Should I remove my water heater?

Jackdaw · Apr 17, 2018

resale value. And needs change.

StanleyJ · Apr 17, 2018

I have pondered the same issue on my boat. I do not use the hot water heater and see it as a point of failure. When I asked other sailors about removing the water heater, most responded that I should disconnect the hoses at the engine and install a short loop hose between the inlet and outlet barbs on the engine. Some sailors suggested that I cut the 5/8" hoses going to the water heater and install shut-off valves to isolate the water heater. I haven't done anything yet, but it is on my bucket list.

py26129 · Apr 17, 2018

+1 on Jackdaw.'s advice.

Justin_NSA · Apr 17, 2018

yep. resale value even if you never use it.

Michael Davis · Apr 17, 2018

Use your boat more! You'll want hot water if just to do the dishes.

Roland5048 · Apr 17, 2018

StanleyJ said:
Some sailors suggested that I cut the 5/8" hoses going to the water heater and install shut-off valves to isolate the water heater.

Now, that is a good idea in case of heater failure. All I have to do now is channel my inner Houdini to be able to get my ass in there AND out.

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Jackdaw · Apr 18, 2018

SirMichael said:
To be honest, I don't see where it would affect the resale value around here. If it had a shower, I could see keeping it, but as it is, it's only for washing your hands. We do have a microwave on board, to warm up water if we need it.

We do use the boat quite a bit, and most often, we go out for dinner in the evening after sailing. I think that I pretty much have myself convinced to disconnect it from the engine cooling system, but leaving it in place...

Thanks for the input guys!

Mike

I think your current plan makes the most sense both short and long term. I'd agree that the biggest bang for hot water is showering, followed by washing. And winterizing is a PITA if you never use it. But if you sell it someday, the next owners might have a totally different outlook on hot water.

Hydro Therapy · Apr 18, 2018

I’ve thought about installing shut off valves on mine. What kind of valves would be best. Would plastic valves hold up to the heat?

dziedzicmj · Apr 18, 2018

I have one there and it is bronze. I would not try saving $5 on that (a bronze valve is under $10).

kloudie1 · Apr 18, 2018

Plastic is not acceptable for that service .. when the sea water stops one day, that plastic could see over 200F.
Bronze or brass there would be good because it should only see coolant, which is not corrosive if maintained.

Hydro Therapy · Apr 18, 2018

Thanks, I didn’t think plastic would be a good choice.

Claude L.-Auger · Apr 18, 2018

Jackdaw said:
I think your current plan makes the most sense both short and long term. I'd agree that the biggest bang for hot water is showering, followed by washing. And winterizing is a PITA if you never use it. But if you sell it someday, the next owners might have a totally different outlook on hot water.

I totally agree with Jackdaw. As for bypassing the heater you have two options and neither needs a valve (see pics)
Either you disconnect in and out hoses at the heater and connect them together thus creating a loop, or you disconnect the 2 hoses at the engines (configuration on yours may vary) and install a short bypass from the inlet to the outlet. That is the preferred way !
No valves needed but make sure you empty the coolant from the now unused hoses, and make sure that you empty the heater tank of all water.
You will also need to disconnect the cold water line from the tank and connect it to the hot water. No other changes needed. Again no valve needed. The only result will be cold water coming out of the hot water spigot. And once that done and tank empty, no need to winterize the tank.
Good luck