Removal/Replacement of Salon A/C on '05 420DA

[copb8tx]

A marine technician my marina sent to recharge my Salon A/C said that I 'may' have to either repair or replace my unit instead. Surprising since my A/C units on my old '93 400EX are original and still work great and my 420DA is an '05.

He's quoted $2,500 for compressor and reversing valve only, or $3,500 for a complete new unit, plus labor to switch it out, which he described as a 'huge job'. The unit is located under the nick-nack tray and switch panel in the aft corner of the salon. Has anyone here done this, or had it done, and can you tell me how big a job it is to remove and replace the unit?

Also, I haven't been to the boat to get the specific model A/C unit I have but I know it's Cruisair. Where is the best place to buy a new unit if I decide to tackle this job myself?

Thanks for any help.

 

[Jim M]

First thing you need to do is call in someone else to look at your system.

 

[copb8tx]

Thanks. I'm definitely planning on doing that since it seemed to work well last summer which was the hottest summer in recorded history for our area. Issue was it wasn't heating at all during the winter.

 

[Mike Blake]

Sounds like a lot of $$$ how big of a BTU is it? Can you get to it easy?

 

[copb8tx]

Sounds like a lot of $$$ how big of a BTU is it? Can you get to it easy?

I'm not sure how difficult it is to get out. I was hoping someone here had some experience and would share it.

BTW, after speaking to my marina service manager I got clarification on the pricing above. It is a turnkey cost that includes installation.

 

[Mike Blake]

CAn you get a picture on it? That would help!!

 

[HUMPH]

Do a search here on CSR as I saw a thread in the past few weeks and there was a Dealer in the thread. If you can get to them the units are very easy to replace. Be prepared to remove the pan and clean and treat it for rust or replace with stainless steel. Seeing you are in fresh water you may not have that problem.