Cutwater C-30 LE Heating Options - PNW Boater

[abastos]

Hey folks from Tugnuts,

I'm considering a Cutwater C-30 for PNW cruising. Ideally, I am looking for NW Edition, with Webasto furnace system, but I see couple LE editions available for sale. I understand the LE comes with AC/heat running off the generator. If I happen to buy a LE version, I'm particularly interested in adding a Webasto diesel heater for those quiet anchor nights when running the generator isn't ideal (or neighborly).

Has anyone successfully installed a Webasto system alongside the existing AC/heat setup on their C-30 LE? I'd love to hear about installation challenges, optimal mounting locations, and any potential conflicts with existing systems.

I know FM is moving towards LE only for Outboards, running the AC/Reverse Cycle heating off the LiFePO4 bank. That could be an option too. I could retrofit the house battery bank from lead acid to LiFePO4. With 500-600Ah available and larger inverters, I might be able to run the AC from the battery. Way more expensive, but I think it is doable.

Am I over-indexing the situation? Probably. Appreciate feedbacks and thoughts.

Also, for current C-30 LE owners out there - how's the cabin warmth during winters? Are you finding yourself running the generator often for heat, and how's your experience with the stock heating system?

Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences! I am currently based in Seattle and looking forward to year-round cruising.

Alex Bastos

 

[Mastercraft]

consider buying a boat with all the major options that you want.... adding something like a Webasto may be much more than you anticipated.

 

[abastos]

consider buying a boat with all the major options that you want.... adding something like a Webasto may be much more than you anticipated.

Understood! It makes sense.

I want to gather any datapoint about how the AC/Reverse cycle behaves during winter cruising, if it can keep the cabin comfortable, or just keep the chill off.

I was searching in the forum and I have found some old threads saying it is challenging to have webasto AND Air Conditioning on the same boat and sharing the same duct/vent system.

 

[Kgcmflyer]

Understood! It makes sense.

I want to gather any datapoint about how the AC/Reverse cycle behaves during winter cruising, if it can keep the cabin comfortable, or just keep the chill off.

I was searching in the forum and I have found some old threads saying it is challenging to have webasto AND Air Conditioning on the same boat and sharing the same duct/vent system.

Hi there, I installed an Espar DH in the area occupied by the cockpit fridge on our C302. Had a hatch door fabricated to finish out. Insulated all interior surfaces with modable pliable metallic insulation…Heated air runs were easy behind cabin fridge/galley area to new outlets on port side galley surfaces. Even installed outlet in cockpit because we have an enclosure. (Works fantastic)…I put fuel tank under cockpit hatch in storage tray. ( we have gas outboards) we only use Kerosene for heater…the exhaust and fresh air intakes were installed thru hull on port side…these were short runs too! All this said, the LE setup we have does include reverse cycle hvac…. That too works wonderful for heater function. ( we normally only run one of the two at a time, but does require genset or shore power)…anyway hope all this helps in your situation..we are very pleased with this mod especially the 12V functionality.
Mark

 

[abastos]

Hi there, I installed an Espar DH in the area occupied by the cockpit fridge on our C302. Had a hatch door fabricated to finish out. Insulated all interior surfaces with modable pliable metallic insulation…Heated air runs were easy behind cabin fridge/galley area to new outlets on port side galley surfaces. Even installed outlet in cockpit because we have an enclosure. (Works fantastic)…I put fuel tank under cockpit hatch in storage tray. ( we have gas outboards) we only use Kerosene for heater…the exhaust and fresh air intakes were installed thru hull on port side…these were short runs too! All this said, the LE setup we have does include reverse cycle hvac…. That too works wonderful for heater function. ( we normally only run one of the two at a time, but does require genset or shore power)…anyway hope all this helps in your situation..we are very pleased with this mod especially the 12V functionality.
Mark

thanks for sharing! Did you install by yourself or you had some company to install it? It is a very nice setup!