www.iFourWinns.com

I've been seesawing a bit back and forth about what to do. Adding the extra vent has helped...but in the hot sun out on the lake our cabin doesn't get as cool as I'd like.

I have come to the conclusion, after talking to many people, that the dark blue hull heats up the boat quite a bit.

I was able to get a great deal on a new Cruisair Turbo Series 8k unit. It arrives tomorrow and I've already got the 5k unit out of the boat awaiting the new unit to be installed. The old one was not hard at all to take out. I figure I can sell it and recoup some of my cost since I have figured out, along with Cruisair, that it is performing just fine. Just not big enough to handle the heat load.

Granted this summer is hotter than the past few years, but realisticly we are keeping Serenity Forever for some time. As much as I'd like to upgrade, it doesn't make financial sense for a while. So why not be comfortable while we are on the boat?

The new STX8 unit has the same footprint as the SXF8 I'm replacing, and the controller is plug and play. Everything will hook right up. The only if, is I might have to run a new line from the AC pump to the new unit...not sure if the existing hose will reach or not. Power/controller/discharge water lines definatly reach far enough.

I will keep everyone posted on the results from the new unit. Its supposed to be hot here this weekend....so it'll be a good test.

I've got a 5k unit up for sale if anyone is interested!

_________________
2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

You could have had your hull painted with Imron pearl white for less than the new A/C.

I never understood the need to run A/C while out on the water. Boating is an outdoor activity, to enjoy
with family and friends while experiencing the sun, sand and water. Not to be cooped up in a storage
shed size cabin cooled to meat locker temperatures. At night when sleeping, or for a 15 minute lunch break, I can see
why A/C would be needed, but not while on the water for any length of time. We do like our A/C on when we are in the
slip, but do not miss it at all once we leave the dock.

Different strokes for different folks I guess.

I'm sure you will enjoy your new A/C unit. Good luck with the install too.

_________________
One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Good Luck with the install. I hope this gives you the cooling you are looking for.

Sounds like you have this all scoped out.

_________________
Jnizi

2007 Vista 338 "Better Yet"
Previously:
2007 Vista 258 " Just Right"
2005 Horizon 230

What did that new unit cost?

_________________
Former owner of:
1996 Four Winns Horizon 200 5.8L VP
2006 Four Winns Horizon 260 8.1L VP
2007 Sea Ray 290 Sundancer

Current boat
2004 Sea Ray 290 Sun Sport Twin 350 Mags

We don't slip, and like the ability to cool the cabin down. I feel with this upgraded capacity I can just fire up the genset and let it run for an hour to cool the cabin then shut it down. No more hours to get it to drop temp down below.

A bit much, but over the long run I feel it will payoff. If I can get the cabin down to 66-67 we can leave the genset off overnight and save the gas. That little bugger sure burns some fuel if you let it run!

_________________
2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Hey Cap'n.... Ever done any boating in July or August in Central Texas(I think it will be about 106F-feels like- today in Austin). Even the water temp in Lake Travis is like taking a warm bath. It sure is advantageous to be able to go below into 80 degree temps and "cool down"... lol

Justin

$1800. The new style is in 6k vs. 5k, or 8k vs. 7k. They are better designed all the way around! Watch the video and you'll be impressed. Now I should be able to cool my boat like my buddies 340. It was frustrating that he can fire up his genset, same time as me, and drop his temp a lot quicker. Having the right size unit, and a white boat, helps!

_________________
2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

I've noticed most boats up in MI don't have gensets...its quite a bit cooler up there so they don't need AC while they are out.

_________________
2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Never boated in Texas, too hot there.

Most times Michigan is indeed cooler than southern parts of the country. This year is an exception.
Currently, Air Temp is 88 degrees, Humidity is 96%, Lake Michigan Water Temp is 80 degrees.

_________________
One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I don't think you will find yourself shutting off your generator at night and keeping the cabin a cool 68-72 degrees. Its no cooler. It may cool down quicker and it may get to a lower temp but your boat won't hold it during the night with the hatch closed and the AC off. I keep mine pegged at 68-69 degrees but when it shut off once after the generator threw an impeller it got hot and stuffy for my liking not long after that.

Have you officially replaced every component sans the engine and the generator? Be careful, or you'll have to re-badge it as a 2010 and be forced to pay higher Indiana excise tax. . .

_________________
Former owner of:
1996 Four Winns Horizon 200 5.8L VP
2006 Four Winns Horizon 260 8.1L VP
2007 Sea Ray 290 Sundancer

Current boat
2004 Sea Ray 290 Sun Sport Twin 350 Mags

Close....although we are still well under the 5k mark for stuff I've replaced/added to the boat since purchasing. Even with all that....well below what the seller was asking for the boat.

_________________
2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Turning back the clock a little......


I thought you told me when you were first considering this boat it was priced at $43K ? So you only got $2K off of asking price in the condition it was in when you went to Alabama to look at it ?

Don't make me look up all the stuff you have added, fixed and repaired, It's closer to $5K than you think. Plus shiping costs, new truck and all the repairs you had to do to the trailer. Hopefully it's set up like you want now.

_________________
One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I don't know about the rest of you, but I almost fell off my chair laughin when I read this... to funny cap'n.

_________________
Jeff

'14 Cruisers 380 Express "Simon Sez"
Merc 8.2 Mag MPI 380
DTS B3X, (x2) Axius Premier


(SOLD)
'08 V318
Merc 350 Mag MPI 300
DTS Seacore, B3 (x2)

LMAO...she was asking 52.

Maybe JSimon wants to add air to his 268 to help resale

_________________
2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Send up pics of the install! In the end it's what makes you happy about your boat! I know M will be happy as it will keep the kid (s) cool in the summer

_________________

2008 Vista 278 Volvo Penta 8.1 Gi 375 hp
1999 Horizon 220 5.7 GSi