Hi,
I wanted to give an update on what I have decided to order. First off, it
turns out that installation location eliminates several of the AC units from
consideration. On my LF38, this location is a cabinet between the starboard
settee and the head(similar to were several LF38 owners have units). This
location has plenty of depth and height, but limited width. Taken this into
account, these were the units I found that met these considerations:
[1] Dometic/Cruisair vector-turbo/stowaway-turbo
[2] Mermaid M16
[3] Flagship FM16R
While I liked the Dometic/Cruisair unit, it’s base price is $1k more than the
others and for the DYI person, there is a reduction to the warranty for not
having the unit dealer installed(2yrs -> 1yr). With regards to Mermaid, I have
found that there are those who love it and those who hate it. I remembered
that Defender sold these units, and so I sent them an email asking if they can
still obtain Mermaid products. Here is Defender’s reply, ”Unfortunately
Defender is no longer selling Mermaid AC units. Due to some customer service
issues we had, we did server ties with that particular company." I went to the
Mermaid website which lists an internet price, but when I called for more
information, I was told that the price increased back in February and that
their "IT guy” has not gotten around to update the website. Adding all this
up, I feel I would be asking for trouble going with Mermaid.
The good news is that from the get go, I have been impressed with Flagship
Marine. They have been very responsive to inquires and accommodating to my
needs, and they have factory direct pricing and a plethora of information on
their website. So I have decided to go with the Flagship FM16R w/ heat
option, 115V, top discharge, with remote enclosure option to further reduce the
width. The only hard thing to swallow is the nearly $250 for FL taxes and
shipping. The specs are listed below.
• Flagship Marine FM16R w/ heat & digital thermostat
• load: 11.3A/18.1A cool/heat
• 16,500 BTU/hr
• size: 21.5x14.6x13.5, 77lbs
• warranty: 5yr/1yr parts/labor
• refrigerant: NU22
• made in the USA
• base price: $1,709+$78(remote option)
• website: http://www.flagshipmarine.com/selfcontained.html
<http://www.flagshipmarine.com/selfcontained.html>
-
Paul E.
1981 C&C 38 Landfall
S/V Johanna Rose
Carrabelle, FL
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