What to replace the microwave in our 43. Would like to know what others have installed. Hoping to put in a new combo unit. Ours has some not well done PO trim added to down-size the opening. I pulled the trim to get a measurement of the original opening but haven't tackled looking for how (or if) it is secured so information on how they were oringinally secured would also be appreciated (I read the 50 Post microwave post so will look to see if something similar was done. Thanks - Greg
Mine is not really nailed down. The floor of the cabinet has recessed circles, like a hole saw slug, almost the depth of the feet of the microwave. The feet fit into these holes. The trim around the opening prevents it from coming out of the hole The trim must be removed before you can see or do anything with it. My boat is a lot older than yours tho.
91-46. Post carpenters were very talented. My access is at the backside bottom of the bar below the microwave. Pemove the small panel, reach up and there is one screw holding a platform. Remove it, go around to the front and pull the hole thing out. Mine was a Sharp and over 20. I called the company and they assured me that they understand absolute compatibility. I bought a convection microwave and it fit in same footprint as the old one. Had to replace it about a year ago. Did the same thing again with a newer convection. Fits perfectly.
That is similar to the 50 Post install I found info on earlier. There is a cabinet under the microwave and I didn't see an obvious screw. It could have been covered when the inside of the cabinet was painted so I'll need to get my mirror and look closer. Microwave cavity is pretty shallow (~13.5") so limits the usable replacements.
It's not uncommon to find screws upward, from the underside of the shelf into the "feet," securing small appliances. (I just struggled with removing a small, old tube TV secured that way. A reciprocating saw fixed it, although that also means some cosmetic touch-up is now required.) New combo microwave/convection units also often seem to include an "air fryer" feature, for what that's worth. I've read there might be higher exhaust temps when using that feature, so adequate ventilation perhaps becomes even more important. -Chris
Did a little investigation today while waiting for the new unit to arrive. It looks like the factory install was by screws coming up from the cabinet below as there are empty screw holes in the top of the lower cabinet. I removed the lower trim piece to see how the current one might be installed, the PO GLUED it in! Not sure yet with what but looks like furnace cement(?). I'll probably use the sawsall to cut free, then have to figure out how to remove the giant glob of cement that the unit feet are buried into. Ugh
Lucklily the mircowave was glued in with plumbers putty. A little slow pressure with a pry bar and it stretch and came loose.
Test fit. It has 4 holes near the feet which I'll use to bolt it down from underside of the shelf. Might open up over the op a little. Will keep ends open for airflow since this unit has convection oven, air fryer etc. Will need to plug old trim screw holes and do some refinishing of the face.
I haven't refinished the plugged holes from the PO's monster trim screws yet but it is bolted in place using #8 self tapping sheet metal screws into existing holes on the bottom of the unit.
Greg. If that is a convection oven, I would strongly urge you to provide as large an area as possible above your installation for venting. You will definitely have a heat issue without it. I'll post a picture of mine once my wife finishes cooking, the air coming out of mine is about 90 degrees.
I have been considering an upper vent/grille (or maybe connecting to existing vent hood) but waiting to monitor temps with my IR thermometer to see what I need. Having trouble locating a nice looking wood vent plate. Will look for photo of yours.