Marine AC replacement...any thoughts?

[JediJD]

I'm about to start replacing all three of the AC units in my cruiser. The are 10 year old 115v reverse cycle 7k, 12k and 16k units by MarineAir (which has been purchased by Dometic, apparently). All started because the base of the 7k unit in the front berth has rusted (former salt water boat) and the AC guy's trip charge plus repair (plus he tells me we may not even be able to buy the replacement base) makes the front unit cost effective to consider replacing...and while I'm at it, probably look at the other older, less efficient and noisy units (because the Admiral wants 'quiet'). After getting a $10k quote for all three from the AC guy, I looked at the process and it doesn't seem to be rocket science to R&R, and I can buy units fairly reasonably. Prior to doing so, anyone have any input on quality/performance differences between similarly sized MPS, MarineAir/Dometic, and Webasto units?

 

[Mike Blake]

R&R is very easy. I have done many. Call Tom @ http://www.flagshipmarine.com/. He was very helpful to me when I did mine.

 

[Mike Blake]

He will help even if you don't buy from him. in my book he's the man!

 

[dpmulvey]

Like the Flagship units a LOT. The only downside I see is the power draw in heat mode.

 

[carterchapman]

Charles - take a look here as well:

http://www.suremarineservice.com/stowaway-turbo-unit-smxII-with-r-410a.aspx

 

[fwebster]

The Dometic turbine units are direct replacements and are whisper quiet and very efficient. The Marine Air control box and triggers did not need to be changed.

Our dealer is installing some Webasto units where the owner just wants a cheap replacement. They sell them with the disclaimer of "we just don't know if we can get parts or service for Webasto, so consider them throw aways". But in about 5 years, they have yet to have a problem with them.

As far as do it yourself, changing an A/C unit isn't technically challenging. One of my units was easy to do and just required removing the salon sofa cushions. The other one required the services of a spider monkey with elbows that articulated backwards. You need to carefully examine your installation to see if this is a job you are up for………….or if you have a double jointed monkey you can draft for help.

 

[electricaldoctor]

I will be replacing my original aft unit this spring. I got it new for $1,800.00 CAD with a one year warranty and pump control box that is located under the salon steps that both AC units are wired into.

 

[Prosideus]

Relatively easy, but can be time consuming if you get into spider monkey territory. Check it out...

Cruisair Replacement/Installation
http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php?t=76945




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[Mike Blake]

Like the Flagship units a LOT. The only downside I see is the power draw in heat mode.

The power from the heat is less than with the A/C on.

 

[JediJD]

Deeply appreciate the collective wisdom...thank you, gentlemen, for your time and attention. Off to find spider monkeys!