[TOM FRENG]

LOOKING AT A 2000 5200 EXPRESS. IT SEEMS THERE IS VERY LITTLE SPACE IN THE ENGINE ROOM. DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY LETS SAY TRICKS OR TIPS TO MAKE ACCESS EASIER.

[jclark003]

I have this same boat and to me the engine room allows for pretty good access with the exception of the outboard side of the starboard engine. I removed the forward ladder as I rarely use the helm hatch and that freed up a lot of space and allows much better access to the back of the engines and transmissions. Remove the port transmission shift cable and you can get to the outboard side of the port engine pretty easily. remove the aft entry ladder and you will have good access to the AC condensers, electrical switching gear/isolation transformers, sea strainers, etc. The starboard raw water pump access is hindered by the power cord tub. changing the impeller requires laying on some moving blankets and working around the corner in between the engine and power cord tub. Definitely a pain but certainly doable. About the only thing not accessible is the starboard engine aftercooler assembly. To service this the exhaust riser needs to come off. Then the whole side of the engine is accessible. I’ve done this myself and not a big deal.

[TOM FRENG]

Thank You very much for taking the time to respond. How many and what size batteries are used on that boat. Are there batteries for separate components as in inverter, house, bow thruster, engines, or are they all together?

[jclark003]

On my boat there are a total of twelve group 31 batteries (I believe they are group 31 but not 100%) split into two 24V banks, one house and one engine. No separate battery for bow thruster or generator, at least on mine. I don’t have an inverter so not sure if Tiara changed the configuration when so equipped. Charging system is made up of externally regulated Balmar 24V alternators (I believe 160A) and a Charles 240 VAC battery charger. There is also a 12V power supply for a few circuits that require 12VDC.