Cruiseair airhandler coils

[spincycle]

Got the bad news today, refrigerant leak on the main salon airhandler coils. Cruiseair model #EDSB30C airhandler. No way to really fix or patch the refrigerant leak effectivley i am told by tech. So I asked for replacment of the two coils in the airhandler. i guess there are two coils and two blowers( main salon unit, 30,000 BTU). Dam things were $1,371.00 each and that includes the new blower motor and fan. I said to my self is this right? $2,643 just for the coils and motors, installation is extra. Tech says 6 hours, to remove and replace, recharge refrigerant and test. i thought that part was Ok, the coil price is what put me on my ass. I'm looking at about $3,400 for the repair.
Is there a different solution i should be looking at? the boat is a 1990 54 ED, the airhandler is acessable from the flybridge seating area, but would require cutting some of the fiberglass braces that secure the seating areas together to remove it completely, nothing structural but a real pain in the ass to do. For the tech to get into the area he has to crawl in like a mouse and sit there and replace the coil, not really any room to work. Should i be looking at replacing the whole air-handler with a new one, possibly cheaper make. cruise-airs price on the new exact match was $4200.00 with out install or shipping.

Help!
Spincycle

 

[spincycle]

one addition guys, the evaporator coil/blower replacement model # is A-165A R-22 refrigerant.

Spincycle

 

[Angela]

I just installed new Aqua Air fan coils that are running off my old CruisAir R-22condensing unit for as long as it runs. I got a 16K and a 10K, about $900 each and they built them to match up exactly where my ducts were run; in otherwords, they oriented the air output to be exactly where my old CruisAir blowers were. Install was super easy. Air coming out of the vents is 44°. I am just tickled to death with my new Aqua Air equipment.

I was advised that if I buy a new condensing unit that is the new gas, the fan coils I just installed are still compatible with the new stuff. I also treated myself to digital controls.

Where are you located? Aqua Air is manufactured here in Miami - another thing I like.

 

[Boatsb]

Judging from the questions I think you feel the cruisair parts are over the top. If not the tech is not one you trust. maybe it makes sense while you are in there to replace the whole system instead of just the parts to give you better cooling and longer life.

I just replaced a 16K BTU in a sailboat the other day for just that reason.

 

[spincycle]

Ang, you got a number for Aqua-air? maybe i should call them and see what they can do for me. it is an old airhandler, i really don't want to put good money into 20 year old equipment. i am in clearwater beach.

Spincycle

 

[Angela]

Aqua Air: 305-884-8363. Ask for DeWayne Nall - he's the owner. He knows me. Tell him I recommended you to him and that you're one of the Hatteras guys with the old system. If you have your air handler model number handy for him, he will know exactly what to build. You can also email him at DeWayne@aquaair.com.

 

[jim rosenthal]

If you can replace the whole unit instead of just the broken parts, wouldn't that be better? It involves more surgery on the boat, but the fiberglass stuff can be glassed back together with epoxy and the new part would have a longer life expectancy.

Even on a well-made high-class boat, it's amazing to me how much of it is not accessible for service. Just crazy. None of these complex pieces of equipment last forever.

 

[fixin-to-cruise]

I bet the parts are $150 per. If you can figure out the manufacturer that is... These boat A/C "manufacturers" mostly assemble off-the-shelf parts and charge what the market will bear.

 

[spcoolin]

Spincycle~

The overhead EDS air handlers are no longer in production since the Dometic merger...The EDS30 was a combo of two stand alone EBS16S air handlers that were strapped to each end of a metal return air plenum box...They can be removed individually, or both, leaving the metal plenum box in place...

Once removed the EBS16 air handlers can be disassembled, and the coil/s only, either replaced, or the leak/s soldered up...

Cruisair does show the coil only available...Part# RCA-BHO-11614U at $570 ea. (note: this is coil only with no blower)
If they still made the EBS16SC I would suggest that two of those might be the way to go but alas they are not...and your tech may have gotten a custom build price from Cruisair for the whole EBS air handlers on each end...The price he is quoting is not far above the last known price of a EBS16SC when in production.

I see no need to replace the complete EDS30C unless the insulation inside the center plenum assembly is falling out, or the box is corroded & in bad shape...

Steve~

 

[jim rosenthal]

Slightly off track, but I would like to publicly thank Steve (see above) for his contributions to the forum. His web site is also very useful; I'm going to enroll on it. There's no substitute for experience on this kind of thing, and even less substitute for someone who has it AND is willing to share it. Thanks, from all of us on the HOF.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I agree with Jim. Steve has provided invaluable information for many of us here. Many times it seems that questions are asked and answered on this forum, but the "thank you's" are often forgotten.

Thanks Steve.

 

[saltshaker]

Even on a well-made high-class boat, it's amazing to me how much of it is not accessible for service. Just crazy. None of these complex pieces of equipment last forever.

