Ooops 4.0 is not 4.5 -More Mermaid 5200 BTU HVAC grills - 2012

 I just discovered that the 4" holes we drilled for the supply grills(SG) should have been 4.5" holes. That way the 4"ducking can slide over the grill back all the way to the grill face. 
August 2012 - Currently at Marina Kona Kai  Shelter Island San Diego, CA  

This would make installation easier. Especially if you do not have good access to the back of the grill.

 OK that is that and we are not going to try to make the 4" holes 4.5" holes. It would be tough and could cause visible cosmetic damage.

 So I can see why you would want 4.5" holes. This way you can snake the ducking through the hole and out into the open where you can then attach the ducking to the SG and then stuff it back into the hole and attach the two SG mounting screws.

 For us now we will need to get behind the SG and attach the ducking. This will not be much of a problem as we have pretty good access and even with the thick Oak wood there is enough SP left to attach the ducking.

 We never have installed a HVAC system before so another lesson learned!

Another thing here is the installation costs. Now we do almost all the installation of all the new systems on the boat. That is this refit we have almost installed everything on the boat new and done it all our selves. By doing this we have enjoyed knowing how to trouble shoot all the systems and how they were installed of course. We also have been able to afford more new systems. That also means more installing and work 😀.

 For instance when we bought the water maker we were told a simple normal installation would be $1,800.00. Now eighteen hundred for a simple installation. That is to say a large motor boat with a big engine room with good access and a dedicated spot for a water maker. Not so on our 1978 sail boat. 

That would most likely mean further costs. Lets just say though it was the $1,800.00. Going by that figure for other systems:

•  Ok we have the solar grid and solar controller installed, we can not then afford the wind generator.
•  Ok we have the electronics and mast steps installed, we then can not afford new sails.
•  Ok we have the batteries moved and all the buses installed and 2000 watt Xantrex charger\inverter and Link2000 controller installed, we then could not afford the SSB radio!
• Ok we have the Mermaid Marine Air HVAC units and VacuFlush waste system installed, we then can not afford new port holes, windows or teak deck!
•  Ok we have the refer, ok enough, you get the idea on and on it goes.

So a few screw ups here and there are expected and all have been work around compliant :) and none have affected the performance of any system!