Question 1

What services does Thomas Marine Systems offer?

Accepted Answer

We specialize in the design, installation, and service of marine air conditioning, refrigeration, icemakers, watermakers, and marine plumbing for private yachts and commercial and military vessels. We also install and service ElectroSea ClearLine marine growth prevention and Arid Bilge systems.

Question 2

Do you sell new equipment as well as service?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We're an authorized dealer for Dometic marine air conditioning, FCI watermakers, ElectroSea ClearLine, Arid Bilge, and other industry-leading marine equipment brands.

Question 3

Do you do full system refits?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We routinely handle full HVAC, refrigeration, watermaker, and plumbing refits — from sportfishers through superyachts.

Question 4

Are you ABYC compliant?

Accepted Answer

We are longstanding members of the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) and strictly adhere to ABYC Standards in all of our work.

Question 5

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

We operate two physical locations: one on Marina Mile in Fort Lauderdale (2200 West State Road 84) and one on the south shore of the Miami River near Miami International Airport (3324 NW South River Drive).

Question 6

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Our service vans cover all of South Florida — Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties — including Miami, Miami Beach, Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, and Jupiter. We also regularly travel to the Bahamas and Caribbean.

Question 7

Are you approved at major South Florida yards?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are an approved contractor at Lauderdale Marine Center, Bradford Marine, and other major facilities throughout South Florida.

Question 8

Do you provide free estimates?

Accepted Answer

We provide written estimates for refit and installation work. For diagnostic service calls there is typically a service charge — call our office and we'll explain exactly what to expect.

Question 9

Do you bill by flat rate or by the hour?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the scope. Defined installation and refit projects are usually quoted as a fixed price. Diagnostic and repair work is typically time-and-materials.

Question 10

What forms of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept all major credit cards, check, and ACH/wire. Larger projects are billed against an itemized progress schedule.

Question 11

How often should I service my marine air conditioning?

Accepted Answer

At minimum once per year for South Florida vessels — twice per year for boats that live aboard or charter heavily. Annual service typically includes coil cleaning, strainer flushing, refrigerant check, condensate inspection, and electrical inspection.

Question 12

How often should I service my watermaker?

Accepted Answer

Membrane flushing per the manufacturer's schedule, pickling whenever the unit will sit unused for more than a week or two, and an annual preventive visit covering pre-filters, post-filters, and the high-pressure pump.

Question 13

What's the most common cause of marine AC failure?

Accepted Answer

Fouled raw-water systems — barnacles, mussels, and biofilm in seawater intakes, strainers, and condensers. This is exactly what ElectroSea ClearLine is designed to prevent.

Question 14

Do you warranty your work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All of our installation and repair work is warrantied. Manufacturer warranties also apply to new equipment we sell and install as an authorized dealer.

Question 15

Do you have bilingual staff?

Accepted Answer

Yes — our office staff is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Question 16

How do I request emergency service?

Accepted Answer

Call our Fort Lauderdale office at 954.727.1674, our Miami office at 305.635.2062, or toll-free at 800.237.3407. We prioritize down-vessel calls whenever possible.

Question 17

What's the difference between DX and chilled water AC?

Accepted Answer

Direct expansion (DX) systems use refrigerant directly at each air handler — typical for sportfishers and smaller yachts. Chilled water (tempered) systems circulate chilled water from a central plant to fan coils throughout the vessel — typical for larger yachts and superyachts.

Question 18

What is a reverse osmosis watermaker?

Accepted Answer

A watermaker that pushes seawater through a semi-permeable membrane at high pressure, producing fresh potable water from salt water. FCI is the brand we represent and recommend.

Question 19

What does 'pickling' a watermaker mean?

Accepted Answer

Treating the membrane with a chemical preservative when the watermaker will be idle for an extended period, to prevent biological growth and protect the membrane.

Everything you'd want to know — answered.

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