OC 351 Water heater Problem

[sailrj]

The water heater on our 1996 Oc 351 stopped heating while we are motoring. Checking the hoses connected to the engine going to the water heater, I found the intake and discharge connectors for the water heater coils plugged with what appears to be plastic liner from the coil. Fished out about a 2" piece of the liner from the intake and the discharge connectors. Flushed water through the coil and seems to be working fine now. First question, does anyone know if there is a liner in the heating coil? Second, what purpose does it serve? Third, is this a signal that the water heater is on its last leg? And last, anyone have a recommendation for a new water heater? Thanks.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Hi,

Sorry to hear about your issue.

What make of heater is it?

Consider yourself lucky that there was a block in the line as compared to a complete rupture of the hose, since it carries the recirculating freshwater coolant, and if that leaks out you get a very quick and massive engine overheating condition. Like this example which happened to me: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3769.msg21253.html#msg21253

How old is your heater?

The very basic replacement possibilities are:

Isotemp (or isotherm, I keep forgetting which one) - highest price, best insulation, comes with thermostatic mixing valve to avoid scalding; hot water lasts 24 hours

Raritan - higher cost than Seaward, not particularly more features, so not worth the extra $$, IMHO

Seaward - the Chevy of the industry; hot water lasts maybe 12 hours tops

Kuuma - a cheap knockoff of the Seaward which is already at a good price point, you get what you pay for; this isn't one of them, buy a Seaward.

I found my Seaward replacement for a good price by internet shopping, so you have to do your own homework. I'm on the west coast, so I bought from a Seattle vendor for less $$ shipping. You're back east, so Defender might be your best bet.

Good luck.

 

[sailrj]

Stu,
Thanks for the info. It's still working fine. Considering it's an Atwood, 1996, it's got to be ready for a replacement. Thanks again.

 

[Ron20324]

I looked on the Beneteau parts site for mine and found it a good price, so ordered.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Raritan - higher cost than Seaward, not particularly more features, so not worth the extra $$, IMHO

I'm not sure how many "features" a water heater needs...it's durability that matters. Most inexpensive water heaters have anodized steel or aluminum tanks... it's the anodizing that prevents the chemical reaction with the metal that causes hot water to smell like rotten eggs. When it starts to go, the only cure is a new water heater. Raritan water heaters are glass lined and have a replaceable anode, heating element and thermostat...they'll last 20-30 years or even longer with occasional inexpensive repair. And water stays hot for up to 24 hours. I had Raritan water heaters on two boats...the first one was only 11 years old when I sold the boat...the second one was 26 years old when I sold it. Never had to replace anything in either one of 'em.