The demand for marine air-conditioning (A/C) continues to increase. Once found primarily on medium to large boats, systems suitable for even the smallest cabins are now available. While A/C equipment is connected to shore power whenever possible, or gensets, some of the small systems can be powered from portable, on-deck gasoline generators or from a 12VDC power source. Bottom Line: Air-conditioned comfort can be enjoyed on virtually any size boat.

Air-conditioning systems do not create cold; rather, they transport heat from the space to be cooled to a place external to the cooled area. Although a number of different heat transport systems are in common use for terrestrial and aircraft…