Alright, other than "they can't run off 12 volt" why would anyone talk me out of replacing our old 6 gallon water heater with a tankless unit? Endless supply of hot water? Very efficient (in terms of space). We spend 85% of our nights plugged to shore power anyway. I am planning on redoing the entire plumbing system on our old Hunter 30 and thought this tankless unit made the most sense. Thoughts?
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No water heater runs off 12 volts!
So why not? You just need to understand the limitation, no hot water if anchored, if that is OK with you, the tankless is not a problem.
So why not? You just need to understand the limitation, no hot water if anchored, if that is OK with you, the tankless is not a problem.
How water tank replacement
A midpoint choice between tankless and the old 5 gallon residential type hw heater that was original is one of the small Italian? hw heaters. Lowes stocks a Tiny Titan brand 2 1/2 gal with 1350w heating element. It hangs from a bracket which aids in taking up less space. I was able to shoehorn one in my 79 H33 under the lavatory cabinet. Works great and the superior insulation keeps hw for many hours away from shore power. In addition, a 1500 w inverter would allow careful use away from shorepower.
A midpoint choice between tankless and the old 5 gallon residential type hw heater that was original is one of the small Italian? hw heaters. Lowes stocks a Tiny Titan brand 2 1/2 gal with 1350w heating element. It hangs from a bracket which aids in taking up less space. I was able to shoehorn one in my 79 H33 under the lavatory cabinet. Works great and the superior insulation keeps hw for many hours away from shore power. In addition, a 1500 w inverter would allow careful use away from shorepower.
LOOK AT SPECS
If yo are talking about the electric models like EEMAX sold by WM look at specs. 20A to raise 17degrees,25A for 21F, and 29A for 24degrees at 1gpm, which isa little more than a drip. I had the same idea and tried one. You have to install a valve on the outlet side to restrict the flow so that there is sufficent contact with the heater. The heater immediately tripped the breaker everytime I set it. There may be success stories but I returned for credit and stayed with my existing Seaward Water Heater. I understand that the gas type work in homes but that the electric cannot handle the temp increase needed. Again this is only an opinion from my experience and my circumstances. They only operate on 110V so unless you have a genset, the only time you will have hot water is at the slip.
If yo are talking about the electric models like EEMAX sold by WM look at specs. 20A to raise 17degrees,25A for 21F, and 29A for 24degrees at 1gpm, which isa little more than a drip. I had the same idea and tried one. You have to install a valve on the outlet side to restrict the flow so that there is sufficent contact with the heater. The heater immediately tripped the breaker everytime I set it. There may be success stories but I returned for credit and stayed with my existing Seaward Water Heater. I understand that the gas type work in homes but that the electric cannot handle the temp increase needed. Again this is only an opinion from my experience and my circumstances. They only operate on 110V so unless you have a genset, the only time you will have hot water is at the slip.
heat exchanger hot water
I would not want to give up the hot water I get from even a little bit of motoring!
I would not want to give up the hot water I get from even a little bit of motoring!
My 2 Cents 
It sounds like you have already decided not to go with the "Tankless Water Heater" also called "On Demand Hot Water Heaters". Most new propane water heaters uses a piezoelectric ignition to light the pilot, so you don't need to use your sailboat's 12 volt battery; they run as long as you have water pressure and propane. The Con: You need to punch a hole for the chimney and the propane water heater creates moisture along with carbon monoxide; you should also get a carbon monoxide sensor alarm. You need to run a propane line to the head. You might have to get a bigger water pump and add an accumulator to keep the water pump from cycling. The Pro: Instant endless hot water, that is as long as you have propane and water. Even at the dock using shore power, it takes awhile for the electric heater coil to heat the water in the tank, and you can run out of hot water even at the dock. The unit doesn't need an insulated water tank, therefore you can replace the hot water tank with a water tank to provide more water while on the hook. This topic has been discussed before, Art Childs had installed a Paloma Water Heater on his Hunter 30 and he seems to like it. The two Tankless Water Heaters that most sailors seem to like are the Paloma and Bosch's Aquastar, you can do a search on the web for information on these. Check the link to Art's comments on this. Fair Winds, Clyde
It sounds like you have already decided not to go with the "Tankless Water Heater" also called "On Demand Hot Water Heaters". Most new propane water heaters uses a piezoelectric ignition to light the pilot, so you don't need to use your sailboat's 12 volt battery; they run as long as you have water pressure and propane. The Con: You need to punch a hole for the chimney and the propane water heater creates moisture along with carbon monoxide; you should also get a carbon monoxide sensor alarm. You need to run a propane line to the head. You might have to get a bigger water pump and add an accumulator to keep the water pump from cycling. The Pro: Instant endless hot water, that is as long as you have propane and water. Even at the dock using shore power, it takes awhile for the electric heater coil to heat the water in the tank, and you can run out of hot water even at the dock. The unit doesn't need an insulated water tank, therefore you can replace the hot water tank with a water tank to provide more water while on the hook. This topic has been discussed before, Art Childs had installed a Paloma Water Heater on his Hunter 30 and he seems to like it. The two Tankless Water Heaters that most sailors seem to like are the Paloma and Bosch's Aquastar, you can do a search on the web for information on these. Check the link to Art's comments on this. Fair Winds, Clyde
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