New A/C Unit. Dometic or Something Else?

Installing a new 16,000 btu a/c unit in the boat and was going to use a Dometic unit. However, they are back ordered. Is there another brand unit that I should consider or should I wait for the Dometic? Any feedback will be useful...

Ask me in 10 years. I just installed two webasto units. They fit the space and the price was right. Cruise Aire was $4,000, Webasto was $1400.

I’ve got flagship marine out of FL. US built High quality components not mfg specific. Super simple user serviceable, no expensive printed circuit boards. Just rebuilt the entire electronics side of it for $130. Also replaced blower motor was a pain but not overly hard. If you like diy service possibilities it’s prob your best bet. If you want outside service I’d wait for the dometic units.

I have had good success with Mermaid units. Have put them in 4 boats. Good support.

Ripped out my 35 year old central a/c and replaced it with 5 Marinaire units, 2 years ago and all operating flawless. I did the same on my previous Cheoy Lee as well . They performed well as well. Current price $1800 for a 208vac 16000btu unit. Always found great service from them and fast delivery.

Update. I decided on and ordered the Webasto FCF Platinum 16,000 btu unit. The deciding factor was the warranty. I like the idea of warranty issues being handled by a local tech. The others all wanted their units sent back to the factory for warranty work. The unit will hit me on Tuesday and I should have it installed in a day. I'll report back on how the installation went..

I've got an AC unit that is ready for service or replacement and will look into Webasto.

On a related note, why don't I read more about folks replacing water condensed heat pump units like these with air condensed RV type units? Seems like removing as many holes in one's hull as possible would be a good thing. No hoses or clamps or seacock corrosion or strainers or stuck valve to worry about. Finding a place for the condenser is not hard on 36-40 foot boats, or at least not on mine.

I have one webasto platinum unit and one Webasto Classic unit. They both have been doing the job. I tend to use them for heat way more than for cooling.

The main difference is that the classic model runs the fan constantly and turns on the compressor when needed. This is advantageous in the bedroom as you never here the compressor clicking in on start up nor are you woken up because of the change in white noise. The constant operation of the fan prevents cold spots in the room and eliminates condensation issues.

With the platinum model the fan only runs when the compressor runs. This means that the saloon is free of fan noise most of the time.