CTM CX-16S – 16,000 BTU Condenser – Marine Split A/C Unit – 115V – 50/60HZ – R410A w/ Soft Start

Description

Vessels running on generator power, a limited shore connection, or an inverter system need a different approach to a 16,000 BTU compressor than boats with unlimited dockside electricity, and the CTM CX-16S delivers exactly that with a built-in soft start board. One verified installer described the setup as going in “well with no problems,” running copper lines from condenser to evaporator, pulling a vacuum, and testing for leaks without complications.

Soft start technology matters most when electrical headroom is the limiting factor rather than raw cooling need — it reduces the compressor’s inrush current by 65-75% compared to standard locked-rotor amperage, which is often the difference between a system that starts reliably on a 30-amp cord and one that trips a breaker every time the compressor cycles on.

Key Features of the CTM CX-16S Condenser (115V, Soft Start)

This soft start marine air conditioner condenser is built for boats where generator size or shore power capacity is the binding constraint, not cooling capacity itself. The features below are specific to the soft-start configuration.

• Built-in soft start board delivers 65-75% start current reduction versus the compressor’s locked-rotor amperage
• Titanium condenser coils resist corrosion significantly better than copper in seawater applications
• Universal control board compatible with SMXir, Passport I/O, Smart Touch, and Elite II controllers
• Enables running two air conditioners on a single 30-amp shore power cord
• Drop-in replacement compatibility with major split-system brands including Dometic and Cruisair

CTM CX-16S Technical Specifications

These figures come from CTM’s official spec sheet for the 115V soft-start configuration. Current draw runs notably higher than the 230V CX-16H, which is expected given the voltage difference and worth factoring into your electrical panel planning.

• Capacity: 16,000 BTU
• Voltage: 100-120V
• Cycle: 50-60 Hz
• Refrigerant: R410A
• Current Consumption (Cool/Heat): 10.5 A / 13.5 A
• Locked Rotor Amps: 60 A
• Fuse Max/Min: 40 A / 25 A
• Seawater Inlet: 5/8″
• Suggested Water Flow: 500 GPH
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 9.8″ x 13.5″ x 13.5″
• Net Weight: 42 lbs

Why Choose the CTM CX-16S

An installer’s real-world review confirms this unit goes in cleanly on new copper line installations, and it’s backed by CTM’s standard 2-year warranty against material and workmanship defects. If your boat runs on a generator or limited shore power, soft start is worth the added cost over the standard CX-16 to avoid nuisance breaker trips.

What to Know Before Installing

• EPA certification must be provided before shipping
• Requires a separately purchased evaporator — this listing is the condenser only
• Confirm your electrical panel supports the 13.5A heating draw at 115V
• An 8-pin Elite II control with cable can be added at checkout if needed