Vermont Castings Merrimack

[dougb]

Thanks. I think the Montpelier looks slightly nicer than the Merrimack. I prefer the single handle approach, so you can load wood with the other hand, but I will see what fits best. The video looks great!

 

[ddddddden]

FWIW, I've never held onto the door handle while loading wood.

 

[dougb]

We may be getting the Merrimack as well. I have heard the same negative stuff about VC, but when you look at the materials and features of all stoves, how can you really screw something up that much? I had an old VC Dutchwest free standing unit. Worked pretty well. I think it was a "cat" and should have been serviced better. But now I am in a different house and the only stove that would fit our unusual fireplace was the VC Montpelier. Now my dealer is encouraging me to get the Merrimack instead (for slightly less $$ than the Montpelier). He's coming out to measure my fireplace, so he will be on the hook if it doesn't fit. I've seen some videos and information about the VC facility in Vermont and I think they should be fine to purchase from. I physically checked the workmanship of the Montpelier vs. Jotul 550 (wouldn't fit my fireplace), Lopi and others. The VC actually had an additional burn tube on the inside top that the others did not have. I will keep you posted as to whether I get the Merrimack or Montpelier (or something else)...Doug

It looks like a larger Montpelier. This winter will be my third heating season and its been great! I have an 1800 sq ft home and it keeps us comfortable. There have been negative reviews but I think that is due to inexperience and unseasoned wood! If its anything like the Montpelier it will be really nice. You cant beat the large viewing glass of these units! I have posted vids. on youtube to show it operating! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TW6bgkRrelM

Thanks for the advice - video looks great. Dealer is supposed tp come out and let me know soon.

 

[dougb]

What is your dealer doing to "encourage" you? Financial incetive? Guarantee to swap for another stove model if the Merrimack is a dud? Yelling "Dooo it?" It's hard to imagine that VC makes the only insert that will fit your fireplace. . .it sorta implies that they have a very uniquely sized/shaped product, for which the market might be very limited. If you shared the dimensions of your fireplace, maybe we could make some suggestions. If you like cats, have you looked at the BK Princess, Buck 80 or 91?

Den, He is quoting me about $1,300 cheaper than the other dealer. I'll check my dimensions, but they are kind of unusual. The opening is taller than normal. So with the Jotuls and Lopis, I would have to put some kind of plate behind the surround, or get a larger surround and cut ino my mantle, heat shields, etc. VC is now offering a lifetime warranty, so I am going to inquire about that. Also what is a BK Princess? Thanks.

 

[ddddddden]

I hear what you are saying about getting the surround to cover the opening, but a high lintel can be a blessing. Mine is only ~27" high, which would have made connecting the liner pipe to the stove's collar on some taller inserts a real PITA. I do like the VC's ability to attach the collar from inside the stove and tilt it 30 deg. That's smart, if it holds up well. The Blaze King Princess pi1010 is an insert I took a long look at before deciding to set a stove out on my hearth instead of putting another insert into my external chimney, which loses a lot of heat to the great outdoors. The Princess has a catalyst and a bimetallic-coil "thermostat" to automatically adjust the draft, which I think some VC's had back in the day. A lot of folks around here think BK is the bee's knees. Supposedly, it will sip a load of wood for days, if you want that kind of low output, which I do in my relatively mild climate. MSRP is $2595(widely discounted out west.) I think that includes the surround. Larger surround optional.

 

[daveydog]

Looks like MSRP on the Merrimack is $2593 + $229 for the plain surround or $499 for the fancy cast surround, so ~ $3100 with the cast surround. . .add $400 for 25' of stainless flex liner, and you're at $3500 for parts. I wouldn't be feelin' any incentive to buy for $4300 installed. Actually, I'd feel insulted at being asked to pay full MSRP + $800 installation to be a guinea pig! Common courtesy would be to offer at least an off-seasonish discount of ~ 30%. To do otherwise implies that the buyer is a sucker.

