Air conditioner replacement

[golfdog]

Hello Everyone,
 It looks like I'm going to have to replace my air conditioning unit. The unit in the boat is a Marine Air by Dometic.
Their replacement is the Vector Turbo 16k, it looks like a really nice unit. Cost for the Vector turbo is between $2350-2600 and I would install. (installation looks very easy)
 The other unit is a Mermaid M16, price for this unit is $2000 installed. This would be part of a package deal that would include a bow thruster and installation. The person that may be adding the bow thruster sells Mermaid air only.
 Does anyone have any opinions or suggestions regarding these two brands of air conditioners.
 Thanks, Jerry

[Black_Diamond]

Both look good, the SS drain pan is nice.  The Mermaid recommends 3 outlets though, and at least on my 342, there are only 2 (the vent by the galley and the one in the head).

[Dream 'Inn]

I went thru a replacment for my passport  unit this summer & replaced it with a marine air vector turbo 12k BTU.  Definitely was a very easy install, did it myself.  The drain pan on mine though is a thick plastic/fiberglass type that seems pretty good.  I think the pan on my prior one is what cause the issues with it.  It started leaking freon and I believe it was because all the rust from the pan and water that sat in it.  I think you will be very happy with it.  I think the installaton process took a total of ~3hrs.  That was really taking my time and getting the rusty one out without making a mess...it was also cleaning the area up real well before putting the new one in.  Depending on the year of your unit, you may have to buy a new control panel.  I did, but it plugged right into the existing wiring.

Good luck and if you have any further questions just fire away.  My opinion is to go with the vector unit.  The only other thing you need is some new SS lag bolts (& possibly something to extend your hoses depending on mounting).

[dwmackenzie]

How did you make out with this?  I have 2002 342 in which my AC has died due to rust.  I now need a new unit also.  Any advice?

[pepmyster]

Wow, What is the average life span of these units?

[Tony Walker]

I just replaced mine, due to rust, so for those who operate in salt water, I would say about 5 years.

Tony
Salt Shaker 342

[golfdog]

 I ended up going with the Mermaid unit. It was a package deal, bow thruster and new air conditioner unit.
Very happy with the Mermaid unit, worked flawlessly all summer. We are going to get a cold snap here Saturday, highs in the upper 40's. We'll see how the heat works.

[wbalch]

where in rochester r u im in the irondequoit bay ur the first person on this forum ive seen from rochester. did u make it to the wet and wild party in i bay. Ill be out there this sunday to wactch the bills game a float around see ya out there.

[golfdog]

We are over on the river. Didn't make it to I bay for the wet and wild. We were at the boat thinking of heading over, every time I turned around there were more people on the dock. Turned into a pretty good party at the dock.