First let me say we had a great sail this weekend! I'd tell you how fast we went but I'd be called on the carpet to answer all kinds of questions about the veracity of the data instruments (bg). We went to a rendevous put on by our Hunter dealer (Seacoast Marine) they did a great job and we had a great time in York Harbor Maine. Which is where my no hot water story begins. In York we were the first boat in the raft so we had shore power and we had hot water. After we returned I pumped the fresh water tank thru the hot water tank dry and refilled with fresh water. Dishes were to be done so I fired up the engine and waited for nearly an hour but no hot water! It normally only takes a very short time for the water to come up to temp. I checked the heat exchanger hoses (at the water heater) and they were hot I checked the coolant level and it was sufficient. Any ideas? Scott S/V Quantum Leap
- Status
Same prob
Scott - I had the same problem this year in Lake Michigan. I think the water was so cold this time of the year that the hot water would not circulate. It's only a guess. I posted the same question on the "Ask and Owner" forum and got some interesting answers. One of them was that the engine was not being run fast enough. When we sail in good wind we rarely get above 2-3 knots with the engine so it did not run very fast. I replaced the thermostat (mad no difference) and since then my 1985 water heater was leaking so I replaced that. Any way, it heats up fast now. I think it may have been the really cold lake water. John
Scott - I had the same problem this year in Lake Michigan. I think the water was so cold this time of the year that the hot water would not circulate. It's only a guess. I posted the same question on the "Ask and Owner" forum and got some interesting answers. One of them was that the engine was not being run fast enough. When we sail in good wind we rarely get above 2-3 knots with the engine so it did not run very fast. I replaced the thermostat (mad no difference) and since then my 1985 water heater was leaking so I replaced that. Any way, it heats up fast now. I think it may have been the really cold lake water. John
Has it worked before?
Scott: Have you done this before? Just let the engine idle to heat up the water? Our engine does not seem to do this well at anchor either. When we are under way (load on the engine) the water gets so hot that you can burn yourself if not careful. Another observation. We just got a new Seaward water heater. If we run it out of water the reset switch will pop. This is a pain to reset. The panel for the reset button is under the sink and then you must remove the cover and dig around the insulation to push the reset button. Our old heater was the same brand but never had this problem.
Scott: Have you done this before? Just let the engine idle to heat up the water? Our engine does not seem to do this well at anchor either. When we are under way (load on the engine) the water gets so hot that you can burn yourself if not careful. Another observation. We just got a new Seaward water heater. If we run it out of water the reset switch will pop. This is a pain to reset. The panel for the reset button is under the sink and then you must remove the cover and dig around the insulation to push the reset button. Our old heater was the same brand but never had this problem.
Thanks for the replies
It seems to have "fixed itself" I don't know why or what did it. I fooled with the relief valve but can't believe that did it. I don't think it can be air bound on the supply side since it is pressure fed by the pump and water ran through it with no trouble. I think the whole thing is around bad memory of how hot how quick after how long....
The rest switch only affects the electric operation as far as I can tell and that part works fine. Thanks, Scott
It seems to have "fixed itself" I don't know why or what did it. I fooled with the relief valve but can't believe that did it. I don't think it can be air bound on the supply side since it is pressure fed by the pump and water ran through it with no trouble. I think the whole thing is around bad memory of how hot how quick after how long....
The rest switch only affects the electric operation as far as I can tell and that part works fine. Thanks, Scott- Status