Replacing Air Conditioner SeaRay 340
- Thread starter sejensen737
- Start date
NotHerDecision
Well-Known Member
- Jun 28, 2016
- 2,173
- Boat Info
- 2001 Sea Ray 460 Sundancer
2014 Seadoo 155 LTD
2105 Seadoo 130 SE
2013 Mercury Dinghy
- Engines
- Cummins 6CTA 8.3L
This is almost as bad as asking what oil to use. 
I support dometic. They now have coated coils and replacements fit perfectly. They also have a legit service network. The webasto units so not have any service valves and work until they need service at which point you can install a piercing valve which leaks or try to get someone to spend time soldering them in which costs more then the stupid units.
Anyway that’s my .02 ymmv.
I support dometic. They now have coated coils and replacements fit perfectly. They also have a legit service network. The webasto units so not have any service valves and work until they need service at which point you can install a piercing valve which leaks or try to get someone to spend time soldering them in which costs more then the stupid units.
Anyway that’s my .02 ymmv.
sejensen737
Active Member
NHD
Thank you for your input
Thank you for your input
Sgrochow
Active Member
I replaced a 12k BTU Cruise Air with a 12k Webasto several years ago.
Wish I would have called them prior to doing so. The newer units are more efficient than the old. (My thought was a BTU is a BTU)
I recommend that you talk to them before sizing the unit and also discuss the pump water GPM requirements for the new unit.
I didn’t and I am the proud owner of a closet that has heat and ac! Had to dump somewhere.
The techs were great and helped me solve the problem that I created myself.
this is just a snippet of the emails I exchanged with them, many phone calls too.
“The FCF unit has a minimum run time of 6 minutes. This means when the controller calls for cooling, the unit will not shut down for 6 minutes even if the set point is over shot. This will only occur in the way the customer describes if the unit is too large for his boat (oversized). If the FCF controller reads the same temp as his thermometer, then this is the case most likely.
Do a seawater discharge measurement to make sure you are pumping enough water thus cooling the compressor as well. 12,000 BTU needs 5.28gal/min or 316 gal per hour”
Wish I would have called them prior to doing so. The newer units are more efficient than the old. (My thought was a BTU is a BTU)
I recommend that you talk to them before sizing the unit and also discuss the pump water GPM requirements for the new unit.
I didn’t and I am the proud owner of a closet that has heat and ac! Had to dump somewhere.
The techs were great and helped me solve the problem that I created myself.
this is just a snippet of the emails I exchanged with them, many phone calls too.
“The FCF unit has a minimum run time of 6 minutes. This means when the controller calls for cooling, the unit will not shut down for 6 minutes even if the set point is over shot. This will only occur in the way the customer describes if the unit is too large for his boat (oversized). If the FCF controller reads the same temp as his thermometer, then this is the case most likely.
Do a seawater discharge measurement to make sure you are pumping enough water thus cooling the compressor as well. 12,000 BTU needs 5.28gal/min or 316 gal per hour”
sejensen737
Active Member
Thanks Sgrochow
I have a 12000BTU unit now also. In your opinion would a 10000BTU unit be sufficient?
I have a 12000BTU unit now also. In your opinion would a 10000BTU unit be sufficient?
sejensen737
Active Member
NotHerDecision
Well-Known Member
- Jun 28, 2016
- 2,173
- Boat Info
- 2001 Sea Ray 460 Sundancer
2014 Seadoo 155 LTD
2105 Seadoo 130 SE
2013 Mercury Dinghy
- Engines
- Cummins 6CTA 8.3L
This question really depends on your location. In Florida or Texas we need all of the capacity possible. If your 12k was sufficient and you’re willing to lose 18% of your capacity then a 10 would do. Too much Ac in a house will often cause a clammy or high humidity environment in a boat in the Texas heat it’s not really a concern so I oversize the units.
in addition the price model is such that additional capacity is marginally more expensive.
in addition the price model is such that additional capacity is marginally more expensive.
NotHerDecision
Well-Known Member
- Jun 28, 2016
- 2,173
- Boat Info
- 2001 Sea Ray 460 Sundancer
2014 Seadoo 155 LTD
2105 Seadoo 130 SE
2013 Mercury Dinghy
- Engines
- Cummins 6CTA 8.3L
I believe that is a 500gph
I recently saw that Dometic has a new-ish variable capacity marine AC system called the Voyager series. This could be a real boon to the problem of capacity selection.
AC compressors are usually on/off, cycling on to full speed when the thermostat makes a call for cool.
Apparently the Voyager has a variable speed compressor that will slow down and run continuously at reduced cooling to maintain the desired temp. Some of the claimed benefits are quieter operation and longer life from fewer number of start cycles. I’d love to try this option in my boat, but I’m not replacing 3 nearly new units.
AC compressors are usually on/off, cycling on to full speed when the thermostat makes a call for cool.
Apparently the Voyager has a variable speed compressor that will slow down and run continuously at reduced cooling to maintain the desired temp. Some of the claimed benefits are quieter operation and longer life from fewer number of start cycles. I’d love to try this option in my boat, but I’m not replacing 3 nearly new units.
NotHerDecision
Well-Known Member
- Jun 28, 2016
- 2,173
- Boat Info
- 2001 Sea Ray 460 Sundancer
2014 Seadoo 155 LTD
2105 Seadoo 130 SE
2013 Mercury Dinghy
- Engines
- Cummins 6CTA 8.3L
I’m a dealer and yes they are nice units but… have you seen the pricing?!
btw. They come in 2 sizes. 6-10k variable and 12-18k variable.
btw. They come in 2 sizes. 6-10k variable and 12-18k variable.
sejensen737
Active Member
NHD
yes , my go to is usually go big or go home so I was leaning toward the 12K. I'm in Southern Ontario where it gets into the 30's but not usually for extended periods of time.
There is a screaming 40-50% off deal on Webasto 6k 10k 12k 16k units right now with free shipping so since my Dometic has been acting up the last few years , now is probably the time to act.
Thanks for the GPH info.
yes , my go to is usually go big or go home so I was leaning toward the 12K. I'm in Southern Ontario where it gets into the 30's but not usually for extended periods of time.
There is a screaming 40-50% off deal on Webasto 6k 10k 12k 16k units right now with free shipping so since my Dometic has been acting up the last few years , now is probably the time to act.
Thanks for the GPH info.
Sgrochow
Active Member
not sure if I want to make that call! My boat is in a similar climate. The unit doesn’t over run the set point if really hot or cold ambient temperature, or if I leave the door open. The Webasto engineer that I ended up talking to a few times told me he wished I would have called and asked before sizing myself . Might be worth a try, hopefully they are still helpful.
It seems like these units are only available via dealers vs distribution so I haven’t seen any prices. What are they running?
Since you’re a dealer, can you tell me how much a CapTouch Wifi controller costs? Is it even available? This is another thing I can’t find prices for and Dknetic seems not to be promoting it. I’d love to be able to start at least one of my AC units remotely when I leave for the boat.