2026 C248-C air conditioner access

Joined
Jan 24, 2026
Messages
9
Fluid Motion Model
C-248 C
Hull Identification Number
FML24826J526
Vessel Name
OutSTANding
MMSI Number
TBD
Just bought a new C248-C out of New Bern, NC. Take possession in 2 weeks. The AC unit is under the forward port passenger seat. Aside from the air intake, how do you access the unit for cleaning, etc? I see hinges on the seat but not sure if they have to be removed.
Thx. Tom
 
Hi Tom,

Yes, you can remove the "hinge" at the inboard side of the seat (just above the microwave) that will allow the seat to be tilted forward for full access to the AC. Hope that helps but let me know.

Cheers,

Ralf
 
Hey Ralf!
Now that summer is here I'm running the A/C. I'm noticing an inordinate amount of water in the bilge. I was under the impression that the A/C condensate drained to the shower sump. Does it? Or does it just go to the bilge?
Thank you...Tom
 
Hi there,

I don't think that water in the bilge is from the AC, unless it's overflowing the pan. The pan drains into the shower sump area, as you mentioned. You can check by removing the seat as we already discussed and should be able to see if anything is amiss. Let me know what you find.

Cheers,

Ralf
 
Hi there,

I don't think that water in the bilge is from the AC, unless it's overflowing the pan. The pan drains into the shower sump area, as you mentioned. You can check by removing the seat as we already discussed and should be able to see if anything is amiss. Let me know what you find.

Cheers,

Ralf
Ralf
I found the AC condensate line connects to the sump exhaust line by means of a "t" fitting and goes straight overboard...nice.
I just yesterday found the starboard cockpit scupper line to be plugged. Could be the cause of water in the bilge...not a lot, but there nonetheless.
Thanks for your response. With the CHEERS are you British? I worked in the UK for a few years.
Tom
 
Excellent. That'll definitely cause for water to appear where you don't want it. Glad you found that so it could be corrected.

No Brit here, but I have several John Bulls as friends. Maybe they rubbed off on me 😀
 
OH!

Almost forgot...

Cheers!
 
Ralf, hate to bother you but can you shed any light on cockpit drains, flappers, etc? Below is a description of what I sent to my Pocket Yacht contacts. Thx TomZ
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Hey folks, hope all is well.
Having a minor issue with an inordinate amount of water in the bilge. Have always had some but we had a lot of rain 2 weeks ago and that's when I really noticed it.
Today I ran a hose down one of the port drain holes, seemed ok.
Ran a hose down a starboard drain hole and it backed up...totally. Got down on the back of the boat and could feel it clogged at the exit. Can't see it but could feel what appears to be a scupper flapper at the exit. It will not open outward to let drain water out and keep seawater from coming in...also felt all corroded.
Went back to the port side, back of boat and reached in the water and could not feel a flapper at the port exit drain. No corrosion and seemed to drain with no problem.

Any ideas?
I'm going to have my diver check it out next bottom cleaning.
So, are there flappers? Can a flapper be installed backwards in the case of the starboard side or is that something else blocking the water exit? And if there are flappers, I can't feel one on the port side.

Hate to do a haul out at this stage I'll let you know what my diver can see in a couple weeks if anything.
Any comments?
Other than this, and having to replace a GFCI outlet, all is good.
Tom Zalewski
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Hi there,

It's highly unlikely that any flapper is installed backwards. However, it's quite possible that the flapper valves simply need to be pulled through into their proper position. Sometimes they may get pushed in (for whatever reason) and get struck, or even work in reverse. When your diver comes to clean things out, have him check to make sure they are swinging in the correct direction. Hope this helps but let me know.

Cheers!

Ralf
 
Ralf
You are spot on!! Diver was there yesterday and did exactly what you suggested. Thank you again.

Since I have your attention, why doesn't Cutwater put zincs on the trim tabs? Or is that a question for Lenco?
CHEERS, Tom
 
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