Attention: Massachusetts Boaters

[GalaxyGirl]

Can anyone recommend a boatyard that they have personally used in Ma? Better yet, if you know of a company that will come to the boat location to do the work I would really appreciate the contact info. I'm trying to get my heat installation set up and not having a whole lot of luck finding folks that will travel.

[Kenomac]

Call the heating equipment manufacturer for a recommendation. You shouldn't have to actually take your boat to a yard for the work to be done. It's something that should be able to be done at your dock.

Make sure you get a written estimate for the complete job beforehand. We live in MA, and local repair and service people nearly always seem to exceed any kind of verbal or written estimate.

[GalaxyGirl]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

Call the heating equipment manufacturer for a recommendation. You shouldn't have to actually take your boat to a yard for the work to be done. It's something that should be able to be done at your dock.

Make sure you get a written estimate for the complete job beforehand. We live in MA, and local repair and service people nearly always seem to exceed any kind of verbal or written estimate.

Great idea. I'm on it. Thanks very much!

[GalaxyGirl]

I can't believe how many people don't install heat. The manufacturer doesn't even know anyone. Very frustrating.


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[CarlF]

Not that many people live on boats where winter is a serious event (e.g. where the water is too cold to do reverse cycle A/C) so there aren't that many experienced installers. This will take patience.

First. What kind of heat? Diesel (Espar is the most popular). Or electric resistance if your marina has good electric service. Or some of both?

For Espar, I've used Ocean Options in Tiverton, RI. They have a lot of experience and travel (although I don't know how far).

I would think about getting advice from other liveaboards at your planned winter marina as to what approach to heating works best (cost, reliability, service availability, safety, etc.). Be sure you have a way to get the system fixed quickly if it breaks in the middle of winter. These systems are not nearly as reliable as a heating system in a home.

[GalaxyGirl]

Yup, it seems all of the people who do it are out of RI. I spoke with another RI company today. I'm also going to try yours. Thanks for the help.


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[ontherocks83]

Where in Mass are you? I have a great local boat mechanic who is also a part time live aboard at Dorchester Yacht club. Pm me if you want his info for a quote.

[JK n Smitty]

GG,

I think a lot of the problem you are having is that those that live aboard full time in MA tend to be more the DYI type.

I would recommend you join the Yahoo group for Boston Liveaboards. Once you are a member, post the question there. I bet you will find someone to install your system that way.

What marina are you planning to stay at for the winter? We will be at Constitution Marina in Charlestown.

Good luck,

Jesse

[GalaxyGirl]

Originally Posted by JK n Smitty

GG,

I think a lot of the problem you are having is that those that live aboard full time in MA tend to be more the DYI type.

I would recommend you join the Yahoo group for Boston Liveaboards. Once you are a member, post the question there. I bet you will find someone to install your system that way.

What marina are you planning to stay at for the winter? We will be at Constitution Marina in Charlestown.

Good luck,

Jesse

Hey Jesse, I actually tried to join that Yahoo group a year ago, but never got the acceptance.

I am trying to decide now between Constitution and Yacht haven. Constitution, as you know, is a much better for price, water, parking, pool etc, etc, but I do love Yacht Haven's location.




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[GalaxyGirl]

Originally Posted by ontherocks83

Where in Mass are you? I have a great local boat mechanic who is also a part time live aboard at Dorchester Yacht club. Pm me if you want his info for a quote.

Thank you. I will be in Boston. I would love his info. can't figure out how to pm from my phone app, but I will try later from the marina. Thanks!


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[ontherocks83]

Originally Posted by GalaxyGirl

Thank you. I will be in Boston. I would love his info. can't figure out how to pm from my phone app, but I will try later from the marina. Thanks!


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I sent you a PM with his info.

What kind of boat do you have and what system are you putting in it?

[GalaxyGirl]

Originally Posted by ontherocks83

I sent you a PM with his info.

What kind of boat do you have and what system are you putting in it?

Thanks Adam! Just got the pm. I have a 1987 63' Hatteras Motoryacht. At the moment, I am trying to get heat installed.


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[JK n Smitty]

A friend stayed at Yacht Haven with a 61 Hatteras last winter and said he would never stay there again. They don't seem to like winter liveaboards.


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[GalaxyGirl]

Originally Posted by JK n Smitty

A friend stayed at Yacht Haven with a 61 Hatteras last winter and said he would never stay there again. They don't seem to like winter liveaboards.


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That must have been the owners of Whales Tail? I looked at that boat when she was in Hingham. Then, I noticed that she moved to Yacht Haven. Thats unfortunate to hear that they had a bad experience. Thanks for the heads up.


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[ontherocks83]

Originally Posted by CarlF

For Espar, I've used Ocean Options in Tiverton, RI. They have a lot of experience and travel (although I don't know how far).

GG I sent you another PM but from what I've found so far on my end is ocean options is the go to place for that kind of work around here. From the few people I have contacted they all recommend them.