Hot water tank recommendation

[Don]

The Hot water tank on my 1992-35.5 is leaking, in fact it has been for several years. I am going to replace it this fall and would like recommendations on a replacement tank and where to buy. The current tank is a 6 gallon seaward with a heat exchanger and shore power heating system. Also is there any urgency to replacing it, it leaks into the bilge at a very slow rate - 1/2 gallon per week.Thanks Don

 

[Richard Bryer]

replace with same Seaward tank

I replaced the tank in our H34 with the same 6 gal Seaward. You know it fits and ours works like a charm. We are very careful not to run it longer than about 30 min on AC. Usually it heats up enough just on the motor when comming in under power. When it the water is heated up we find we can do dishes in the evening and still have warm enough water in the am to wash your face!. I understand their customer service is good also.If you are getting leaks I would replace- just a matter of time before you start loosing coolant with a leak in the jacket.

 

[Benny]

RVers have a solution for leaking...

water heaters. To them it represents the hazard of flooding the vehicle and loosing their ability to have pressure water as the supply hose would need to be disconnected. They have adapted plumbing to by-pass the heater in an emergency. A few hoses, connectors, valves and clamps would do the trick. The valves can be turned to bring the tank on line or off at will. A tank leak is unpredictable it could turn from 1/2 gal a week now to 1/2 gallon a minute in a short time or it could stay like that. Perhaps a by-pass connection would at least give you peace of mind when the boat is left unattended. Remember to shut off the AC power to the heater whenever the water is cut off. The upside could be that by using your heater just when you need it maybe you can get a few more years use out of it. Our heater does not leak at present but I have been thinking of installing an emergency by-pass for when it starts.

 

[Steve Dion]

I would be concerned about rotting any wood.

Don:I would worry about rotting any wood as a primary reason to replace the unit.Secondary reasons may be the heat exchanger leaking antifreeze into the unit then inturn leaking into the bilge (ultimately overboard).They are not going to be cheaper next year so you may as well do it know.Be sure to order the correct unit. They make two different setups. Front or Rear heat exchanger and they also offer either galvanized or stainless steel case (the interiors are the same).