outlet in our boat and found that it was easy to install and provided a comfortable car interior environment. The air outlet vent is universal, which makes it a versatile solution for different types of vehicles. The air deflector is made of durable ABS material, which means that it won’t easily break or wear out.
However, we did find that the Garneck Air Conditioning Deflector Outlet is not suitable for use with a heater. The heat from the heater can deform the plastic and cause it to fall out. Some users have also reported that the air deflector breaks easily, which can be frustrating.
Overall, we would recommend the Garneck Air Conditioning Deflector Outlet to anyone looking for an affordable and easy-to-install solution to replace the old or damaged parts of their boat’s air conditioning system. However, if you need a solution that can also be used with a heater, you may want to consider other options.
ZAFRO 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner
We highly recommend the ZAFRO 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner for anyone looking for an efficient and easy-to-use air conditioning unit for their boat.
Pros
- The ZAFRO air conditioner is energy-efficient and can save you money on your electric bill.
- It has a 3-in-1 mode that includes cool, dry, and fan settings, making it versatile and adaptable to your needs.
- The sleep mode and low noise level of ≤54dB ensure that you can sleep soundly without any disturbance.
Cons
- The air filter needs to be cleaned every two weeks for optimal performance.
- The unit is designed for rooms up to 350 sq. ft., so it may not be suitable for larger boats.
- It is only available in white, which may not match the decor of your boat.
The ZAFRO air conditioner is easy to install and move, thanks to its compact size and four caster wheels. The digital display and compact remote make it easy to operate, and the washable air filter protects your family from dust and other allergens. The unit is perfect for use in the kitchen, living room, bedroom, office, and dorms.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an energy-efficient, versatile, and easy-to-use air conditioning unit for your boat, the ZAFRO 8,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner is an excellent choice.
Arctic Air Grip Go Air Cooler
We highly recommend the Arctic Air Grip Go Air Cooler for anyone looking for a portable and convenient cooling solution.
Pros
- The Hydro-Chill Technology and evaporative air-cooling cartridge provide instant relief from hot and dry weather.
- The 2.5″ universal clamp allows for easy setup almost anywhere, making it perfect for indoor or outdoor use.
- With three fan speeds and a 360-degree swiveling head, you can adjust the cooler to your desired settings and stay cool and comfortable virtually anywhere.
Cons
- The water chamber runs out quickly on the lowest setting, so it needs to be refilled often.
- The clamp is bulky and can interfere with the angle of the cooling unit.
- It may not be suitable for larger spaces or extremely hot weather.
We have used the Arctic Air Grip Go Air Cooler on several occasions, and it has never disappointed us. The Hydro-Chill Technology and evaporative air-cooling cartridge turn unbearable hot air into cool refreshing air instantly, providing much-needed relief from the heat. The 2.5″ universal clamp allows us to set it up almost anywhere, making it perfect for indoor or outdoor use. We have attached it to our baby stroller, treadmill, beach umbrella, patio chair, camping tent, car seat, BBQ grill, bicycle/scooter, golf cart, and more.
With three fan speeds and a 360-degree swiveling head, we can adjust the cooler to our desired settings and stay cool and comfortable virtually anywhere. It is also USB rechargeable, providing cooling for up to 5 hours on a full charge. We can take it with us to the beach, patio/deck, or work for instant cool air.
However, the water chamber runs out quickly on the lowest setting, so it needs to be refilled often. The clamp is bulky and can interfere with the angle of the cooling unit. It may not be suitable for larger spaces or extremely hot weather. Despite these minor cons, we highly recommend the Arctic Air Grip Go Air Cooler for anyone looking for a portable and convenient cooling solution.
ASA Electronics ACM135 Advent Air 13,500 BTU Roof Top AC, White
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable boat air conditioner, the ASA Electronics ACM135 Advent Air 13,500 BTU Roof Top AC is a great choice.
Pros
- The rigid, metal constructed base pan makes it sturdy and durable, perfect for the challenging environment of a boat.
- The premium, thick, watertight vent opening gasket with six dense foam support pads ensures that no water gets inside the boat.
- The three fan speeds and standard 14.25″ x 14.25″ vent opening make it easy to install and use.
Cons
- It weighs 50 lbs, which may be a bit heavy for some boat owners.
- The optional plug-in heat strip is not included and must be purchased separately.
- It may be a bit pricey for some boat owners.
We recently installed the ASA Electronics ACM135 Advent Air 13,500 BTU Roof Top AC on our boat and have been impressed with its performance. The metal constructed base pan is sturdy and durable, and the watertight vent opening gasket ensures that no water gets inside the boat. We appreciate the three fan speeds and the fact that it installs easily in a standard 14.25″ x 14.25″ vent opening.
However, the unit does weigh 50 lbs, which may be a bit heavy for some boat owners to handle. Additionally, the optional plug-in heat strip is not included and must be purchased separately. Finally, the price may be a bit steep for some boat owners.
Overall, we would recommend the ASA Electronics ACM135 Advent Air 13,500 BTU Roof Top AC for boat owners looking for a reliable and durable air conditioning unit.
