2004 396MY Salon AC Replacement

[Timster13]

Hello,

I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction.

I will be replacing the Salon AC unit in my 396MY as my old one gave up the ghost. I have found a suitable replacement from MarinAir but am having trouble determining how to get the old unit out and the new one in.

My salon layout is he extended salon with a dinette on the STBD side. The AC unit is located behind the entertainment center on the STBD side by the aft cabin stairs There is an access panel next to the stairs going down to the aft cabin but it is not big enough to extract the old unit.

I suspect that I may need to remove the entertainment center, but don't see how. It appears to be connected to a wrap around piece of countertop that runs behind the STBD couch. The countertop has a seam with a wood moulding that appears to be glued in place so speration could be a challenge. Also, the base of the entertainment center houses the central vac.

I have gone through the user manuals and the parts assembly documentation for the 396MY but have not been able to find any guidance.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Tim

[waybomb]

Welcome aboard! I can't help with your dilemma, sorry.

[Cooler]

Call Carver with your hull # in hand. 920-822-7248 There are many times where something looks glued or attached, and it turns out it is not. Maybe the entertainment center is modular and easy the remove if you know where the hidden screws are. Good luck! er

[Tireless]

In my 2006 Carver 44 CMY, which is the same boat basically. I can access the salon air unit via removable wooden panels in the stateroom closet, starboard side, beside the steps. They are a good size. Have a look and let me know.

Greg

[Timster13]

Thanks everyone. Spoke to Carver and they were very friendly but did not have additional information due to the age of the boat. They suggested exploring going through the closet which will probably be my first option. They indicated the the entertainment units were usually both screwed and glued in place which could make the job more difficult. Will still be a few weeks before I start the work, but will post an update when I figure it out.

Regards,
Tim

[Timster13]

Source of the post In my 2006 Carver 44 CMY, which is the same boat basically. I can access the salon air unit via removable wooden panels in the stateroom closet, starboard side, beside the steps. They are a good size. Have a look and let me know.

Greg

Thanks Greg,

I dont see panels other than the cedar planks in the closet. Does your 2006 have a small access.panel between the closet and AC unit? Mine does and it grants access to the area with the AC, but it's definitely too small to fit the unit through. I will be investigating going through the closet even if I have to cut an access panel inside.

Regards,
Tim

[Tireless]

My cedar panels are large and would be big enough to pull the unit. Both the left side and the back can be removed. The panel is as large as the depth and height of then cabinet. Look for screws on the sides and the whole wall in the cabinet should come out. I dont think there would be a big change in the boats as it is only two years.

Greg

[tomschauer]

Carver is really good at hiding screws etc. I am sure there is a way to get your unit out.
You need to get in the cabinets and entertainment center on your back with a good flashlight.
I 'll bet you find a way to get to the unit.

[DanM]

Following...

I have pulled those closet panels but I don't remember being able to access the AC system from there. There may be another panel that is behind the cedar that needs to come out.

Very curious as to what you come up with Tim as I have been wondering about that.

[Timster13]

Thanks everyone. We have been buried under a couple of feet of snow for the past couple of weeks, so I not made it down to the boat. Will provide an update after I get back in. Appreciate all of the feedback.

Regards,
Tim