A few years ago there was a brand new 40' Riviera that ran aground and damaged the rudder ports and struts. Riviera sent 2 techs over from Australia to figure out how to fix the boat without major surgery. In the end they did what the yard originally said needed to be done. They cut open the cockpit and had to remove the fuel tank. This boat ran aground about 10 minutes after refueling so about 500 gals of diesel was offloaded and given away to 2 of the diesel boats that were in the yard. That worked out well for me

 

[saltshaker]

I agree with Jim. Steve has provided invaluable information for many of us here. Many times it seems that questions are asked and answered on this forum, but the "thank you's" are often forgotten.

Thanks Steve.

Very much in agreement. Thanks to all who offer their help.

 

[Boatnut]

Very much in agreement. Thanks to all who offer their help.

Steve has been one of the most outstanding contributors to the forum. A person with first hand knowledge is a very valuable asset, and a rare find indeed.

Thanks Steve.

 

[spincycle]

i have to chime in, yes, thanks Steve good advise and information, i passed the part number you gave me for coils only on to my A/C guy and i am waiting back to hear if he can just get the coils from cruiseair.
Ang, i did e-mail your contact at Aquaair on wednesday, no response yet. I belive if the cost is not to great with Aquaair, it would be a better idea to change out the complete unit, not just the coils.

thanks everyone

Spincycle

 

[Finalee]

Steve's expertise and approach is refreshing. Thanks Steve!

 

[spcoolin]

i have to chime in, yes, thanks Steve good advise and information, i passed the part number you gave me for coils only on to my A/C guy and i am waiting back to hear if he can just get the coils from cruiseair.
Ang, i did e-mail your contact at Aquaair on wednesday, no response yet. I belive if the cost is not to great with Aquaair, it would be a better idea to change out the complete unit, not just the coils.

thanks everyone

Spincycle

Thanks for all the kudos guys...

Spincycle,

In this case I don't think the whole replacement is warranted since your air handler is essentially two other air handlers attached to a center plenum box that is not easily removed...But the airhandlers on each end are...

The price for "coils" you posted in your original post is likely for them (Cruisair) to custom build two (complete with blowers) EBS16SC airhandlers & apply foam insulation to the outside of each box to keep them from sweating...These units would be ready to install on each end of your plenum box...

The coils I quoted are just that...Coils only...So it will require your guy to remove both EBS16's...Disassemble each box, remove each coil from the existing blower assembly, attach the new coils to the old blowers, sweat in any tubing that does not come with the new coils, reassemble the boxes, re-insulate where insulation is torn, and reinstall each to your existing plenum...So yes it will be a bit more labor...And you will still have old fan motors & blowers that should be cleaned too...

Bit of History...JD Nall (DeWayne's Dad) Started Aqua Air when his relationship with Jere Crews (Cruisair) went south...JD had been a Cruisair distributor here in Fl.

JD virtually copied every piece of equipment in Cruisair's equipment line (part for part) at that time...They didn't have the network of dealers, but made the same exact units...As time went on...JD did not have access to Jere's engineering staff to copy from...Cruisair's line grew while JD's stayed the same in the Direct Expansion market (older Cruisair stuff) JD then started gearing more toward the larger boat Chilled Water market...Now Cruisair & Marine Air have gotten into that market as well which I think has hurt Aqua Air enough that they are refocusing on DX again...JD is now retired but That's why Angela got the owner DeWayne on her boat...Times are hard.
BTW...My ex boss was a JD employee back in the early 70's, and ran one of his service shops in the Lauderdale area...DeWayne used to ride in his service van for training...
If you do get in touch with DeWayne...Tell him you need 2 of the Aqua Air Equivalents of the Cruisair EBS16SC...They may well still be producing them, and are likely cheaper...You will probably need to insulate them since the stand alone units were usually mounted in a conditioned space, and therefore did not need insulation to keep from sweating in the hot area under the flybridge brow.

The EBS16S was a less depth less height unit with internal blower motor (reason for less depth with no motor sticking out the back) but the blower also was not rotatable...Cruisair's replacement for the EBS takes up even less space, The blower rotates, moves more air & is quieter...The unit weighs less, draws less amperage and has a composite drain pan that drains better (no standing water)....But alas...It's not designed to bolt up to your EDS overhead plenum...

Steve~

 

[Pascal]

Slightly off track, but I would like to publicly thank Steve (see above) for his contributions to the forum. His web site is also very useful; I'm going to enroll on it. There's no substitute for experience on this kind of thing, and even less substitute for someone who has it AND is willing to share it. Thanks, from all of us on the HOF.

i agree... i've been posting some questions on his site and getting a lot of good info! thank you STEVE!

 

[Jaxfishgyd]

I just signed up...

 

[spincycle]

just ordered two coils and blowers from Dewayne(Aqua-air), he says about two weeks to manufacture. had my a/c install guy call dewayne first to make sure his copy units would fit and are compatable.got the thumbs up and i ordered them today, will keep you posted, dewaynes prices are 35% less than cruiseairs.

Spincycle