84 3607 Aft Cabin AC Unit

[superbyrd]

Q Howdy. Taking on a new to me 84 3607 and AC units top of mind for a Baltimore summer. Hoping to recharge all 3 and see how long they last as they all run before I start replacing. Prior owner employed a window unit in the rear window. Front and mid units are easily accessible, but any thoughts on getting to the one in the aft cabin? It is in the far port corner, on a shelf hard under the countertop. I can see it from the cabinet pulling the drawer out, and minimally through the air vent in the vanity knee hole. My AC guy expected a split counter with access but that does not exist. Compressor is of course tucked in that back corner. Screws to remove cabinetry? Cut an access hatch above?

Also, I likely need an AC pump, which will be a $400 pain but doable. But the strainer is tiny for 3 units, and in my waters will likely need a cleaning every two weeks. Anyone added a larger strainer or relocated to better service? Boat has a generator of unknown capabilities, that I likely will never use, that restricts access.

Thanks. Phil

[tomschauer]

Phil, not sure about the access to your unit, but as far as the strainer, unless you suck up grass or an ell, you most likely won't need to clean that strainer more than twice a season.

[superbyrd]

Unfortunately, in Baltimore’s inner harbor my experience and that of many others is that it is at best a monthly chore to clean the AC strainer. My last boat every 2 weeks with one unit.

[km1125]

You probably have to take the countertop off to get full access to that unit. pull the drawer all the way out, then from the underside (working through the cabinet doors) you can see all the screws up underneath that need to be removed. There are more up under the vanity knee hole. I don't recall if there were also a couple under the drawers on the right side that is up against the bulkhead to the head, but there might be.

You have to remove the mirror first. There are a couple screws from underneath that you get to under the vanity knee hole to remove that.

Once the countertop is off, you have PLENTY of access. I had thought about cutting the countertop with a big access hole from the top but never did that. For as rare as you actually have to get in there removing the countertop is really the best option, as it does give you FULL access, whereas with just a hatch on top you'd still be limited.

I thought I had posted some pictures in the "projects" thread were I have that area opened up... but I just looked at the thread and it only shows the ducting work. If I get a chance I'll see if I can find the photos of that portside cabinetry opened up.

[km1125]

Ok... here's a couple of the pics of that area opened up. You can see some of the aluminum rails around the edges that hold the countertop from below.

Yours might not be exactly like this, as I custom made this, but I think it's fairly close to a stock implementation.

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[superbyrd]

Thanks KM1125. Very helpful.

[buster53]

How old are your units? You mentioned having them recharged…depending on their age, you may find it difficult if not impossible to find the proper refrigerant

[RobGunn]

I had to get to my aft cabin A/C unit on my 1990 3607. Yes you have to remove the whole countertop, from the aft cabin head, around the corner to the bed. A number of screws hidden under the countertop that I had to stand on my head with a foot long extension on my screwdriver. But it was doable. My unit has been acting funny all last season and Im thinking of replacement but until it goes out completely I'm not going to mess with it.

[superbyrd]

Thanks for the comments folks. Units are original, but I have a great marine AC guy that has the correct refrigerant for refill. The units are Marine Airrrrrr... which was a Dometic brand. He thinks worth trying a recharge which is a minimal expense, but if they leak rapidly or have other issues, they are not worth repairing. I would then replace with new myself. AC guy admitted that is not that hard if you are handy, as new units are sealed and per-charged. Hoping to get 2 out 3 back into service for at least this season! They all fire up, and the front and middle blow. Blower unit may be shot on rear, or could just be a capacitor. Pump is also an issue, also appears original. Does not operate, so I need a pump or it could the relay box mounted way behind the sink. Likely replace pump in any event, and the AC guy can rebuild the old one to serve as a spare.