Official 400EC thread

[TALON]

While we are on the subject of engine room heaters. I have a question fo8r the forum.

I was exploring the engine room and found an installed engine room heater. Have no idea if it works, or even how to work it. Is this something I can test? If so, how?

Was this standard on the EC?

Can you see where the heater plugs in for 120 volt power, and where is the heater located in the engine bay?

 

[Eluther3]

Looks like the heater is hard wired into a control box located in the engine bay just below the door to the cabin. That's why I think it could be a factory install, but can't find any mention of it in the owners manual. Will try to post a pic

 

[sws01]

If you find what kind of model it is, usually they have a port where you can spray a can of air duster on the thermostat to trigger the heater to turn on.

Hold the can of air duster upside down to get the cooling effect you need.

 

[sws01]

Looks like the heater is hard wired into a control box located in the engine bay just below the door to the cabin. That's why I think it could be a factory install, but can't find any mention of it in the owners manual. Will try to post a pic

I checked the marketing materials I have for the '94 and there is no mention of a bilge heater in the optional equipment list.

 

[sws01]

But here's my question to the collective:
He owned the boat for little more than a year, never winterized it, just using a space heater down in the bilge. We're on Table Rock in SW Missouri, so we get mild days, and they'd take it out through the winter. Starboard engine and tranny were replaced as soon as he bought it, and port side was replaced just before we bought it. Sea test completed a couple of weeks ago, all good. So I've got two brand new drivetrains.
I bought a Twin Hornet 45 700w Bilge Engine Compartment Heater which is currently installed. We are forecasted for our first hard freeze the next couple of days, down in the teens over night.

Both boats on either side of me, including the PO and the '88 Cruisers SB, are running their salon heaters set as low as they will go, in addition to a bilge heater.

I don't know enough yet about the HVAC system to know what should/shouldn't be running to turn my system on. Do I need water in the tank? Is it a simple matter of flipping the switch and setting the thermostat? Or do I even need it with a bilge heater running?

Any input would be much appreciated!

Here's the gamble you're taking when you do that (I do it too, at least for now): There's a power outage related to a winter storm and the shore power is out and the temps stay below freezing for some extended time. If you have a way to start your genset, that will buy some time. Just sayin' . . .

 

[sws01]

parts 2 and 3

Oooo, Oooo, Oooo. I have been looking for these. Thanks so much.

 

[Fun Hurts]

Here's the gamble you're taking when you do that (I do it too, at least for now): There's a power outage related to a winter storm and the shore power is out and the temps stay below freezing for some extended time. If you have a way to start your genset, that will buy some time. Just sayin' . . .

True that. Best case contingency plan:
Previous owner is in the next slip, with internet access and security cameras. If the dock loses power, the router shuts down, and he gets a notification that his camera is no longer functioning.
We live 45 minutes away, which is plenty of time to get to the dock and enable whatever measures necessary to prevent freezing. At the moment, we have to rely on his notification, but it'll be a setup that we'll duplicate shortly. Fingers crossed...

 

[TALON]

Happy New Year!!

Just installed a wifi antenna, and router kit. This new system allows all three of the TVs aboard to stream "wirelessly" all the same content that I pay for just like at home.

 

[BostonPaul]

Happy New Year to all!!

I have a soft spot in the floor on the starboard side of my salon. I found that the three small oval windows were leaking which caused the problem. I removed and re-bedded the windows and have not seen any more moisture. I have already removed the carpeting. Any suggestions on the best way to remove the plywood flooring so I can replace it.

 

[Fun Hurts]

So, this pump isn't working. I'm assuming the float switch is the issue, but obviously it's original equipment and the whole setup needs to be replaced. Best aftermarket unit that you've installed? Amazon has a thousand of these listed in various configurations. Thanks!

 

[TALON]

So, this pump isn't working. I'm assuming the float switch is the issue, but obviously it's original equipment and the whole setup needs to be replaced. Best aftermarket unit that you've installed? Amazon has a thousand of these listed in various configurations. Thanks!
View attachment 97290

I replaced the float, and all is good.

 

[Fun Hurts]

I replaced the float, and all is good.

Well, duh. Occam's Razor...: “the simplest solution is almost always the best.”
New switch on order, thank you.

 

[BostonPaul]

I need to replace the water heater in my '94. I have read the posts on the subject and think we are going to go with the removing the manifold approach. The question I have is what did you replace the original water heater with? I've contacted a couple of dealers and I'm being told the unit is no longer available. I have found a few 10 gallon heaters but they are larger in overall size and I am concerned about the tight fit Appreciate any thoughts. Thanks

 

[Fun Hurts]

Yesterday I installed the Lockey lock. Installation was straight forward, and the new lock works great.

So the interior detail clean is done, and she's ready to start moving living items on board. But I gotta fashion a locking latch, or chain it closed like I've seen others on this thread do (temporarily).
Four months after your install, how has this fared? Has it been durable enough to meet your needs? We've got a little different setup with our door, but I think I can make it look like yours, which I really like. Thanks!

 

[Eluther3]

So the interior detail clean is done, and she's ready to start moving living items on board. But I gotta fashion a locking latch, or chain it closed like I've seen others on this thread do (temporarily).
Four months after your install, how has this fared? Has it been durable enough to meet your needs? We've got a little different setup with our door, but I think I can make it look like yours, which I really like. Thanks!View attachment 97837 View attachment 97838 View attachment 97837 View attachment 97838

Your setup looks like mine. installed a similar lock, but had to do a little cutting. I've had it since November, but have had not issues.

http://clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/official-400ec-thread.13250/page-57

 

[Fun Hurts]

Your setup looks like mine. installed a similar lock, but had to do a little cutting. I've had it since November, but have had not issues.

http://clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/official-400ec-thread.13250/page-57

Awesome, thanks for the feedback. Did you go with Lockey lock? The one displayed earlier looks like the Lockey C150, but Lockey also makes the 2500 style that is also a hook-lock. It looks a little heavier build than the C150.

 

[TALON]

So the interior detail clean is done, and she's ready to start moving living items on board. But I gotta fashion a locking latch, or chain it closed like I've seen others on this thread do (temporarily).
Four months after your install, how has this fared? Has it been durable enough to meet your needs? We've got a little different setup with our door, but I think I can make it look like yours, which I really like. Thanks!View attachment 97837 View attachment 97838 View attachment 97837 View attachment 97838

Sorry for the late response...I am so happy that I installed the new lock. I'm at the boat three, or four times a week, and absolutely NO issues at all! Great lock.

 

[Eluther3]

Awesome, thanks for the feedback. Did you go with Lockey lock? The one displayed earlier looks like the Lockey C150, but Lockey also makes the 2500 style that is also a hook-lock. It looks a little heavier build than theC150.

I went with the c150. I'm in the boat often and have had no issues

 

[Fun Hurts]

I went with the c150. I'm in the boat often and have had no issues

Alrighty then...just got this in the mail, and I'm way more enthused about it. This lock is *substantially* more solid than I expected from the pictures. Don't know that I'll get to it this weekend, but it's on the top of the priority list for my next project. Thanks to you and Talon for your input.View attachment 98603

 

[Air O'Nautical]

Not mine. Boat is for sale on FB. Texted the owner to ask permission to post this pic Says it’s well supported from below, did the installation himself and was 12k done.