Dear Peggy I'm preparing to install a new water heater in my Cal 34. Which one would you recommend? There must be better ones than West Marine carries. I considered a flash heater because of the small size, but they apparently dont heat the water very well. only about 7 degress to 10 degress higher than the water temperature.
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IMO Raritan water heaters are best quality
They have a polymer shell that can't corrode...are exceptionally well insulated, so they hold water hot for a day or more...and they have a glass inner tank that can't corrode either. They cost a bit more than some others, but are the only ones that typically last upwards of 25 years. I've owned two boats with water heaters--both Raritan...one was 11 years old and still going strong when I sold the boat, the other was 21 years old and still in excellent shape when I sold the boat...and that's typical. I've never seen a household water heater last more than 12-15 years, much less any other marine water heater. I wouldn't have anything else. You can read all about 'em here: http://www.raritaneng.com/products/water_heaters/index.html The only kicker MIGHT be whether one will fit your space...so check the dimensions for the various sizes, with and without heat exchanger option, very carefully.
They have a polymer shell that can't corrode...are exceptionally well insulated, so they hold water hot for a day or more...and they have a glass inner tank that can't corrode either. They cost a bit more than some others, but are the only ones that typically last upwards of 25 years. I've owned two boats with water heaters--both Raritan...one was 11 years old and still going strong when I sold the boat, the other was 21 years old and still in excellent shape when I sold the boat...and that's typical. I've never seen a household water heater last more than 12-15 years, much less any other marine water heater. I wouldn't have anything else. You can read all about 'em here: http://www.raritaneng.com/products/water_heaters/index.html The only kicker MIGHT be whether one will fit your space...so check the dimensions for the various sizes, with and without heat exchanger option, very carefully.
The biggest killer of household heaters
is lack of maintenance. Flushing the tank, inspecting and/or replacing the anode etc. need to be done on a yearly basis. I found this site very informative: http://www.waterheaterrescue.com/index.html I can imagine that a boat tank would last for years with zero maintenence simply by virtue of less use. Wouldn't regular maintenance be a life saver for a boat tank as well? BTW, Not sure what yoyur store carries but my WM store has Raritan tanks...
is lack of maintenance. Flushing the tank, inspecting and/or replacing the anode etc. need to be done on a yearly basis. I found this site very informative: http://www.waterheaterrescue.com/index.html I can imagine that a boat tank would last for years with zero maintenence simply by virtue of less use. Wouldn't regular maintenance be a life saver for a boat tank as well? BTW, Not sure what yoyur store carries but my WM store has Raritan tanks...
Big difference.
At Defender the price difference is over $200.($255. vs. $470.) comparing stainless to Raritan. There are three Raritans on E-Bay for $290. but I expect they are without engine heat exchanger. My stainless is 25+ years old but I think it is on its last legs. Think I will stick with the old cubical tank.
At Defender the price difference is over $200.($255. vs. $470.) comparing stainless to Raritan. There are three Raritans on E-Bay for $290. but I expect they are without engine heat exchanger. My stainless is 25+ years old but I think it is on its last legs. Think I will stick with the old cubical tank.
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