H2O water heater

[steven f.]

I have heard that the on-board water heater can be used while motoring. I have yet to figure that one out. While at the dock there is no problem, it produces lava! When sailing how do I get the motor to heat up my wife's shower? This is very important in term's of keeping my wife happy (and of course me).

 

[Ken Palmer]

Not all heat from engine coolant.

My H33 has a hot water heater that runs on 115 VAC only. If your engine has a heat exchanger, and the hot water tank is plumbed into it, then maybe it's just a matter of opening some valve.Ken Palmer S/V Liberty

 

[Jim O'Brien]

Depends on Yanmar Model

I understand that the Model # of the Yanmar will determine if there is a heat exchanger. I think the 2GMF will accomodate hot water while the 2GM will not.

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

Water heater must be equipped with heat exchanger

The heat exchanger is a coil inside the water heater through which hot water/coolant from the engine circulates to heat the water in the tank. There's a diagram of it in the water heater manual on the Raritan website at www.raritaneng.com...they're all alike, so when you've seen one, you've seen 'em all. The bad news is, unlike a heating element or anode--which are replaceable, a heat exchanger cannot be retrofitted or replaced. You'll have to replace the water heater to get this handy little option.However, marine water heaters are very well insulated and will hold water hot for 24 hours or longer. So my suggestion is, raise the thermostat so that you have VERY hot water--thus using less, and making it last longer.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Confusing, eh?

My boat is not like Peggy's description. My hot water tank is purely 110V AC, works great at the dock. I can use it with the Heart Inverter if I'm not worried about the battery bank(starter battery separate).BUT, I can also heat water with the engine. The plumbing goes from the pump to the heat exhanger on top of the Yanmar out the back to the hot water tank. Heat is "exchanged" between the very hot internal engine coolant and the separate fresh water passages in what is essentially a radiator.

 

[Jay Hill]

Count the Hoses

Steven,Another quick way to determine if your water heater has a heat exchanger is to look at it and count the nuber of hoses going in or out. Without exchanger:1. Electrical cord2. Water In from tank/pump3. Water out to system4. Drain fittingWith exchanger:1. Electrical cord2. Water in from tank/pump3. Water out to system4. Drain Fitting5. One inch rubber hose in6. One inch rubber hose out#'s 5 & 6 will lead to the engine compartment. As mentioned by Ken, you may have a valve on either of these lines from/to the engine.

 

[Tony Z]

Maybe a diesel heater

I have not yet found out the full details, I hardly ever use a slip and have the 2GM w/ no heat exchanger.I am leary of propane on board . I am on the track of Diesel heaters. Aparently, we can make hot water and heat the cabin when necessary with one of these items.So far Espar looks like the supplier of choice. If anyone has any input on this we could use a little help.