Assumed used engine and outdrive checks and inspections prio

[SwampNut]

We were hoping to go out to Pleasant last night, but I was having the trailer brakes rebuilt and ran into a snag. They didn't figure it out until it was too late to get one more part we need. :smt021 So at the butt-crack of dawn today I'm heading to Auto Safety House way out West to get a brake drum, bring it back to the shop and have it put on, then head out (hopefully). Anyway you're welcome to come over any time and take a look.

As far as the bilge/engine room, that's definitely out. The AC units are not ignition protected, so it's unsafe and illegal. Also you'd probably end up with some bilge smells being sucked in. As it is we get a little of that with the unit under the helm seat if we leave the compartment door closed.

There's a 240DA at MarineMax right now with an add-on Mermaid unit under the V-berth. Maybe they'd let you have a poke around that one? It's another option for you, and it seems like that's the "most normal" place to put it. The down-side is that it puts more of the noise in the cabin, and I think that's why Bayliner put it under the helm.

 

[Arizona240DA]

Sounds like you have had a busy morning already.........no fun. Ignition protection and odor are not two things that I really considered. I was only thinking of surplus space when it came to the location of the unit. Another comprimise. I'll be taking v-berth and beverage center measurements tody! Hope you make it out. I think we will run over to MM in the morning and check that thing out.........what better way to figure it out. Thanks!

 

[SwampNut]

Sigh...two trips to get the right part, because the trailer shop gave me the wrong details. Then I take in the drum and he says it will be at least 11:00 before he can start on it. The excuse...other customers scheduled for work today. Um, sure, but what about my job, which was scheduled for YESTERDAY??? So far I'm being polite, I'd like to get on the water today. If they come up with any excuse and don't do it, you might see me on the 6:00 news.

 

[Arizona240DA]

Sigh...two trips to get the right part, because the trailer shop gave me the wrong details. Then I take in the drum and he says it will be at least 11:00 before he can start on it. The excuse...other customers scheduled for work today. Um, sure, but what about my job, which was scheduled for YESTERDAY??? So far I'm being polite, I'd like to get on the water today. If they come up with any excuse and don't do it, you might see me on the 6:00 news.

No, good, no good. Did everything work out ok? I didn't see anything on the news, which I will assume as a good thing :grin:. We were out there for a bit this morning.....it is going to be a scorcher today.

We just got back from Marine Max, they were kind enough to give us full access to the 240 with the retorfit A/C. That is a slick little system and I'm really leaning towards it at this point. I'm wondering how loud it would be in the v-berth when running?

 

[SwampNut]

We got to the water around 3-ish. I showed up at the trailer shop at 11:45 ready to bust some heads, but it was finished and the breaks work great.

We were in slip 48 last night, I didn't see you. Didn't stay overnight?

I've heard nothing but good things about that Mermaid add-on system. I don't think the noise would be bad unless you're a light sleeper. Also do you sleep in the V or the aft? Ours is mounted right over the aft and has a vent from the aft cabin. We sleep there and don't really notice it (you can hear it if you pay attention, but it's not obvious if you don't). The V would probably be even quieter since the cushions would damp more of the sound.

I'd suggest getting the system with reverse-cycle heat, you'll want to use the boat in winter. At least we did. The little portable heaters work, but they are SO dangerous in a boat. I'm always paranoid and don't sleep well. Ours unfortunately doesn't have reverse cycle and it's pretty expensive to add it on. I've considered swapping the whole unit for one with heat.

 

[SwampNut]

BTW, we are going to Roosevelt next weekend. If things work out as we expect, we'll have a 45' covered slip with dual power. Our two boats could fit in it just fine. If you're interested we'd love to have you. And Roosevelt is cooler, so with fans we've had no trouble sleeping in our old boat that didn't have AC.

 

[Arizona240DA]

No air conditioning equals no overnights for us until the temperatures are a bit more reasonable :smt089. We are going to move forward with the system, but unfortunately won’t do the instalation until we haul the boat home for winter maintenance in November. After seeing it in person, I’m much more comfortable with what needs to be done. Thank you for letting me know that it was at Marine Max. The reverse-cycle unit is 3 inches longer, but I think it would still fit ok. If that is the case, then we will definitely get it. Covered wet slip, very nice :thumbsup: !!! We may have to take you up on that generous offer! I think we are officially off topic! I’m sure we’ll see you out there this weekend.

Best,
Chris

 

[SwampNut]

Hey, check with this guy for an AC unit. He's a USPS member, and we were going to buy a unit from him for the old boat. He said he had a couple that he refurbished.

Bill Johnson
Systemaire
623-847-1747
billj6us@yahoo.com or billj6@gmail.com

If you want help with things like a through-hull installation (it's a pain and scary to cut through the hull) call Kraig at Salt River Marine. They do good work and he's a great guy. They're making a new swim platform for me now (4 foot!). Come to think of it, I think your 240 may have a balsa core (not sure), and if so, you have to be VERY careful to do it right or risk destroying the hull if water gets in the core.

Pleasant was insane last weekend. The stupidity level was amazing. Some of the stuff you'd have to see or you wouldn't believe me. You'd say, "No, really, people just can't be THAT stupid." But you'd be wrong, unfortunately.

 

[Arizona240DA]

I'll check in with both, thank you. I'm not exactly thrilled about putting a hole in our bottom! You know it is funny, as we were leaving we noticed what we thought to be more than the usual amount of folks heading towards the lake, I can imagine that it was pretty crazy out there....oh joy!