AC Unit in 08 Hunter 36e

[ed_august]

I have a 2008 Hunter 36 with a SeaMach 16k btu AC system by Marvair. It has been having issues where it would occasionally throw out hot air for a few minutes while in AC mode and then finally it just stopped cooling and just recirculates cabin air even while the water is pumping thru the system and out the exit port (all lines are clean and water is pumping out strong). While doing this, I can hear the compressor trying to kick on but it just clicks occasionally and never turns on. It is being looked at by a tech (whenever he gets time) but has R22 refrigerant and It may make more sense to replace the entire unit. Just curious if anyone has gone through this and if they have replaced their unit which one seemed to be the easiest retrofit.

Thank you.

 

[Capt Robbie]

Sounds like a bad relay or refrigerant leak. Most air conditioning service technicians get an hourly rate of $100-150 plus parts. Note a good hvac tech doesn't have to just work on boats, marine Ac units are just your typical motel window Ac/heat pump that use a water condenser instead of an air condenser. A good hvac tech should have no trouble serviceing a marine unit.
Refrigerant is about $20 per oz , most units only use 4-6 oz and most relays are $20-150.
Labor and parts average is about $350-475 which is a lot cheaper then total replacement.

 

[seadaddler]

A new unit is $$$$$$$ why not fix the 08 and maybe some thing simple and check all wires for good connections and maybe bad capacitor.