Haven't found one dealer who will do 25 ft of liner for less than 660... I do agree though that installs seem stinkin high. What are they making, $100 an hour?

 

[ddddddden]

Looks like MSRP on the Merrimack is $2593 + $229 for the plain surround or $499 for the fancy cast surround, so ~ $3100 with the cast surround. . .add $400 for 25' of stainless flex liner, and you're at $3500 for parts. I wouldn't be feelin' any incentive to buy for $4300 installed. Actually, I'd feel insulted at being asked to pay full MSRP + $800 installation to be a guinea pig! Common courtesy would be to offer at least an off-seasonish discount of ~ 30%. To do otherwise implies that the buyer is a sucker.

What are they making, $100 an hour?

No, $100 per ft. Seriously, that's what 1 guy quoted me to reline the chimney with a cement insulation slurry, which I gather may be necessary if there are structural issues. Another wanted $2350 for 25'. $400 is the web price for flex pipe. Insulation wrap is another $200. Is the $660 quote for just the pipe, or is that for installing it?

 

[daveydog]

I don't follow you. How many hours does it take to do an install?

 

[ddddddden]

I was just blathering about another type of chimney relining, and I edit/add to my posts a lot because my connection gets reset frequently. It may make more sense if you reread it. . .I would think a pro could do an install in less than 8 hrs. . .probably 2-3 hrs, but if you don't want to move a 500lb stove and go dancing on the rooftop, you gotta pay. Actually, what I find insulting about the quote you were given is that they want to charge you that after you buy an unknown stove from them at full MSRP. There are too many good options in the $2-3k range to be messing around with someone who doesn't want to deal. I understand that back in the day VC was the stove. That's not exactly the case today, but your dealer seems to want to pretend that it is. If you can't find a good deal on anything local, mail order is an option with many brands. If you don't want to DIY the install, ask around on here for a good chimney sweep who does installs in your area.

 

[ddddddden]

Off-season discounts seem to be pretty common, but those will be drying up soon, if not already. Depending on your heating bill, your best bet may be to lurk around here for another 6 months and learn more. Make a more informed decision, and buy at 20-30% off in the spring. OTOH, the 30% tax deal may not be available next year. . .

 

[daveydog]

I was just blathering about another type of chimney relining, and I edit/add to my posts a lot because my connection gets reset frequently. It may make more sense if you reread it. . .I would think a pro could do an install in less than 8 hrs. . .probably 2-3 hrs, but if you don't want to move a 500lb stove and go dancing on the rooftop, you gotta pay. Actually, what I find insulting about the quote you were given is that they want to charge you that much after you buy an unknown stove from them at full MSRP. There are too many good options in the $2-3k range to be messing around with someone who doesn't want to deal. I understand that back in the day VC was the stove. That's not exactly the case today, but your dealer seems to want to pretend that it is. If you can't find a good deal on anything local, mail order is an option with many brands. If you don't want to DIY the install, ask around on here for a good chimney sweep who does installs in your area.

I was reading your post on my phone... not all of it showed up... $100/ft!! WTH that's crazy! $660 was just for the stainless steel liner... 4 dealers quoted the same price on that... labor quotes were all pretty much the same, regardless of the insert... roughly 700-900 ballparks... I think I will look into getting an estimate from a chimney sweep or 2... no rush on this. FWIW, I'm pretty much set on getting the PE Summit insert (I had been concerned about blowing ourselves out of the living room but the more i read, the less concerned i am about that now)... As much as I do like that big pic the VC offers, I agree with your sentiments... Also, for those considering the VC, the firebox IS pretty big, I'd say that it is 3 cu ft..... but it tapers in on the sides and it slopes down in the back... so although it offers 22X17 dimensions, the 22 shrinks pretty quick... and I'd think it might be a PITA to stuff with wood, trying to take advantage of the 22 width at the front-only part of the stove... hope that makes sense. It also has this goofy a$$ looking contraption along the front of the firebox floor that will mess with your log placement a bit... takes up some real estate (some of that 17" depth)... I believe it contains the area that provides some air flow... looks like it might be real easy to get clogged up, but I'm not sure I totally understand that part of it...

