Frequently asked questions

SeaAir designs and builds advanced DC climate control systems for boats — quiet, efficient air conditioning and heating that runs directly off your battery bank, no generator required. Every system is controlled from our native mobile app and backed by US-based support.

We're a US company headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. Support is handled by our own team — call or text 954-256-5588, or email info@seaair.com.

We ship from Florida, USA. For international destinations, contact us at info@seaair.com for options and a quote — and wherever you cruise, remote support travels with you.

At the 5k BTU setting the system typically draws about 35 amps at 12V — real cruising telemetry shows 33–38 A during continuous cooling. Maximum draw across the full 5k–12k range is 60 A, and you can cap total consumption with a power budget in the app.

Many of our customers do. Every system ships as a complete kit — water pump, breaker, terminal block, wire fittings, hose barbs and a prewired installation board — and our team is available by phone, text or video call while you work.

Prefer a pro? Marine installers are part of our installer program.

Think of our system as a “choose your own adventure” climate machine. Instead of locking you into a single BTU rating, you get three selectable modes — 5k, 9k, and 12k BTU — all built into a single smart package. You decide how much cooling power you want based on the size of your cabin, the heat load, and how much battery you want to use.

Our customers use it everywhere: from cuddy cabins on 27-foot center consoles to primary suites on 75-foot motoryachts. Even in surprisingly large cabins, 9k BTU mode provides excellent long-duration cooling and heating. You’re in control of the experience — and that’s what makes it fun.

Absolutely not. The entire point of this system is to ditch the noise, smell, and hassle of a generator. Our DC-powered platform was born from real cruising experience — long nights at anchor, quiet coves, and wanting to actually hear the ocean instead of an engine.

With the right battery bank and solar setup, the system can run entirely off-grid. On sunny days, many boaters run directly off solar alone.

LiFePO₄ banks perform best, but large AGM banks can also get the job done.

Nope! Our climate system is the perfect “don’t let me overdo it” cruising companion. You simply tell the system how many amp-hours you want it to use — say, 200Ah — and it will run normally until it reaches your budget. Once it has consumed that amount, it shuts down so you always stay within your energy plan.

It’s a boater’s dream: peace of mind without constant math.

We always say get as many as you can — battery prices have dropped significantly in recent years, making it more affordable to invest in additional capacity. That said, you can run our machine overnight in the heat of the Florida Keys and use less than 300Ah in 9k BTU mode over about 12 hours. We've personally done this and many of our customers have reported similar performance aboard their boats.

If you have a decent solar array, even better — your batteries will recharge throughout the day while you stay cool.

As with batteries, get as much as you can. More solar means more power on cloudy days and during winter months. A properly sized MPPT controller and higher-voltage panel strings dramatically improve real-world performance — especially in partial sun or tricky shading situations.

In strong sun, many boaters run daytime cooling directly from solar. That’s the magic of DC climate done right. Many customers with 1000+ watt arrays have reported charging while also running the AC.

Solar isn't required, however. Motor vessels with inboard diesels and also cabin cruisers with outboard motors will also run our machines effectively. The power output from alternators can charge the house bank and surplus can be used to run the AC.

Yes! Many customers — especially catamaran owners — split air between two cabins. A simple Y or T duct fitting lets you send air to two separate spaces such as a salon and a lower cabin.

Airflow is divided between both vents, so it won’t blow as strong as sending everything to one location. The return air also won't be pulled from both cabins so performance may not be optimal, but it can work well enough to be viable and dramatically improve comfort, especially overnight when sleeping. You can also set up ducting with dampers to close off one side when not needed.

Yes. Every SeaAir climate system is available in 12V, 24V and 48V — the same self-contained marine HVAC unit, matched to your battery bank's voltage. The 48V version draws just 15 amps at full output. New 48V and 120V machines with an 8k–16k BTU range are shipping soon.

Cooling works best with incoming water temperatures between 60°F and 105°F. Heating operates optimally between 40°F and 80°F.

The compressor automatically adjusts its speed based on the difference between ambient and target temperature or humidity to optimize power efficiency.

On the display, open the Budget screen → enable budgeting → select your limit (50–800 Ah) using the scroll wheel.

No. The variable-speed compressor always starts at its lowest draw, eliminating the need for soft-start units.

R134a by default, but the system is also compatible with R1234yf if required by local regulations.

No. The system does not have ignition protection and must never be installed in any space containing gasoline fumes, LPG/CNG, or fuel-related equipment.

Inside the air filter area at the return inlet. It is calibrated for short-range use and should not be extended to other cabins.

The supply uses standard 4-inch flexible/insulated marine ducting.

A 12" × 12" return grille is recommended to ensure proper airflow.

¾-inch marine-grade hose for both inlet and discharge.

Below the waterline. The supplied pump is not self-priming and must remain flooded.

Yes—up to 50 feet away, provided hose runs are secure and properly routed.

Gravity drain only. Ensure a continuous downhill run without sags where water can pool.

Marine-grade 4/2 AWG duplex wire is recommended, depending on run length. Undersized wire can overheat and cause damage.

Yes. Do not share the circuit with other loads.

Every system is fully controllable from the SeaAir mobile app. A wall-mounted touchscreen display is available as an optional accessory — a phone-format, 12V-powered Android device that connects to the system over a wired serial link. It's coming to the store soon; contact us if you'd like one now.

No. The display mounts in the wall and is powered directly from your boat's 12V system — there is no internal battery to charge or replace, and nothing to plug in.

By wire. The display communicates with the system over a serial connection, so there's no wireless pairing to set up and no interference to worry about.

The air conditioner continues running normally. The display only sends commands — it does not keep the system running. To stop the air conditioner without the display, simply turn off the breaker supplying power to the air conditioner.

Cycle its 12V power: switch off the breaker feeding the display for 30 seconds, then switch it back on.

Yes. The display dims and sleeps when inactive to reduce power draw and extend screen life — tap the screen to wake it.

Clean the air filter regularly, inspect the sea strainer for debris, and periodically open the pump to clear blockages.

A 1-year limited warranty to the original purchaser covering defects in materials and workmanship.

Read the full warranty →

No. Follow local electronic and battery disposal regulations and recycling programs.