www.iFourWinns.com

Still learning about my boat (348 - 2005)- while searching for space I discovered this under the "fainting couch" - my name!


I wondered what was behind the piece of Starboard, that in some ways looks like a support, but really does not seem necessary. So I removed the three screws and found this.




I can see that there are two large holes from either the FW factory, or done by the previous owner. There is no indication what was there or supposed to be there. So........

I installed a battery strap and there is just enough room for a full sized battery box as well.


I do not have pictures for the following, but I drilled a couple of access holes in the re-installed starboard for the battery cables to exit, which I have attached to a new 1000w pure sine wave inverter I bought (my old 400 w cigarette connected inverter sent out terrible current and was probably not good for electronics I was powering or charging).

The holes I drilled are big enough for me to also access the secondary posts on the battery with the alligator clips for charging with the starboard reinstalled. I used a new AGM deep cycle battery to reduce concerns of off-gassing and adding water. I will remove it each autumn and keep at home for emergencies. To access the inverter, I just lift the base of the "fainting couch", and half inch with some extra carpet pieces that fit well, and run my extension cord to wherever I need it. It is better than starting the generator for the 20 seconds I need it to power the Magic Bullet blender or other small device, which my other inverter could not do.

Anyways... anyone else using this space for something.... or was it intended for something else completely?

_________________

Ernie Follis
It'll Do II
Four Winns 348 (2005)

Nice Job!

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"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings

In our boat, that cavity is for the sub woofer. Nice job.

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Jnizi

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

Finally got around to taking a picture of what it looks like. I purposely have not bolted down the inverter nor the charger, but leave it in the lounge space surrounded by numerous life jackets and floater tubes on all sides - it is very well packed. This keeps it both cushioned and secure. The holes I drilled out are large enough for the alligator clips to reach the posts for charging. It really does save on short term generator use. Don't mind my notes to myself on the Starboard - I always forget what to connect first .


Interestingly, I have contacted the original owner, and he too used the space for something like this. He kept his inverter in the space up front, where I have a 12V battery. He ran wiring through the hole I was wondering about back to the 6V battery bank he installed in the engine compartment

_________________

Ernie Follis
It'll Do II
Four Winns 348 (2005)

How does air get to the inverter for ventilation?

Good question. As mentioned I only use it for short term needs - a minute here or there. To do so I remove any lifejackets, plug in the electrical cord - usually a blender, but has been a Bluray player / tv. If it is 1 minute job, I simply run the electrical item and shut it off and repack it with jackets - done.

If it is longer, like a movie on the hook, I do the same as above, and either prop up the seat cushion a bit to let air escape or completely remove the cushion and put it over at the helm. We use or "U" shaped seating for movie watching. The unit has remained cool, and the fan never engages at a high speed or with hot exhaust. It never gets used when severe motion could be an issue - always on the hook.

So far, so good.

_________________

Ernie Follis
It'll Do II
Four Winns 348 (2005)

Ahh! Well, there you go -- that won't cause any issues for sure.
I wish the 268 had a place like this. It's got tons of hideaway hidden areas, but they are all in the cabin. Just putting subwoofers in required some creative thinking.