 

[daveydog]

at any rate, I think we're pretty much headed towards the PE Summit (though PE has a new cast iron insert due out soon.... the t5 aderlea type model... wish it was the bigger T6 but wouldn't mind seeing it before buying the Summit... do like the look of it)...

ah well, it'll give me something to ponder over a few coronas on vaca next week...

 

[weatherguy]

daveydog, you talked your wife into another stove? You have to let the rest of us know your secret

Den, He is quoting me about $1,300 cheaper than the other dealer. I’ll check my dimensions, but they are kind of unusual. The opening is taller than normal. So with the Jotuls and Lopis, I would have to put some kind of plate behind the surround, or get a larger surround and cut ino my mantle, heat shields, etc. VC is now offering a lifetime warranty, so I am going to inquire about that. Also what is a BK Princess? Thanks

Look at my avatar, I have a BK Princess, awesome stove. I do like the looks of the VC,, both the Montpelier and Merrimack, I hope they turn out to be solid reliable stoves.

 

[daveydog]

[quote author="weatherguy" date="1282207126"]daveydog, you talked your wife into another stove? You have to let the rest of us know your secret

Jedi mind trick

 

[firefighterjake]

daveydog, you talked your wife into another stove? You have to let the rest of us know your secret

Jedi mind trick

"This is not the stove you're looking for."

"This is not the stove we're looking for . . move along."

 

[allhandsworking]

I was just blathering about another type of chimney relining, and I edit/add to my posts a lot because my connection gets reset frequently. It may make more sense if you reread it. . .I would think a pro could do an install in less than 8 hrs. . .probably 2-3 hrs, but if you don't want to move a 500lb stove and go dancing on the rooftop, you gotta pay. Actually, what I find insulting about the quote you were given is that they want to charge you that much after you buy an unknown stove from them at full MSRP. There are too many good options in the $2-3k range to be messing around with someone who doesn't want to deal. I understand that back in the day VC was the stove. That's not exactly the case today, but your dealer seems to want to pretend that it is. If you can't find a good deal on anything local, mail order is an option with many brands. If you don't want to DIY the install, ask around on here for a good chimney sweep who does installs in your area.

I was reading your post on my phone... not all of it showed up... $100/ft!! WTH that's crazy! $660 was just for the stainless steel liner... 4 dealers quoted the same price on that... labor quotes were all pretty much the same, regardless of the insert... roughly 700-900 ballparks... I think I will look into getting an estimate from a chimney sweep or 2... no rush on this. FWIW, I'm pretty much set on getting the PE Summit insert (I had been concerned about blowing ourselves out of the living room but the more i read, the less concerned i am about that now)... As much as I do like that big pic the VC offers, I agree with your sentiments... Also, for those considering the VC, the firebox IS pretty big, I'd say that it is 3 cu ft..... but it tapers in on the sides and it slopes down in the back... so although it offers 22X17 dimensions, the 22 shrinks pretty quick... and I'd think it might be a PITA to stuff with wood, trying to take advantage of the 22 width at the front-only part of the stove... hope that makes sense. It also has this goofy a$$ looking contraption along the front of the firebox floor that will mess with your log placement a bit... takes up some real estate (some of that 17" depth)... I believe it contains the area that provides some air flow... looks like it might be real easy to get clogged up, but I'm not sure I totally understand that part of it...

"The goofy a$$" contraption in the front is no problem. Once a month I lift it out and brush off the air channels they don't seem to clog at all but this is just part of my monthly cleaning. the end irons lift out easily also. I like the Montpelier. Do your research because there are so many great stoves and inserts!

