Do you install new marine air conditioning systems on boats?

Yes. We install complete marine air conditioning systems sized for your boat's cabins, layout and power supply. A new install needs the boat hauled out for the seawater intake, and haul-out and yard charges are listed on your estimate.

Can I upgrade an older marine AC system instead of replacing it completely?

Often, yes: a new seawater pump, digital controls or a new air handler can improve an older system. On units that still use R22, compressor and refrigerant repairs are expensive and need an EPA 608 certified technician, so replacing the unit is usually the better buy. We tell you which makes sense before any work.

How do you determine the correct AC size for my boat?

We calculate cooling requirements based on cabin volume, insulation, window exposure, engine heat, and usage patterns. Proper sizing prevents short cycling, excessive power draw, and uneven cooling.

Does a new marine AC system increase power consumption?

If the boat has no air conditioning today, yes: an AC unit is one of the largest electrical loads aboard and needs 120 V or 240 V power from shore or a generator, so we check your shore power, generator and wiring capacity before sizing the system. If you are replacing an old unit, a modern unit of the same size usually draws less power and runs quieter.

Do you test the system after installation or upgrade?

Yes. After installation we test cooling output, water flow, electrical load and thermostat accuracy, and check the raw water fittings for leaks.

Can a new marine AC system improve onboard comfort and resale value?

Yes for comfort: a properly sized and installed system cools the cabin, reduces humidity and protects interior finishes. Working air conditioning can also help when you sell, but we cannot promise a higher sale price.

Marine AC Installation & System Upgrades

Is your old AC rattling, loud, or just not cold enough? We replace old units in older boats with modern Dometic Turbo AC systems, which are quieter and usually draw less power than the units they replace.

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$150 /hr

Labor estimate Quoted after inspection

Book sends us a ticket; nothing is charged online. Before any work you get a written estimate for labor, parts and the trip fee, and nothing is done without your OK.

Trip fee By distance, one way: $30 in San Pedro, $50 in Long Beach

San Pedro$30
Wilmington, Terminal Island$40
Long Beach: Shoreline, Rainbow Harbor$50
Long Beach Marina, Alamitos Bay$60
Redondo Beach$60
Seal Beach, Huntington Harbour$75
Marina del Rey$85
Newport Beach$110

Farther away: $25 plus $2.50 a mile, one way from our San Pedro shop. No trip fee when the boat comes to our shop, or for plan members. The work of a visit is at least $150; the trip fee is on top.

Registered in California: Breeze Marine Boat Service LLC, San Pedro
Where we work: At your slip from Marina del Rey to Newport Beach, or in our San Pedro shop
Questions first: (213) 693-0224 or submit a ticket

About this service

The Upgrade You Need

Quiet Running.
Cool Cabins.

Still running an old, rattling AC unit from the 90s? We fit modern, high-efficiency Dometic Turbo systems that are quieter and more efficient than most older units, and we adapt the shelf and ducting to fit your existing space.

System Retrofits

When it comes to marine AC repair, old units are often obsolete and expensive to fix. We remove your old, rusted unit and install a modern, composite-base Dometic or Webasto marine AC unit that won't rust and runs quietly.

New Installations

Does your boat lack AC entirely? We perform a full new marine AC installation. For a boat air conditioning installation from scratch, we run the raw water plumbing, install the seawater pump, run the ducting and fit teak grilles for the vents. The seawater intake through-hull is installed with the boat hauled out at a boatyard, and haul-out and yard charges are listed on your estimate.

Pump & Plumbing

The AC unit is only half the battle. We upgrade your cooling loop with a high-flow magnetic drive marine AC pump (March/KoolAir) and oversized strainers to help prevent "High Pressure" shutdowns.

The Installation Process.

Clean, careful and tested for leaks.

Sizing & Load Calc

For accurate marine AC sizing, we measure your cabin volume and glass exposure (sun load) to calculate the exact BTU requirement. Undersized units won't cool; oversized units get clammy.

Removal

During a marine AC replacement, we close the seacock, carefully extract the old unit and cap off the electrical and plumbing lines so no saltwater spills into your bilge or carpet. Before the old unit is scrapped, its refrigerant is recovered by an EPA 608 certified technician we work with or refer you to; their charge is listed on your estimate.

Fitment

A modern self-contained marine air conditioner is smaller but shaped differently. We modify the mounting shelf, install vibration isolation mounts, and adapt the ducting to fit the new blower outlet.

Commissioning

We bleed the air from the water lines, program the digital thermostat (Passport I/O or Elite), and verify the temperature delta (split) is at least 15-20°F.

Brands We Install.

Dometic and Webasto marine air conditioning.

New marine air conditioning unit installed under a berth

Modern marine AC unit with insulated ducting

Installing a new seawater pump for a marine AC system

Installation Specs.

Installed following ABYC practice.

Ducting Insulated 4" to 6" Flex

Hoses Trident Reinforced Marine

Electrical Tinned Copper Marine Wire

Common Questions

Can I run AC away from the dock?

Only if you have a generator (Genset) or a large lithium battery bank with an inverter. Marine air conditioners need 120V or 240V power and draw significant amperage.

Why choose a boat air conditioner retrofit instead of repair?

If your unit is 10+ years old and uses R22, refrigerant repairs are expensive because R22 is no longer produced, and they need an EPA 608 certified technician. A new unit uses a modern, ozone-safe refrigerant (R410A or a newer low-GWP type, depending on the model), is quieter and uses less power. It carries the manufacturer's warranty, and our installation is covered for 90 days from the invoice date.