Replacing Water Heater on H31

[Laura Bertran]

I just discovered that the platform on which the water heater rests in my 1985 H31 is completely disintegrated from water damage and the bottom of the heater is quite rusty. I'm starting to think about how to deal with this and my first question is, how do you get the heater out of the boat. The starboard lazarette opening is not large enough to get the heater out. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.Laura BertranRising Tide, Annapolis

 

[Michael O']

Go under!

We replaced our heater two years ago and I wondered the very same thing.The answer is to take it out from under the sink and not try to squeeze it up into the cockpit. Make sure you label all the hoses and fittings before you take them off. Be careful to turn off the power when you start messing with the electrical connections.Next we took off the frame from the cabinet below the sink and the door. Out comes the wood shelf. Then unscrew the plate that helps support the water heater (if it's still there). I bought the same water heater model that I was replacing to make all the connections simple.That's about it.

 

[Laura Bertran]

Thanks, Michael

This is very helpful advice. Cheers.Laura

 

[Steve Dion]

Different models of the same heater.

Laura:We had ours replaced a couple of years ago too. You may want to think about a piece of polyboard to mount the new one on.There are two models of that heater (600 & 700). They are in a galvanized case or stainless steel. The main thing you need to watch for is where the controls and fittings are located.

 

[Laura Bertran]

Thanks, Steve...

I had been thinking about using polyboard and am glad you agree. Did you go with the stainless model? I imagine it's considerably more expensive.Laura

 

[Steve Dion]

only a few dollars more.

Laura:The stainless is only used in the outside case. The tank on the heaters are the same material. I think that the cost difference is about $20-30. I would shop around, W/M is now getting $300 for these units. Check Sailnet for pricing too.The poly board does not need to be Starboard or Kingboard (this stuff is UV stabilized). Just regular old polyboard will do.