 

[daveydog]

I was just blathering about another type of chimney relining, and I edit/add to my posts a lot because my connection gets reset frequently. It may make more sense if you reread it. . .I would think a pro could do an install in less than 8 hrs. . .probably 2-3 hrs, but if you don't want to move a 500lb stove and go dancing on the rooftop, you gotta pay. Actually, what I find insulting about the quote you were given is that they want to charge you that much after you buy an unknown stove from them at full MSRP. There are too many good options in the $2-3k range to be messing around with someone who doesn't want to deal. I understand that back in the day VC was the stove. That's not exactly the case today, but your dealer seems to want to pretend that it is. If you can't find a good deal on anything local, mail order is an option with many brands. If you don't want to DIY the install, ask around on here for a good chimney sweep who does installs in your area.

I was reading your post on my phone... not all of it showed up... $100/ft!! WTH that's crazy! $660 was just for the stainless steel liner... 4 dealers quoted the same price on that... labor quotes were all pretty much the same, regardless of the insert... roughly 700-900 ballparks... I think I will look into getting an estimate from a chimney sweep or 2... no rush on this. FWIW, I'm pretty much set on getting the PE Summit insert (I had been concerned about blowing ourselves out of the living room but the more i read, the less concerned i am about that now)... As much as I do like that big pic the VC offers, I agree with your sentiments... Also, for those considering the VC, the firebox IS pretty big, I'd say that it is 3 cu ft..... but it tapers in on the sides and it slopes down in the back... so although it offers 22X17 dimensions, the 22 shrinks pretty quick... and I'd think it might be a PITA to stuff with wood, trying to take advantage of the 22 width at the front-only part of the stove... hope that makes sense. It also has this goofy a$$ looking contraption along the front of the firebox floor that will mess with your log placement a bit... takes up some real estate (some of that 17" depth)... I believe it contains the area that provides some air flow... looks like it might be real easy to get clogged up, but I'm not sure I totally understand that part of it...

"The goofy a$$" contraption in the front is no problem. Once a month I lift it out and brush off the air channels they don't seem to clog at all but this is just part of my monthly cleaning. the end irons lift out easily also. I like the Montpelier. Do your research because there are so many great stoves and inserts!

Oh that's good. How does your stove do, in relation to the sq ft it can heat (compared to what the claim is)? How about the refractory brick? Holding up? As far as Merrimack goes, seems like it should be rated for heating more sq ft.... but I know those ratings are not regulated, etc....

 

[allhandsworking]

I was just blathering about another type of chimney relining, and I edit/add to my posts a lot because my connection gets reset frequently. It may make more sense if you reread it. . .I would think a pro could do an install in less than 8 hrs. . .probably 2-3 hrs, but if you don't want to move a 500lb stove and go dancing on the rooftop, you gotta pay. Actually, what I find insulting about the quote you were given is that they want to charge you that much after you buy an unknown stove from them at full MSRP. There are too many good options in the $2-3k range to be messing around with someone who doesn't want to deal. I understand that back in the day VC was the stove. That's not exactly the case today, but your dealer seems to want to pretend that it is. If you can't find a good deal on anything local, mail order is an option with many brands. If you don't want to DIY the install, ask around on here for a good chimney sweep who does installs in your area.

I was reading your post on my phone... not all of it showed up... $100/ft!! WTH that's crazy! $660 was just for the stainless steel liner... 4 dealers quoted the same price on that... labor quotes were all pretty much the same, regardless of the insert... roughly 700-900 ballparks... I think I will look into getting an estimate from a chimney sweep or 2... no rush on this. FWIW, I'm pretty much set on getting the PE Summit insert (I had been concerned about blowing ourselves out of the living room but the more i read, the less concerned i am about that now)... As much as I do like that big pic the VC offers, I agree with your sentiments... Also, for those considering the VC, the firebox IS pretty big, I'd say that it is 3 cu ft..... but it tapers in on the sides and it slopes down in the back... so although it offers 22X17 dimensions, the 22 shrinks pretty quick... and I'd think it might be a PITA to stuff with wood, trying to take advantage of the 22 width at the front-only part of the stove... hope that makes sense. It also has this goofy a$$ looking contraption along the front of the firebox floor that will mess with your log placement a bit... takes up some real estate (some of that 17" depth)... I believe it contains the area that provides some air flow... looks like it might be real easy to get clogged up, but I'm not sure I totally understand that part of it...

