H306 Air Conditioning

[bigbrownpilot]

When we bought our boat we were aware that the factory A/C needed to be repaired, and the estimate is around $1200 for parts and then additional labor. Conversely, we could spend more and replace the existing 10,000 BTU unit with a new 16,000 BTU unit, but I'm told that it's not a drop-in installation and that we would probably spend a lot more to re-wire and possible have to change the control head. So we are planning to repair the existing factory unit. My question is: Are those of you who have factory A/C in your H290/H306 satisfied with its cooling ability? We'd like to start spending the night on the boat, and with 95 degree days in Atlanta right now, we're wondering if we can get the cabin comfortable enough for sleeping.

Dave and Alysia

 

[KD3PC]

age and make of the unit??

If it is more than 6 or 7 years old you are wasting $$ repairing it. The new units truly are drop in, and they are smaller, quieter, more efficient, and less expensive for a given BTU.

There should be very little to rewire in replacing a unit, same with ducts and dampers. The new units are cat 5 wired to the control head, and many are "user" installable, completely.

I would check with some other vendors before I put $$ in to this repair...with just a couple of hours labor you are in "new" ...AC

check out flagship, and the other self contained units...

 

[kloudie1]

Not knowing the particulars of your unit, Dave, I don't totally agree with KD3PC. The controls will probably have to be replaced although there are some units that can be bought dead ended so that they can be hooked to current controls.. Labor for retrofit would consume the cost of the new controls and installation. There is the issue of the output duct location.. Sometimes, in the new high efficiency units, the output location cannot be configured easily to existing duct and an adapter would have to be fabricated .. The larger unit would certainly need a new, higher rated circuit breaker and may need larger gauge wire to drive the larger compressor.. Again not big items if you are doing the work yourself, but the labor charge of an installer could quickly add up. You can most likely use the existing sea water circuit and pump. All that said, I would install a new unit and The best way would be to fish for a friend with some savvy that could put in the new unit for ya if you are uncomfortable with doing that kind of work.. Not saying to jury rig it, saying that the typical installer really charges a premium for "marine" labor and house (boat) calls ..

EDIT: I had my compressor replaced in an old unit but the only way it made sense to do that was that I pulled the unit and took it to a good shop.. I purchased the new compressor at a big discount under the shop price.. They un-soldered the joints, soldered in the new compressor, evacuated the system, and recharged it..

 

[seadaddler]

AC manufator

Did you try calling who ever makes the unit to see what the specks are and what difference before repairing,I think bigger is better.
My newer AC unit has reverse ac/heat and humidstate cycle and maybe you may need a control head if it has all that.
Nick

 

[bigbrownpilot]

It's whatever came from the factory in 2003 as standard. Good points, I will check.

Dave

 

[Jeff]

We have a 16,500 BTU unit on our H33.5 (1993) which I installed. It's more than adequate for our size boat. Don't put to large a unit in. It needs to run long enough to pump out some of the humidity. Friends of ours have a 10,000 BTU unit in their H30 and it handles the midwest summers just fine. During the day none of them are going keep up well. But at night we sleep like babies. Good Luck.

 

[bigbrownpilot]

I'm checking into what is involved in putting in a Marine Air 16,500 BTU retrofit. If it can be done for the same labor as repairing the factory unit and will fit without mods, we'll probably go that route. Looks like the control head is included.

Dave

 

[bigbrownpilot]

Found out it's cost-prohibitive to replace, so going with repair of the factory unit.

Dave

 

[seadaddler]

Too Big

I think 16 is way more than you really need any way,just clean it up repair and make sure it drains good and maybe preventive crust proof the pan and compressor.
My 2007 H-36 AC had 1 drain tube so open up and added second drain tube but the rust is already on the feet of the compressor and we use AC in Florida a lot.
Nice boat and had a 2001 290 and really same boat but no AC.
Nick