Have you removed/replaced your hot water heater?

[Bob4203]

I have to replace my hot water heater in my 1988 Mark II. The dimensions of this Seaward (Atwood) six gallon water heater is 13" by 13" by 14", however, the Seaward replacement unit measures 13 inches by 13 inches by 19 inches (length).

As indicated in an earlier thread, the ONLY way to remove the unit and reinstall is through the cutout that holds the three drawers near the cooler. I removed the drawers and frame to check on the space and what lines I have in that location. It appears that their might be enough wiggle room to slide the heater back and get it out but can I get the larger unit in? I am not sure why Seaward added four - five more inches to these tanks.

Before I invest the hefty sum of $$$$$ on a new water heater, has anyone replaced the water heater? And if so, how tough was it to get the longer one in and out? Any secrets to your success you care to share?

Thank you

Bob
1988 Mark II

 

[jimmcgee]

Bob, can you access the heater through the aft berth?

On my Mark III I have an access panel under the cushions for the rear berth that gives me access to the fuel tank and water heater. It's much easier than going through the cabinets.

 

[Afrakes]

This may not apply to your boat but on my Ericson 28 I actually disassembled the Seward heater and then reassembled it after getting it in place. I salvaged the heater from a project boat and didn't want to buy another one. The Seaward cabinet is screwed together and comes apart easily. I had to be a contortionist to reassemble it. It was fairly simple.

 

[Bob4203]

You cannot remove the heater out through the quarter berth! The heater is nested under a fiberglass "lip" that extends about two inches over the heater. The fuel tank extends out too far to block any removal. It has to slide back. Now that the replacement tank is longer it appears a tough removal.

I hope someone chimes in that went through this.

Thanks
bib

 

[Baytripper]

Bob,

I replaced my water heater in my 1988 Catalina 30 6 years ago. At the same time I replaced the fuel tank. Both came out through the Quarter Berth. Not sure what you mean by the newer ones are bigger ? Catalina direct still has them on their site and I bought mine through Defender. Same size as the original. Both are a fairly straight forward replacement.

When I replaced mine, it made it easier because I had the fuel tank removed, as the original install did not leave much room between the fuel tank and the wall. But still doable.

Walter

 

[woodster]

bob have you ever cleaned out your fuel tank and inspected it ...this may be a good time to do that and change your water heater out at the same time ...sometimes we get into projects that knock over the dominoes ...and that may be a good omen

 

[Bob4203]

Woody,
I am not sure what would be the best procedure for cleaning out the fuel tank unless I went through the fuel level access port and tried to suck up water and debris from the bottom with a pump. Its not necessary to replace the tank. With less then 500 hours on my Universal M-18, I might use less then a tank for the year! No long extensive power cruises on Lake Lanier aside from a run to Holiday Marina for lunch! Engine gets very little use. Average hours per year = 18 to 20. Not bad.

Oh, I do change out filters every year and add stabilizer and bio-treatment.

Bob
1988 Mark II

 

[ramblinrod]

May want to take a second look at dims. I suspect the added length you are referring to is for the mounting tabs, you may not be considering when measuring the original.

ramblin' rod
www.sheenmarine.com

 

[C30Bobolink]

Seward model S600 fits well

Just replaced mine with the Seward Model 600 last year. I removed the drawer frame to provide access. 2 of the four mounting holes matched. The overall dimensions were the same.
I have a 1990 C30.
Got rid of the stinky hot water issues with the new heater.
Best of luck.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Got rid of the stinky hot water issues with the new heater.

One new habit to learn: even when there is NO hot water, get in the habit of using the HOT faucet. It keeps water moving thru the heater and reduces smelly hot water.