Attention: Massachusetts Boaters

[JK n Smitty]

Originally Posted by GalaxyGirl

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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You are correct. And they have lived aboard that boat for 6 years at various marinas. So I take their opinions seriously.

They said the outer basin is far more uncomfortable at YH than CM. They even had to leave the boat and go to a hotel 2 nights. They also felt that they were second thoughts and the marina only really cared about the really large boats that come in for the summer.

The big difference I have found is that one of the owners of CM actually lives aboard at the marina. So he has to face people and hang out with them on a regular basis. IMO, this makes him care about the little things and pay more attention to the liveaboards.

Plus you know about the pool parties, right?

There is a liveaboard at CM that does a lot of boat work. I bet he would be interested in installing that heating system. That is one of the reasons I recommended the Yahoo group.

Good luck,

Jesse

[GalaxyGirl]

Originally Posted by ontherocks83

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.

Ok, thanks for the help. I have spoken to Ed at Ocean Options he is going to come to the boat when when I arrive. I'm glad that I can get this done at my own slip.


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[ontherocks83]

Let us know how it all turns out! Im sure there are several people on here that would be interested in the end result. Good luck!

[Scott Berg]

For future reference a good contact is Rich at Brewers Pilots Point in CT; they are a Webasto dealer and are very familiar with hydronic systems in general.

[GalaxyGirl]

Originally Posted by Scott Berg

For future reference a good contact is Rich at Brewers Pilots Point in CT; they are a Webasto dealer and are very familiar with hydronic systems in general.

Ok thanks Scott for the contact.


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[GalaxyGirl]

Originally Posted by ontherocks83

Let us know how it all turns out! Im sure there are several people on here that would be interested in the end result. Good luck!

I'll have a whole blog post on the heat installation


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[Sandero]

GG... I don't have anything good to say about Ocean Options who are the Espar dealers. I can say they are over priced. I would look elsewhere. I have found a good dealer for Espar from the mid west. If you want to contact info.. email me.

The main issue is sizing and then running the ducts or hoses for hydronic. It's really very complicated and any boat owner can do the install. In fact I recommend that YOU do the install with any good mechanical person. YOU want to know the system inside and out.

I've installed 2 Espars and did trouble shooting on the last one.

You really don't want to be calling mechanics to do everything on your boat. You become dependent on them and helpless without them. Do as much as you can yourself.

You can find sailors and boat people to help you. If I were in Boston I would certainly do it. The rates marine mechanics charge is pretty insane.

GG you CAN do this. I know you can.

Jef

[GalaxyGirl]

Originally Posted by Sandero

GG... I don't have anything good to say about Ocean Options who are the Espar dealers. I can say they are over priced. I would look elsewhere. I have found a good dealer for Espar from the mid west. If you want to contact info.. email me.

Jef

I was wondering if they were going to be high priced after speaking to him. Problem is I need an installer also.


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[CarlF]

Most Espar dealers install them in truck cabs (that's the primary market for Espars). Truck cabs are much easier than large boats as everything is within in a few feet of everything else. There's no long duct runs and the fuel tank is just hanging out in the air with no bilge under it. Truck Espar dealers are typically much less expensive than those with lots of boat experience (and of course, anything to do with a boat is expensive).

While it would be fine to have an truck espar dealer makes repairs, you want someone with lots of boat experience to design and install the system (how many BTU's, duct runs, fuel pickup, return air, etc.) It's not going to be inexpensive - but an unreliable system will be a nightmare if you are going to depend on it all winter.

[Opie91]

Newport Boat Show is coming soon. Good place to check your options out.:-)

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[hlev00]

I missed where you are. If you get down to the Newport area I can recommend Jamestown Boat Yard. They aren't any bargain but they have good carpenters, mechanics, and electricians. I had some refer work done. The actual refer work was done by a specialist but the carpenter helped get the freon lines through without tearing up our counter or bulkhead, which seemed like the only solution. They are (or were) a Swan dealer so they know how to do quality work.

[ranger58sb]

I think I'd be inclined to compare all that diesel stuff to the newer split heat pump systems by Mitsubishi and others. Sounds like they work in very low temps (unlike marine reverse-cycle systems).

I think that eliminates plumbing a diesel exhaust? Use (share) existing reverse cycle ductwork?

Cost of electricity versus cost of diesel? Install cost? Install location? And so forth...

-Chris

[CarlF]

One of your Espar choices will be forced air or circulating water (hydronic). While the hydronic is more expensive, it may be a better solution for whole winter use in a big boat like yours. You also can easily have zones. With the air system it's on or off. The water tubes are easier to run than large ducts.

You might also want to look into the Hurricane system. I've never owned one but they seem better designed for boats than the truck heaters. Looking at the Newport boat show is a good idea.

Hurricane Heating Systems | International Thermal Research

[GalaxyGirl]

Isn't the Newport show in April?


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[Capt Phil]

I would like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who has pitched in to give GG advice on her heating issue. She has been through a lot over the last couple of years trying to get advice on selecting the right kind of boat for she and her family to live aboard. There were many naysayers who poo-pooed the idea of a mother with little marine experience finding and setting up a larger motor yacht for her family to call home. She persevered, bought a good sized vessel in reasonable shape, did some modifications and is now in the process of setting her boat up for living aboard in the colder northern climate. She certainly is to be admired for sticking with her plan and soliciting advice from CF and other sources. Our family here CF has really been generous with their time and advice. It makes me proud to be part of this group... Thanks to all! I'm sure GG appreciates the help. Cheers, Phil