"The goofy a$$" contraption in the front is no problem. Once a month I lift it out and brush off the air channels they don't seem to clog at all but this is just part of my monthly cleaning. the end irons lift out easily also. I like the Montpelier. Do your research because there are so many great stoves and inserts!

Oh that's good. How does your stove do, in relation to the sq ft it can heat (compared to what the claim is)? How about the refractory brick? Holding up? As far as Merrimack goes, seems like it should be rated for heating more sq ft.... but I know those ratings are not regulated, etc....

I have about 1800 s.ft. center chimney,good insulation some new windows. In the depth of winter NYC First floor high 70s upstairs around 69. I do have a crack in the brick but im told that there is mesh inside brick that will hold it toghter. I have seen prefab fireplace refactory brick 30 years old with the same cracks so im not to worried about it. I hope I dont have any problems down the road with it. The blower moves the heat around nicely. Not like a free standing stove without blower with radiant heat that feels 200 degrees. Just nice comfortable heat. My wife loves that it still lookes like a fireplace with big glass. Its awsome to watch! I have no problem getting overnight burns 8 hours. In the morning its barely warm but I can load it with some small splits to get it going again before work! There may be better stoves and inserts but I think this unit is unique!

 

[tradergordo]

Based on the owner manual, the Merrimack is just another overpriced Everburn stove. My advice? Unless you want to buy a new stove every 5 years, don't buy an everburn design. Its great in concept, but deteriorates over time and the cost to repair is prohibitive. Get a burn tube on top design.

 

[allhandsworking]

Based on the owner manual, the Merrimack is just another overpriced Everburn stove. My advice? Unless you want to buy a new stove every 5 years, don't buy an everburn design. Its great in concept, but deteriorates over time and the cost to repair is prohibitive. Get a burn tube on top design.

Oh is the Merrimack a catalytic? Montpelier in non cat.

 

[tradergordo]

Oh is the Merrimack a catalytic? Montpelier in non cat.

Owner manual says its an everburn. Everburn is not catalytic or burn tube. Search the forum for everburn to get more info...

 

[elevatorman]

I have read up more on the ever burn two seems to be an inovative concept. Im planning on purchasing the Merrimack. Cost of the unit was right on with what you guys were saying at 3032 with cast surround. Im willing to test the unit here but i dont feel like i should have to pay full price. for install ect. What do you think is a fair price for install and everything I dont want to pay 4300.

 

[tradergordo]

I have read up more on the ever burn two seems to be an inovative concept. Im planning on purchasing the Merrimack. Cost of the unit was right on with what you guys were saying at 3032 with cast surround. Im willing to test the unit here but i dont feel like i should have to pay full price. for install ect. What do you think is a fair price for install and everything I dont want to pay 4300.

What makes you think it has "EB2"? I don't see anything about that on the product page, I think you are mistaken but I could be wrong. If after reading up on everburn stoves on the forum, you still want to plop down 4 thousand dollars, by all means, go for it! Somebody has to fund VC's R&D, they could use it

 

[elevatorman]

Yes fair enough, I was mistaken I did read up on everburn two on the fourm and I dont think the Merrimack has it. the product page for the Unit is a little grey on what kinda of burn system it uses. I even looked at the Install manual and couldnt find much. The Dealer was offering me the unit with SS liner, steel surround and install for 3,600. Nice to see a fellow PA person as well "tradergordo" I had to move to NC for my job but I really miss PA!!

 

[summit]

Merrimack is a tube burner... and the firebox is enormous!