The hot water tank on my 1992 - 35.5 has a small drip or leak from the front right corner. Although it is not serious now I suspect that it won't go away and will likely get bigger. Any ideas on repair, it appears to be aluminium so that won't be easy to solder. Thanks
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No Good, Don
...the water heater is likely leaking from inside the tank. The aluminum you see is just a cover, so sealing it will make no difference. Best bet is to purchase the same unit from a discounter and send the old one to the recycler. I did mine when it was nine years old, so you're due. Good luck. Rick D.
...the water heater is likely leaking from inside the tank. The aluminum you see is just a cover, so sealing it will make no difference. Best bet is to purchase the same unit from a discounter and send the old one to the recycler. I did mine when it was nine years old, so you're due. Good luck. Rick D.
So then, what's involved?
For my own edification and same concern because mine is old, how difficult is it to replace and what is required?
For my own edification and same concern because mine is old, how difficult is it to replace and what is required?
It Isn't Too Hard
Here is a Photo Forum archive of what I did on my 40.5. (See link) However, that's likely different on a Legend 35.5. Basically, it is simple removal of salon furniture to gain access, then removing the plumbing and re-install. Not much different than the household units. Rick D.
Here is a Photo Forum archive of what I did on my 40.5. (See link) However, that's likely different on a Legend 35.5. Basically, it is simple removal of salon furniture to gain access, then removing the plumbing and re-install. Not much different than the household units. Rick D.
hot water
I just went through this exercise. First order a new Seward (Stainless Steel)hot water heater from Sailnet. The Atwood with rear heat exchanger is no longer manufactured. The Seward fits perfectly and is about $229.00 -no shipping charge and no sales tax. It takes about three weeks for delivery as the unit is drop shipped from the manufacturer. Installation is quite easy on the 35.5. Diconnect the fresh water and then disconnect the engine connections. Have a container ready to catch the antifreeze. The shelf under the sink needs to be removed. There are six screws that hold it in place. In addition you have to disconnect the hose from the sink to the seacock. Once this area is cleared the hotwater heater can be removed and reploaced with the new one. Total time to do the project is less than one hour. Make sure that the antifreeze totally fills the heat exchanger prior to starting the engine. Good Luck!
I just went through this exercise. First order a new Seward (Stainless Steel)hot water heater from Sailnet. The Atwood with rear heat exchanger is no longer manufactured. The Seward fits perfectly and is about $229.00 -no shipping charge and no sales tax. It takes about three weeks for delivery as the unit is drop shipped from the manufacturer. Installation is quite easy on the 35.5. Diconnect the fresh water and then disconnect the engine connections. Have a container ready to catch the antifreeze. The shelf under the sink needs to be removed. There are six screws that hold it in place. In addition you have to disconnect the hose from the sink to the seacock. Once this area is cleared the hotwater heater can be removed and reploaced with the new one. Total time to do the project is less than one hour. Make sure that the antifreeze totally fills the heat exchanger prior to starting the engine. Good Luck!
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