Hot Heads from a blow (n air) job!

[morbieater]

Hi

Be easy with me as this is my first forum posting.

I would just like some opinions before deciding if I am being fair or not.

I had heating put on my boat this week from Mikuni who gave me a good deal. The system used 4 outlets which would have been tricky for the installation engineer as my boat is a Cat.

I did not spec where the outlets had to vent, just saying one in the saloon, and one in each of my 3 double berthing cabins.

When I went to see my new heating system, which works nicely; all was OK in the saloon and the bow berth, but in my stern berths the vents had been placed right where your head will go. So that means they cannot be used when in your berth unless you like breathing in hot air.

Am I right to feel wronged, or would I be wrong for not spec'ing the job. Its just that if I was doing a job with a dodgy design problem, I would have discussed it with the client first.

Now I have 2 holes in my wooden headboards and a re-routing exercise to get these outlets to the cupboards at the foot of the bed.

All opinions welcome.

 

[Richard10002]

[ QUOTE ]
Am I right to feel wronged, or would I be wrong for not spec'ing the job. Its just that if I was doing a job with a dodgy design problem, I would have discussed it with the client first.

[/ QUOTE ]

I always end up kicking myself for not spec'ing something that I would expect to be obvious, but you have to assume a certain level of intelligence from suppliers and fitters.

I suppose it depends how many C/H vents are fitted at this point to establish how reasonable, or how "stupid" the fitters were.

First thing I would do is tell the supplier you are unhappy, and why. They may be the kind of company who will resolve the matter to your satisfaction. If they wont, I would ask how much to reroute and blank the holes ... I then know what I'm dealing with in terms of cost versus the hassle of escalating the complaint, (to legal levels if necessary).

 

[morbieater]

Hi Richard

Thanks for your thoughts.

There is only one vent per cabin.

I think the fitter has done this to save an hour of routing per hull, but even if rectified - I now have 2 holes in woodwork which will remain. And of course its not just in woodwork, but its in my pride & joy.

I wasnt thinking of going legal - just letting them have some 'hot air' if they were not willing to rectify.

Have you ever heard of vents being placed like this in other boats?

 

[Talbot]

Use the nice new holes as the outlet for speakers or a bunk light and chalk it down to experience.

 

[Searush]

Would it be clear that your head would be there, or could it possibly be your feet? If the beds weren't made it could be an honest mistake.

I like the speakers idea.

Any good supplier should be sympathetic with customer needs and should, at least, offer a special price for the work.

 

[morbieater]

Beds were not made up, but it was obviously the head end.

Speaker idea is good, but I do this sort of thing for a living, and I would get no stereo crossover - my sweet spot would be by my big toe, and that aint sweet.

I think keeping a blank vent might be the rigt idea, and putting new vent in at the right location.

I know it takes a genius to state the obvious, but next time I will have to spec fully; or stay on t he boat while work is underway.

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[DavidGrieves]

Hi

Have a look here
They do an outlet that is directional, the center of it projects out, is directional and might direct the hot air away from your face. The vent also has a hair drier hose that pushes into it, the ladies will love it!

 

[bobgoode]

You failed to specify exactly what and where...down to you. I have just been through the fitting of a Webasto and insisted that I be there to approve routes etc. I have a vent near the head of a berth and if the vent is trimmed down it really is not much of a problem..try before you change anything.

I learnt the hard way on an engine rebuild, that if you dont say exactly then some people do make silly descions for you.

 

[morbieater]

Thanks for the suggestions - I will try before I get heated up,

I do like the hair idea dryer idea - (not that I have any hair, as my prior boat had a bed 2 inches too short) - as my girlie would love it.

It also fits into that first rule of consultancy:-
if you carnt fix it, make a feature of it.

So I will measure up and see if Mikuni vents are the same dimensions as the Ebers.

Thanks

 

[dickh]

Or how about rerouting and filling the holes with a clock and a barometer?