Contessa 26 Refit ep.26 - Diesel Heater Install and Modifications

[@mattreser6689]

I’m a fellow Contessa 26 Owner , 78 JJ Taylor, from Mi. Thanks for sharing all of your projects. I purchased a diesel, the winter before last. It keeps moving down the todo list. I’m still sorting out the electrical system.

[@edwardfinn4141]

Good job, I have an original Espar, and it is quite loud, perhaps as loud as the Diesel engine when it is at idle revs. So it seems like that upgraded muffler was a real good idea…

[@Garryck-1]

Thanks for the comprehensive install video and discussion.. good stuff!

[@ardentenquirer8573]

Excellent detail on costs thank you

[@sailingblacklotus]

i've been waiting for this video!!! THANKS!!! really awesome modification.

[@bobhamilton298]

As carbon monoxide settles (heavier than air) you should probably put your monitor a lot lower. Mine is about a foot off the cabin sole on my Catalina 30, fairly close to the engine.

[@EpoxyAndButylTape]

That’s probably a good idea.

[@casybond]

Just found your channel yesterday and love the install details & tips. Was it not possible to install the exhaust outlet higher up on the transom? In other heater install videos it's said to preferably be at leat 60cm/24" above waterline.

[@EpoxyAndButylTape]

Thanks for watching! It wasn’t possible to install the outlet higher because I needed to put a gooseneck bend in the exhaust hose to keep water from coming in. The bend nearly touches the stern deck.

[@srmj71]

I'm curious to know what kind of heat loss you'll experience having the unit mounted as far from the cabin as you do. It could be quite substantial.

[@EpoxyAndButylTape]

The duct that runs from the unit to the bulkhead is only 28 inches and wrapped in insulation. In real-world usage the insulation never even becomes warm, which suggests very little heat loss.

[@srmj71]

@@EpoxyAndButylTape Excellent! It must've just been the video, but it looked a lot further. I have an RV and ran some heat ducting. The loss was incredible.

[@EpoxyAndButylTape]

Yeah, its hard to tell on video, but the footwell of the port side quarter berth protrudes into the cockpit by about 30 inches or so.

[@srmj71]

@@EpoxyAndButylTape gotcha. Thanks for the engagement!