We spent our first weekend at a Marina away from home this weekend and got a major education as to the shortcomings of the factory AC install. I suspect this would also apply to the 260DA as well, though I'm not positive that the unit is installed in exactly the same location. I am told that it is. It was warm and humid so we had the AC on for the afternoon. About 6pm I went into the mid cabin and noticed a discoloration on the fabric of the cushions. When I touched it I knew it was from water. I immediately tasted to make sure it was fresh water. I removed the cushions which were both badly stained. While a friend dried the cushion covers in a dryer, another friend dried the foam inserts. I wiped up all the water from the mid cabin floor and removed the 20" x 30" panel just to the left of the AC unit. I could instantly see the problem. The condensate pan was full and overflowing.
Now, the way the unit is installed has it mounted about 2" higher at the back (aft) end, which is fine. The first problem is that while sitting back and looking at that side of the boat in profile it's obvious that the angle of the boat as it sits naturally in the water, easily overcomes that 2" elevation. The second problem was that the condensate line, which runs FORWARD to a sump pump located beneath the cabin steps, is also running uphill as it follows the natural angle of the boat floor. Both of these issues are compounded when people are sitting in the cockpit, making the aft end of the boat even lower.
Two things needed to be done to overcome these issues; first, the entire unit needs to be raised 3/4"-1" to give the condensate line more pitch to the sump pump. In addition, the rear of the unit needs another 3/4" of height to force the condensate towards the drain connection. This last point is critical when the unit is operating while there are people seated in the cockpit.
I voiced by displeasure to my customer service rep and he is in the process of arranging for two warranty cushions to be sent to me for replacement. I would urge all 240 and 260 owners to check their units before running the AC for a long length of time. I also intend to call Knoxville and Tellico tomorrow and speak to a technical advisor about this issue. It seems logical to me that perhaps the condensate should be routed aft, which is downhill, and exit in the bilge. I know that several manufacturers do this. Regal and Formula included. I don't like the idea of any water at all in my bilge, but it is a small price to pay to avoid all of the potential water damage that can easily occur should this happen again.
Now, the way the unit is installed has it mounted about 2" higher at the back (aft) end, which is fine. The first problem is that while sitting back and looking at that side of the boat in profile it's obvious that the angle of the boat as it sits naturally in the water, easily overcomes that 2" elevation. The second problem was that the condensate line, which runs FORWARD to a sump pump located beneath the cabin steps, is also running uphill as it follows the natural angle of the boat floor. Both of these issues are compounded when people are sitting in the cockpit, making the aft end of the boat even lower.
Two things needed to be done to overcome these issues; first, the entire unit needs to be raised 3/4"-1" to give the condensate line more pitch to the sump pump. In addition, the rear of the unit needs another 3/4" of height to force the condensate towards the drain connection. This last point is critical when the unit is operating while there are people seated in the cockpit.
I voiced by displeasure to my customer service rep and he is in the process of arranging for two warranty cushions to be sent to me for replacement. I would urge all 240 and 260 owners to check their units before running the AC for a long length of time. I also intend to call Knoxville and Tellico tomorrow and speak to a technical advisor about this issue. It seems logical to me that perhaps the condensate should be routed aft, which is downhill, and exit in the bilge. I know that several manufacturers do this. Regal and Formula included. I don't like the idea of any water at all in my bilge, but it is a small price to pay to avoid all of the potential water damage that can easily occur should this happen again.