Dometic FreshJet 3 Series, RV Standard Mechanical Rooftop Air Conditioner, 13.5K BTU, Black Black 13,500 BTU
If you’re in the market for a reliable and efficient boat air conditioner, the Dometic FreshJet 3 Series is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The FreshJet 3 Series provides powerful and quiet performance, with 13% higher cooling capacity and 15% more airflow than its predecessors.
- It’s our lightest unit yet, weighing only 64 lbs and making it easy to install.
- Enjoy restful nights with a 4dB reduction in noise level for more restful sleep.
Cons
- The noise level is still relatively high at 58 dB.
- Some users have reported issues with the unit not kicking up to high.
- It may not blow as much cold air as some users would prefer.
We recently installed the Dometic FreshJet 3 Series on our boat and have been pleased with its performance. The innovative blower system quietly moves an average of 350 cubic feet of cool air per minute, providing a faster cooldown in hot ambient temperatures. The custom composite basepan and shroud reduce weight with a modern, stylish look, and the expanded polypropylene (EPP) closed-cell bead foam provides weight savings, impact resistance, and acts as insulation.
The E-coated evaporator coils are a standout feature, providing exceptional flexibility and durability, as well as excellent coil coverage and corrosion resistance. The FreshJet 3 Series also requires 28% less refrigerant than its predecessors, making it a more sustainable choice.
While the noise level has been reduced by 4dB, it’s still relatively high at 58 dB, which may be a concern for some users. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the unit not kicking up to high and not blowing as much cold air as they would prefer.
Overall, we would recommend the Dometic FreshJet 3 Series to anyone in need of a reliable and efficient boat air conditioner.
EENOUR QN750 Portable Air Conditioner
If you’re looking for a portable air conditioner for your boat, the EENOUR QN750 Portable Air Conditioner is a great option that you should consider.
Pros
- The dual hose system and 2900BTU dual piston compressor allow for quick and efficient cooling, reducing outlet air temperature to 61℉/16℃ in just 5 minutes.
- The 3 modes (Cooling, Fan, and Sleep) are easy to use and allow you to adjust the temperature to your liking.
- Lightweight and energy-saving, with low power consumption and fast cooling ability, making it efficient and easy to carry around.
Cons
- Not suitable for big areas, effectively cooling closed rooms up to 50 sq.ft.
- The operating noise can be a bit loud, ranging from 45 dB to 58 dB depending on the working mode.
- The air temperature may not match the setting on the thermostat in some cases.
We recently used the EENOUR QN750 Portable Air Conditioner during a camping trip and were impressed by its cooling performance. The dual hose system and dual piston compressor allowed for quick and efficient cooling, and the 3 modes were easy to use and allowed us to adjust the temperature to our liking. The unit is also lightweight and energy-saving, making it efficient and easy to carry around.
However, we did notice that the unit was not suitable for big areas, effectively cooling closed rooms up to 50 sq.ft. Additionally, the operating noise can be a bit loud, ranging from 45 dB to 58 dB depending on the working mode. Finally, the air temperature may not match the setting on the thermostat in some cases.
Overall, if you’re looking for a portable air conditioner for your compact space, the EENOUR QN750 Portable Air Conditioner is a great option to consider.
DOMETIC FreshJet FJX3000 Series Rooftop Mechanical Air Conditioner
If you’re looking for a quiet and simple-to-install air conditioner for your boat, the DOMETIC FreshJet FJX3000 Series Rooftop Mechanical Air Conditioner might be the one.
Pros
- The FreshJet series rooftop air conditioners are five decibels quieter than their predecessors, so you can enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep.
- The two-piece design of this non-ducted air conditioner makes assembly and installation simple.
- The intuitive knob controls allow you to easily adjust temperature and fan speed for a comfortable indoor experience.
Cons
- The low-profile design of the FreshJet ADB may not fit the aesthetic of all boats.
- Upgrading to cool white LED lights is an optional feature, so you’ll need to pay extra if you want it.
- While the Mechanical FreshJet air conditioner can be retrofitted to work with all existing Dometic and competitor air returns, it may require additional installation time and effort.
We recently installed the DOMETIC FreshJet FJX3000 Series Rooftop Mechanical Air Conditioner on our boat, and we’re impressed with its performance. The noise level is significantly lower than our previous air conditioner, allowing us to sleep soundly through the night. Installation was a breeze thanks to the two-piece design, and the intuitive knob controls make it easy to adjust the temperature and fan speed to our liking.
One downside is that the low-profile design may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but we appreciate the modern touch it adds to our boat. Additionally, while the option to upgrade to cool white LED lights is a nice feature, it does come at an extra cost. Lastly, retrofitting the Mechanical FreshJet air conditioner may require additional installation time and effort, but it’s worth it for the added convenience.
Overall, we highly recommend the DOMETIC FreshJet FJX3000 Series Rooftop Mechanical Air Conditioner for anyone in need of a quiet and easy-to-install air conditioner for their boat.
