To add or not to add…that is my question?

eversosc · **Posted:** Sat Apr 14, 2012 7:29 pm

I currently have a 2002 268 Vista without A/C. This is my first boat and have had it now for 2 seasons, I like it but not having A/C is getting intolerable. My wife and I take it on weekend trips almost every weekend through the season in Maryland. The hot nights make it hard to sleep. My question is would you add A/C, average cost around Annapolis is $4,500, or would you trade it and use the money to get a 30 plus footer. I keep fighting back and forth on wanting the bigger boat with double the cost or just adding the A/C and calling it a day. Help!!!

firecadet613 · **Posted:** Sat Apr 14, 2012 7:34 pm

Add AC and a gen and get this....

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=8900

But to answer your question, I wouldn't spend $4500 to install it. You'll never get that back, and if you feel the urge to upgrade, nows the time.

Thalasso · **Joined:** Tue Jan 18, 2011 8:45 pm **Posts:** 333

eversosc wrote:

I currently have a 2002 268 Vista without A/C. This is my first boat and have had it now for 2 seasons, I like it but not having A/C is getting intolerable. My wife and I take it on weekend trips almost every weekend through the season in Maryland. The hot nights make it hard to sleep. My question is would you add A/C, average cost around Annapolis is $4,500, or would you trade it and use the money to get a 30 plus footer. I keep fighting back and forth on wanting the bigger boat with double the cost or just adding the A/C and calling it a day. Help!!!

Go bigger with one already installed. $4500, does this include labor to install?

eversosc · **Posted:** Sat Apr 14, 2012 8:58 pm

i like the 268 you posted but if i'm going to buy another it will be 30 plus feet and yes the 4500 includes everything

ric · **Posted:** Sat Apr 14, 2012 9:27 pm

4500 better include labor and a genset to power it. A brand new ac from marinaire is only 1500. At 100/h labor rate $4500 means it will take them 30 hours to install hahahahahahahahahahaha

Technologic80 · **Posted:** Sat Apr 14, 2012 9:34 pm

ric wrote:

4500 better include labor and a genset to power it. A brand new ac from marinaire is only 1500. At 100/h labor rate $4500 means it will take them 30 hours to install hahahahahahahahahahaha

+1

$4500 is redonkulous for A/C install.

Heck, if local mechanics were charging that, I'd install it myself (its NOT that hard!!) OR go buy an over the hatch A/C. I used to have one and it worked capitally.

ric · **Posted:** Sat Apr 14, 2012 9:40 pm

2500 would be reasonable complete install.

aguyindallas · **Posted:** Sat Apr 14, 2012 9:56 pm

I might know where a 298 vista with AC and gen is available....

SundayDinner · **Posted:** Sat Apr 14, 2012 10:32 pm

ric wrote:

4500 better include labor and a genset to power it. A brand new ac from marinaire is only 1500. At 100/h labor rate $4500 means it will take them 30 hours to install hahahahahahahahahahaha

$4,500 seems awefully steep for A/C. $2,500 is closer, but that's not anywhere near including a built in genset. If you consider doing it (and you probably should) consider going with a portable Honda generator. Much more afordable, fuel efficient, etc., than installing a generator on a boat without.

eversosc · **Posted:** Sun Apr 15, 2012 5:06 am

i wish $2500 was the cost i could save a couple grand. i've had 4 different estimates and none were under $4500. whatever book used to determine labor hours shows 24 hours for complete install. The A/C - Heat unit is right at $2000. Installing myself is not an option, time or knowledge is not on my side.

Option two

http://marinemax.com/Page.aspx/diid/708 ... ANCER.aspx

acguy · **Posted:** Sun Apr 15, 2012 7:49 am

[quote="eversosc"]i wish $2500 was the cost i could save a couple grand. i've had 4 different estimates and none were under $4500. whatever book used to determine labor hours shows 24 hours for complete install. The A/C - Heat unit is right at $2000. Installing myself is not an option, time or knowledge is not on my side.

Option two

http://marinemax.com/Page.aspx/diid/708 ... ANCER.aspx[/quote

You need to ask yourself how long you plan on keeping your 268. If you put A/C in it will you be happy with it for more than
5yrs. Why don't you buy an A/C unit and do a partial install. Do the things you can do. I put mine in and it is not rocket science, all you need is time. There is plenty of help for you here on the board that can guide you in the right direction.

Here do some reading. http://www.boat-project.com/mech/proj-13.htm

eversosc · **Posted:** Sun Apr 15, 2012 10:20 am

thank you for the instructions page. i know that i will not be installing it myself now

. I can see a trade is in my near future.

noexcuses · **Posted:** Tue Apr 17, 2012 2:49 pm

Sounds like you want to upsize anyway so why wait, but consider that you will lose a lot of money through a trade. You will also be paying Maryland's 5% excise which will be $4k for $80K boat. Not to mention the added expense of maintaining and running two engines instead of one and all the other expenses of running a bigger boat.

eversosc · **Posted:** Tue Apr 17, 2012 7:41 pm

i know, the cost and benefits are killing me. i can't make a decision

firecadet613 · **Posted:** Tue Apr 17, 2012 8:27 pm

I've been toying with this a while....while its a lot of $$$ to move into a twin engine boat...the benefits are there.

www.iFourWinns.com

To add or not to add…that is my question?

Who is online