I need some help fo air conditioning change out on 53MY

[rourkeh]

If you are going to go the self contained route consider FrigoMar units. I installed two of them on my sailboat after the Flagship marine units kept crapping out. FrigoMar are the best A/C systems on the market. Variable speed compressors, inverter based technology and miles ahead of anyone else. Super quiet, and they use 30 - 40% less electricity.
I just bought a Hatt 61 cmy and when I get home I am ripping the old Marineaire stuff out and replacing with FrigoMar chiller system. The Italians don't get many things right but there marine A/C systems are the best without a doubt. If you are looking to save money on your replacement units these are not for you, they are expensive. I paid $3,500 each for the 16,000 btu units. But as they say you can pay now or pay later.

 

[Shaunc]

I called Ocean Breeze today and spoke with Joe, who was supper helpful. He said they make a replacement condenser that bolts straight in and is a quick painless solution. He said his condensing units were about the same price as a self contained unit. He said the come with R 407(I think that was it) and that can be used with the same evaporator coils I have and work with R22 systems. He asked me to send the serial numbers off the old units and he would send me a quote.This sounds like the way to go for me. My units are older and I think changing the compressor only is only going to mean going through this agin at another time. I am sending him those serial numbers and let’s see how this goes. I will post this for everyone to see so the next person may have a slightly easier time.

 

[Cricket]

Would it be possible to also change out the air handlers if Ocean Breeze has units that will fit so the only thing old would be the copper freon lines ???

 

[Shaunc]

Thanks madhatter1

Please send me his details, I would love a second opinion.

I asked Joe from OB about that and he said if there is no issue with them then dont worry about it. So for now I think I am going to change just the condensers for now.

 

[Pascal]

That’s the right way to do it. There is a reason Hatteras didn’t use self contained ...

If an air handler eventually aprings a leak, the condenser will shut down onnlow pressure. No harm done. With till they fail...

When I bought my 53 back in 2003, it had Ocean Breeze condensers installed around 1998 or 1999. Hey worked pretty well till I conveyed to chillers. Seemed well built. I had to replace a couple of compressors over the years but that’s not an OB issue. I used to run a boat with 7 Cruisair chillers and none lasted more than 8 years

 

[Walter P]

If you are going to go the self contained route consider FrigoMar units. I installed two of them on my sailboat after the Flagship marine units kept crapping out. FrigoMar are the best A/C systems on the market. Variable speed compressors, inverter based technology and miles ahead of anyone else. Super quiet, and they use 30 - 40% less electricity.
I just bought a Hatt 61 cmy and when I get home I am ripping the old Marineaire stuff out and replacing with FrigoMar chiller system. The Italians don't get many things right but there marine A/C systems are the best without a doubt. If you are looking to save money on your replacement units these are not for you, they are expensive. I paid $3,500 each for the 16,000 btu units. But as they say you can pay now or pay later.

What do you mean that the Italians don't get much right? Sofia and Gina a fine example of getting
everything very right. Their cars are very dependable as well....scratch that. Oh well Sofia and Gina are
enough for now.....lol

Walt

 

[madhatter1]

Call Mike at 727-644-6995

He is a bit semi retired from what I understand. That just means he is working shorter days. Still in the business and he is who I use.

 

[Shaunc]

Thanks I will call him

 

[bigbill]

make sure whoever does the work that they flush the lines and air handlers

 

[Photolomy]

Not to hijack the thread, but my boat has the original (blue) cruisair units, and they all work. What kind of PM should I be doing? If I called a tech to check on them once a year, what would I expect them to look for? I suspect that they are in the shape they are in because the boat was up north in fresh water all its life.

 

[Briankinley2004]

Not to hijack the thread, but my boat has the original (blue) cruisair units, and they all work. What kind of PM should I be doing? If I called a tech to check on them once a year, what would I expect them to look for? I suspect that they are in the shape they are in because the boat was up north in fresh water all its life.

I would say at a minimum the heat exchangers need to be serviced annually. I clean mine using the Genesis method. I then check pressures and add refrigerant if needed. Also clean filters monthly along with annual cleaning of the evaporator coils. Also I keep my seawater strainer cleaned and put a handful of bromide tablets in the strainer every weekend I use the boat

 

[Briankinley2004]

Would like to say back to the OP stating the cost of the gas is one of the reasons to get away from R-22. Im not sure what is going on but the price of R-22 has gone way down. It was up close to $800 for a 30 pound drum a couple years ago. I went into the supply house today to check on replacing one of my home R-22 units. I have 1.5 drums left and was saving for the boat. The salesman told me that R-22 was down to $340/30# drum right now. Might be a good time to stock up unless some of the tariffs have rolled off for good.