My main A/C unit, 16.5K, has broken down. Stands to figure, we just completed a period of very pleasant weather, and have hit the 90 degree days, and Dan's laws of doom clearly state, that is when the a/c will break down. The actual body of the reversing valve has a crack in it, which leaks the gas out. It might could be soldered (silver) but would probably ruin the valve in the process. The valve could be replaced, but the estimate of parts labor etc runs around $700. The unit is a 1997 Cruise Air, so I have opted to replace it rather than throw good money after bad.Although the CruiseAir folks in Richmond VA provided superior service in helping me troubleshoot the problem, I have still probably ruled out replacing it with a Cruise Air for several reasons. One key reason is I believe Dometic is now the owner of Marine and Cruise Air (although I think they are selling it). I had some of the poorest customer service from Dometic with a recent refrigerator problem (Apex out of Maryland still is head and shoulders above EVERYONE for the worst customer service experience ever). I needed a heating element for a Dometic refrig, and after many frustrating attempts to contact Dometic, I lucked onto a great company rvmobile.com out of Everett Wash. They sold me the heating element I needed for literally a fraction of the cost, $29.95 each, plus had great customer service and outstanding website describing troubleshooting etc for the ammonia type refrigerators. They use after market suppliers, so I bought 2 elements (for less than the price of Dometic's 1 element for $80) so I could have a spare onboard. But.........I digress. I have re-reviewed all the trawler archives on the Mermaid units. The only negative that has shown up (and only once) was the fact that warranty work must be done at the one and only facility that they have in South Florida. That is around a 2 to 3 hour drive for me, so it is not a huge factor when I am home in central Florida. When I am in the islands, I believe it is a mute point. I am planning to replace the current unit with another 16.5K unit, probably with a Mermaid. Has anyone had any other experiences lately that would move you away from, or closer to the Mermaid brand. Also, has anyone purchased a unit from a favorite supplier. Defender has the best price so far for a reverse cycle unit for $1642.99 (not including shipping) plus they tend to have superior customer service. A smaller footprint is not a factor for me. It will be in a locker located in the main salon where the CruiseAir unit was. I couldn't find anything on CFM's. Does the Mermaid move at least as much air as the CruiseAir? Also, is the noise level at least the same? I was satisfied with both noise level and CFM's with the CruiseAir. Several on the forum have discussed some other features such as the soft start etc that seems to suggest Mermaid is actively trying to make their units better, and any advancements or improvements in the Cruise/Marine Air are not evident, at least that I could find. All in all, Mermaid seems more dedicated than any marine air company to producing a consistently better product. Any and all comments are solicited! Dan Lanier Gulfstar 43 Danali Star Melbourne Florida

I put a Mermaid 16.5 in my boat a couple of years ago and love it! I had Cruiseair's on the last boat, and the Mermaid is probably quieter, and moves at least as much air. Not a single problem since install. It's the only brand I'd recommend. Keith __ Why is the alphabet in that order? Is it because of that song? ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dan Lanier" <danlanier@earthlink.net> Does the Mermaid > move at least as much air as the CruiseAir? Also, is the noise level at > least the same? I was satisfied with both noise level and CFM's with the > CruiseAir. Several on the forum have discussed some other features such as > the soft start etc that seems to suggest Mermaid is actively trying to > make > their units better, and any advancements or improvements in the > Cruise/Marine Air are not evident, at least that I could find. All in all, > Mermaid seems more dedicated than any marine air company to producing a > consistently better product. Any and all comments are solicited!