Self-contained air conditioners are the best solution for boats with up to three cabins. Each cabin is equipped with a unit sized according to heating/cooling needs. A packaged air conditioning is a compact air conditioning unit that integrates all the necessary components (compressor, evaporator, condenser) into a single enclosure and provides flexibility for boats of all sizes.

For boats with more than three cabins, a central chilled water system is often the best solution. The chilled water plant uses a network of pipes to distribute cold water to multiple points of use, chilled water plants use a centralized system to cool multiple spaces using a chilled water circuit, ideal for yachts and large vessels.