Replacing Water Heater

[Andy]

Need to replace the electric/engine coolant driven water heater in my Catalina 28, "True Love". One problem: the existing water (6 gallon Seaward)is too big to remove via the port side cockpit locker and the new one is just as big. There seems to be no way to get it out other than increasing the size of the opening. In addition, there is a "lip" under the seat ara tht prevent the water heater from even moving closer to the opening.Any help or ideas would be GREATLY appreciated.PS - I have written to Catalina and have not gotten any response.

 

[Dennis Fegan]

Removing it

Andy,You have to remove the panel in the port side quarter berth where the hot water heater is located. You will probably have to take out the drawers and cabinets next to the ice box to get access to the fittings.Best,Denny fegan

 

[Andy]

Called Catalina

Dennis - I called Catalina's tech line and they told me pretty much the same thing. Actually though, the head is adjacent to the heater, but I believe there is a removal bulkhead. I hope to get to the boat tomorrow to test this suggestion. thanks for your response!! Andy

 

[Andy]

Took It Apart

There was no bulkhead to be removed in the head so I had no choice but to disassemble the heater in place. this required alot of grunting, groaning and twisting my arms and body in alot of difficult positions. The outer casing (which is rectangular in shape) comes off after removing many stainlesss steel sheet metal screws. The heater tank is round and covered with an inch or so of fiberglass insulation. The tank itself was just barely small enough to make it under the lip and out of the locker opening. I reversed the process to nistall the new one. Several scraped arms and cut fingers (the new sheet metal had VERY sharp edges) I had the new heater installed, but not connected. that will be next weekend.More later.