A Florida based 1987 390 Express Restoration

I owned a 390EC for about 10 years so I understand the space issue beneath the seat, which is another plus for the Bennett pump/cylinders. You could easily hide the pump behind the side wall of the cockpit just about anywhere. The Bennett cylinder bracket could bolt thru the seat base top and lay within the space beneath t he bottom of the seat, whereas, a linear actuator usually has a motor running 90˚ to the worm screw whick could pose a space issue depending upon the size and shape of the one you select.
 
Re: A Florida based 1987 390 Express Restoration - AC Digital Thermostat Install

After spending a few nights on the ol' "Tech Support" 390EC I discovered that the 1980's vintage air conditioner thermostats could not control the temperature better than +- 10 degrees. We either froze or sweltered. Bummer. So I fixed another deficiency with 21st century technology and ON THE CHEAP! Got on EBAY and found some digital industrial thermostats (Fahrenheit display units) for TWELVE BUCKS!!!! Yes Pietro - they have units reading in CENTIGRADE too!

Make SURE you use #12 wire for the high amp compressor connections on the relay. I used 20 gauge mil spec teflon coated wire to power the TSTAT using a 1 amp inline fuse for safety. TSTAT power and compre4ssor connections are totally separate.

-58~194℉ 110V LED Digital Temperature Controller Thermostat Control Delay Sensor

http://www.ebay.com/itm/190898810230?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

and a 20A relay to control the 20Amp compressor load for TEN Bucks!
OMRON G7L-2A-TUB-CB 100-120VAC 25A RELAY NEW "FREE US SHIPPING" "US SELLER"

http://www.ebay.com/itm/OMRON-G7L-2...NEW-FREE-US-SHIPPING-US-SELLER-/181797162684?

Total cost less than $25!!

Power the thermostat from the 120V supplying the Stop, Start, Run switch. Black and white wires. The TSTAT controls the relay coil. Disconnect the black wire from the existing TSTAT and connect it to one relay contact. The other relay contact back to the old TSTAT and you are good to go! There are two independent sets of contacts so you can also turn the fan on and off with the compressor if you wish. Just add two more wires. Thread the silver thermister some where where it will get normal air flow and you have +- 1 degree 21st century digital control. Voila'

BTW: Set the digital TSTAT to cooling mode. Set the old TSTAT to full COLD.

For HEAT: Set the digital TSTAT to heating mode. Set the old TSTAT to full HOT.

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Schematic
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Dr. Microchip
 
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Years ago I went to Home Depot and got a Honeywell $29.00 T state. Same wire code same everything. The boat A/c guy wanted $80. That lasted 2 years. I'm on 6 years with the HD one. Maybe I should keep my mouth shut.
 
Nice mod Al! I think I will go for it...plus the fan stop Ken and I already made!

I have a new unit with digital controls in the salon and there's not comparison with the old knob control!
 
Nice mod Al! I think I will go for it...plus the fan stop Ken and I already made!

I have a new unit with digital controls in the salon and there's not comparison with the old knob control!

Thank you for the words of support. The boat is at the canvas shop for the past two weeks getting a new look. It should be ready next week. I will post photos of the ALL NEW "Tech Support".

I sure hope you can come visit some day!
 
Man your boat looks sharp. I like the idea of the white canvas. It's gotta keep the cockpit at least 10-20 degrees cooler.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Man your boat looks sharp. I like the idea of the white canvas. It's gotta keep the cockpit at least 10-20 degrees cooler.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I put a thermometer gun on the blue top at noon - 135 deg. White top - 100 deg. Ambient 95 deg. Not to mention the headroom makes the interior look enormous. Due to visibility issues I was scared to navigate the St Augustine inlet because I could not see. Now it is just like my last boat - a flybridge cruiser.
 
Doc,

it looks awesome!!!! I like the color on the inside I never seen them use two colors before

It is Weblon - a vinyl coated polyester. Easy to keep clean on the outside as opposed to white Sunbrella. There is a variety of inside colors. I chose sea foam green because sitting in the cockpit makes you feel like you are in the Bahamas all the time! The down side is it does not breathe so it can get a little humid on the inside when all closed up. I may have to keep a couple of side panels open during the humid weather. Too soon to know right now.
 
I had that on one of my boats. The the installer suggested running a small fan in the cockpit when I left the boat. It would keep mold from growing since the canvas did not breath as well s the other canvas.
 
I had that on one of my boats. The the installer suggested running a small fan in the cockpit when I left the boat. It would keep mold from growing since the canvas did not breath as well s the other canvas.

I have a dehumidifier. I am going to put it on a timer and run it at night for a few hours.
 
You sent me the site for the windshield;ld glazing. What glazing number did you use on your windshield?
 
Re: A Florida based 1987 390 Express Restoration - New Canvas

Beautiful result. I am envious of your new canvas. I live in Thunder Bay, Ontario and I have a 1986 SeaRay 390. Obviously there are not a lot of supplier for canvas in the Northwestern part of Lake Superior, and going to Duluth MN would be inconvenient. Who did manufacture your canvas?. it would be great if they still could build something similar from a distance for my boat.
 
Re: A Florida based 1987 390 Express Restoration - New Canvas

Beautiful result. I am envious of your new canvas. I live in Thunder Bay, Ontario and I have a 1986 SeaRay 390. Obviously there are not a lot of supplier for canvas in the Northwestern part of Lake Superior, and going to Duluth MN would be inconvenient. Who did manufacture your canvas?. it would be great if they still could build something similar from a distance for my boat.

Thanks for the kind words. The top was built custom from the ground up. I actually moved my boat to the dock at the canvas shop in St Augustine. All the SS bows are new and everything was custom fit. - However I will contact Hunt at the Canvas and Upholstery center in St. Augustine and see if there is anything he could do for you. BTW - the top complete was about $13,000 US. Before I contact him - let me know if this is in your budget.
 
Re: A Florida based 1987 390 Express Restoration - New Canvas

Hey Al! It's been a while. So it's on the water now!?! I'll have to visit your web page and catch up.

-BL
 

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