Looking to replace the hot water heater. Any P42 owners who have done this? If so what did you buy? Words of wisdom
P42 1991 Hot water heater recommendations?
- Thread starter Puesta del sol
- Start date
Besides size, you generally have the cost. There are basically three: cheap, medium and high. Cheap is Kuuma, which looks just like the medium Seaward, then high is Isotherm (or Isotemp, I keep confusing those names). There are a few others that fit different categories, like Raritan.
My experience in the medium category is 10-12 years.
The high quality category is the improved insulation keeps the water hotter much, much longer.
Heaters are interestingly a good example of cost = quality.
Shop wisely, when I bought my replacement Seaward in 2013 I found costs from $242 to $385 for the same damn thing!
Good luck in your research and installation.
PS These heaters are not boat specific.
My experience in the medium category is 10-12 years.
The high quality category is the improved insulation keeps the water hotter much, much longer.
Heaters are interestingly a good example of cost = quality.
Shop wisely, when I bought my replacement Seaward in 2013 I found costs from $242 to $385 for the same damn thing!
Good luck in your research and installation.
PS These heaters are not boat specific.
Thanks. I have the measurements of the current one … so I have the basic constraints to work withBesides size, you generally have the cost. There are basically three: cheap, medium and high. Cheap is Kuuma, which looks just like the medium Seaward, then high is Isotherm (or Isotemp, I keep confusing those names). There are a few others that fit different categories, like Raritan.
My experience in the medium category is 10-12 years.
The high quality category is the improved insulation keeps the water hotter much, much longer.
Heaters are interestingly a good example of cost = quality.
Shop wisely, when I bought my replacement Seaward in 2013 I found costs from $242 to $385 for the same damn thing!
Good luck in your research and installation.
PS These heaters are not boat specific.
Hi Keith, replaced ours a few years ago with same, an original Seward six gallon tank. Slides right in, pretty much plug and play. To replace the FRP vertical bench section must be removed, which is where the old tank slides out and the new one in. You cannot remove the old tank through the seat hatch. The salon bench seat remains attached to the bulkhead, the FRP" foot that supports the bench seat must be removed; just a few screws. Pretty easy task.
Very pleased with the Seward brand. Purchased it from Defender. Suits our needs quite well and gets much use while out cruising.
Water heater: Be sure to install a mixing valve on the output. That will extend your usage by adding (mixing) cold water and also prevent scalding. Some heaters may come with one. Internal insulation quality is important if you motor to an anchorage and want to shower the next morning. Install a brewers thermometer with a long probe into your heater and you can tell the internal water temperature without running the water. Be careful of external size and mounting location so as not to block access to a seacock or some other vital device. My wife and I can both shower with a six gallon heater equipped with an external mixing valve. Takes some practice.