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Replacing AC/heat system

Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2011 1:25 pm
by Mike Kulp
Hi everybody, I am in the process of replacing my Lunair system with a new unit. I have researched multiple models and was wondering if anybody had any expierence with these models. I have a mid cabin with the unit in the from stateroom locker. I like the Cruisair model SXUF18/410A, or Cruisair stowaway SXF16 these seem to be the most expensive units. Flagship marine model FM16R was $1599 but has some bad press on some web sites. Mermaid M16CHP-T $1537.99 but could not find anything on these units. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as this is going to be my Christmas present to my self. My unit now is a lunair 16,000 btu AC/ heat.

Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2011 3:28 pm
by k9th
I replaced mine this past summer with a MarinAire unit. It is 16,500BTU, has remote control, and also reverse cycle heating. It was a very easy install and I did it myself. Took about two hours total to get old one out and new one in. Works great for both A/C and heat. The price was about the same as what you are looking at.

Posted: Sat Dec 24, 2011 4:03 pm
by prowlersfish
My first choice would be Cruseair or or maybe Marineaire as it is made by the same people (Dometic ) so I would expect them to be of the same quailty
.(I use Cruse air)
Mermaid , I have heard good things .

Suport and service are very inportant . you can get Crusair service every where , Mermaid I know there is weavers near you for service if needed .http://www.weaversmarine.net/

Flagsahip ? don't know much good luck

Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2011 8:15 am
by RWS
My factory 1983 Cruiseair lasted until we replaced it during the refit in 2006.

It was 23 years old and having leakage issues and some solenoid issues.

We changed out the entire unit with a new one, same 16,000 btu as the factory model.

We chose to stay with Cruiseair.

This unit has a more efficient compressor and the electronic panel which will allow this unit a longer life as it can deal with voltage drop.

It is far quieter than the factory unit.

The new unit has reverse cycle heat also.

We also installed a fresh water flush on the raw water side.

This is on a 10 meter express cruiser. We modified the mounting location in the engine room to get it off the floor as the factory did and it lives on a shelf above the vacuum tank for the wastewater system.

Care should be taken when choosing equipment for the boat as quality, dependability and years of service in what can be a harsh environment are worthy considerations.

RWS

A/C

Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2011 11:22 am
by BobCT
Mike, I replaced my Lunaire with a 12k Mermaid. It's smaller than the 16k original unit but cools the cabin fine. I downsized because I potentially want to run it on a portable Gen.

They miake good units but it's not as quiet as I would have hoped. The mid cabin AC location is bad no matter what you do though. It's quieter when running but the "click" on when the unit cycles is annoying. I lined the inside walls with sound deadening insulation but I need to isolate the solenoid or whatever makes cycling noise.

Bob

MarineAir/Cruisair Turbo Series

Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2011 2:49 pm
by BlueBelle
I installed a MarineAir Vector Turbo Series (16k) last month. The same unit is called Stowaway Turbo Series by Cruisair. The unit is remarkably small and unbelievably quiet. Installation was easy.

The sound shield option encloses the compressor for silence. After installing I couldn't hear the compressor kick on at all...the only indicator that the compressor was in fact running was the indicator light on the thermostat...and ice cold air through registers. Additionally the rubber 'feet' deaden vibration remarkably well. These units are pricey ($1900) but I'm extremely pleased with mine.

Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2011 10:33 am
by rbcool
When I was a marine mechanic, I installed several Flagship Marine systems and my experiences with them were Great!! Customer service, ease of installation, and quality was top notch. And I love the Electric heat option, no worrying about the temp of the water like in reverse-cycle
On my "Future" list, I plan to replace my forward Cruiseair unit with a
FM20R and the electric heat option. There will be a seperate 2" duct that will run through all the bilge areas to keep the temps well above freezing, allowing us to use the boat anytime we wish. No, I don't much have to worry about power outages, since my marina automatically notifies me when it happens.
My 2 cents worth!

Ron 8)

Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2011 3:17 pm
by prowlersfish
Who are the flag ship dealers in the C bay area ?

AC Heat unit

Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2011 8:47 am
by TADTOOMUCH
Take a look at Webasto. I got a 16,000 BTU unit for my F-32 and it is quiet and has a remote as well. I mounted mine behind the aft drawers of the dinette with some modification to the drawers. I never get hot and when I need heat I have plenty. Cost was around $1,300 with the wiring and circulation pump and fittings. That was in 2006. Great service from the dealer in Florida as far as answering all my questions.

Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2011 11:20 am
by RWS
By the way, in the 10 Meter express cruiser, all the hardware, blower motor, compressor, plumbing, condenser, evaporator and all hoses and all tubes, hoses and valves are located in the engine room and have access from same.

It's all on the back side of that bulkhead, easy access and this keeps everything very, very quiet.

The air filter is accessible from the cabin and all the ducts are actually built into both sides of the ceiling in a moulded in headliner.

Nice arrangement!

RWS

Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2011 6:15 pm
by Mike Kulp
Thanks for all the response, I was hoping there would be one manufacturer that everybody would recommend but I am just as undecided as I was before. I have looked at all the units you's recommended and I gues it will come down to space and service. Thanks everybody

Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2011 8:41 pm
by prowlersfish
Mike , the most important thing is support if you new unit breaks is the someone to service it ? and do it under warranty ? the best a/c in the world is not worth 2 cents if its broke and there is no one to repair it . not to easy to send it back . Find out who is there for support and the decide . I like cruseair and there is service all over . call around and see what brads have local ( to the boat) warranty service .

Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2012 1:36 pm
by Mike Kulp
Okay guys after researching every A/C system I could find it has come down to size and service. I purchased a Mermaid unit that has the exact dimensions I need for the small space in the front state room. The dealer for these units is close to my marina so this si a win win. i will post some pics when I start the install. I researched this topic until I drove my wife crazy, she mumbled something about being excessive and then said just order it summer is coming.

Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2012 3:39 pm
by prowlersfish
Good info , and if service is that close a good choice

Posted: Fri Mar 02, 2012 12:25 pm
by yorklyn
Just saw this thread mike. please let us know how you make out with the install . i have the same boat as you and was concerned about finding one that would fit in the existing space. if you get a moment please post the model # if you don't mind me benefiting from all of your leg work! will the new remote fit in the same hole as the origional ? thanks and good luck with the install!