choosing water heater 83 hunter 34

Jun 12, 2013
213
Hunter 40 back creek
Im trying to get the best water heater to do the job without the gold plating. I removed the old water heater with a rusted out bottom it was a round unit no markings on it. I obviously want to keep the manifold water lines coming from the Yanmar engine. I have seen round ones for home use and square marine style with a stainless case. Prices are all over the map. Any suggestions would help greatly!
 
Nov 6, 2006
10,117
Hunter 34 Mandeville Louisiana
Water Heater for H-34

i still have the original 6 gallon Seaward heater that came with the boat in 1985. steel housing.. some rust but in pretty good shape considering. I think that because we never put antifreeze in, nor do we drain them here, they last longer than places where that has to happen. Attached shot is its original location in the stbd aft settee seat, sharing the space with the air conditioner.
 

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Oct 14, 2005
2,191
1983 Hunter H34 North East, MD
Water Heater for H-34

Unlike Kloudie, my boat is on its 3rd water heater. Previous owners may have replaced more than that but the evidence points to my replacement as the 3rd. I put in a Force 10 (now under a new name) 6 gallon unit with engine connections. Have been more than happy with it for over 5 years. Installed a by-pass valve unit to take the tank out of the system for winterization and it gets drained (no antifreeze enters it). Location is the same as Kloudie's.
 
Jun 12, 2013
213
Hunter 40 back creek
Re: Water Heater for H-34

Good morning, Thank you, thats good to know by pass the unit so no antifreeze gets in and drain, What type of by pass did you use I would like to get one also, Thanks,
 
Jun 12, 2013
213
Hunter 40 back creek
Re: Water Heater for H-34

Good morning, Yes in the East here we have more exposure. Force 10 Okay I guess I would be better getting the marine hwh because of the manifold hoses! Thank you for the info!
 
Dec 14, 2003
1,442
Hunter 34 Lake of Two Mountains, QC, Can
Unlike Kloudie, my boat is on its 3rd water heater. Previous owners may have replaced more than that but the evidence points to my replacement as the 3rd. I put in a Force 10 (now under a new name) 6 gallon unit with engine connections. Have been more than happy with it for over 5 years. Installed a by-pass valve unit to take the tank out of the system for winterization and it gets drained (no antifreeze enters it). Location is the same as Kloudie's.
Like Dan I'm on my 3rd unit. Also have switched from Seward to Force 10. going on 7 years on that Force 10. Inlet and outlet for fresh water and inlet & outlet for heat exchanger from engine are on the same side unlike the Seward. It was not a major issue to re-plumb the fresh water around the tank. I re-plumbed the by-pass also but here are pics of how it is set. You'll get the idea that what you are creating is basically a manifold to re-route the water. No antifreeze in my tank either but I can run it through all the water lines and faucets of the boat, hot or cold ! Good luck.
 

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Feb 26, 2004
23,093
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
You don't need a stainless housing for the Seaward units, it's a waste of $$. If you're concerned about rust, paint the regular unit's bottom and up the sides with Rustoleum.

You have basically three choices: inexpensive Seaward (shop around online, I found pricing from $286 to $390!!!); a tad more expensive Force 10; a top of the line Isotemp (or Isotherm? I keep forgetting) that includes a thermostatic mixing valve and superior insulation.

Our (C34 combined 27 years of) experience is that the useful life of the Seaward units runs from 12 to 16 years.

Them's your choices. Your boat, your choice. :)
 
Jun 12, 2013
213
Hunter 40 back creek
Thank you for your help, I don't keep a boat for a long time 2-5 years has been my average. Something always comes along that I can't say no to!