I've just returned from 55 days cruising in the Pacific Northwest. On a number of occasions, we were anchored in a lovely cove, surrounded by tall firs, waterfalls, snow capped mountains and cold blue water. We don't swim off our boats here in the pacific northwest. Can I run my Yanmar (Hunter 380) to heat water while at anchor? If so, is there a best way? Thanks for your advice. Les Blackwell Trumpeter
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Larry Watkins
Running engine
Yes you can. Run it at a fast idle, about 1200 RPM and you'll charge batteries and heat water. If you change locations every few days and run under power for a while, that will make the engine work enough, just don't be one of those people who never leaves the dock and thinks running the engine in neutral once a month is good enough.
Yes you can. Run it at a fast idle, about 1200 RPM and you'll charge batteries and heat water. If you change locations every few days and run under power for a while, that will make the engine work enough, just don't be one of those people who never leaves the dock and thinks running the engine in neutral once a month is good enough.
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Patrick Ewing
I have tried it
and mine never gets warm enough to heat water in the hot water tank - in fact, I think it cools the tank rather than heating it. I tried putting the boat in gear and running it at 1800 rpm (while securely stern tied) and even that doesn't work. The engine will heat up and heat the water tank if I use it to move the boat at over 2500 rpm for a while. I have changed thermostats and checked the old one (it is ok). Any solution to this problem would be welcome. BTW Les we swam in Desolation Sound and bathed in the falls at Tenidos Bay and Teakern Arm this summer (August). Sorry we missed you.
and mine never gets warm enough to heat water in the hot water tank - in fact, I think it cools the tank rather than heating it. I tried putting the boat in gear and running it at 1800 rpm (while securely stern tied) and even that doesn't work. The engine will heat up and heat the water tank if I use it to move the boat at over 2500 rpm for a while. I have changed thermostats and checked the old one (it is ok). Any solution to this problem would be welcome. BTW Les we swam in Desolation Sound and bathed in the falls at Tenidos Bay and Teakern Arm this summer (August). Sorry we missed you.
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Gordon Torresen
Hot water
You can't harm the engine by running it. I know, with the environment you describe, I would run mine for hot water. You have to consider that the water flow is less when running at idle and that the heat transferred in the water heater also tends to cool the engine. Running around 2000 RPM would probably be a good compromise. Pat's problems could relate to a sea water cooled engine where the problem would be much greater.
You can't harm the engine by running it. I know, with the environment you describe, I would run mine for hot water. You have to consider that the water flow is less when running at idle and that the heat transferred in the water heater also tends to cool the engine. Running around 2000 RPM would probably be a good compromise. Pat's problems could relate to a sea water cooled engine where the problem would be much greater.
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Patrick Ewing
Gordon - I think mine is the same
engine as Les has on his 380. My boat is a 1991 37.5 with a 3HM35F engine. It is a fresh water cooled 35 HP Yanmar.
engine as Les has on his 380. My boat is a 1991 37.5 with a 3HM35F engine. It is a fresh water cooled 35 HP Yanmar.
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Paul Akers
I do it.
I have the 3HM35F and I usually charge my batteries twice a day when anchored/moored. I run at 1800rpm for 60 minutes (each time) and this provides me with ample charging power and hot water. I also have an aftermarket alternator (105 amp) that keeps the batteries charged. My fridge draws 4-5amps/hr.
I have the 3HM35F and I usually charge my batteries twice a day when anchored/moored. I run at 1800rpm for 60 minutes (each time) and this provides me with ample charging power and hot water. I also have an aftermarket alternator (105 amp) that keeps the batteries charged. My fridge draws 4-5amps/hr.
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Ralph Johnstone
Patrick Ewing of Seattle ...................
.......... you may want to try draining your hot water tank sometime to remove any silt coating the heat exchange tubes. I did the other day in order to work on the tank and almost croaked at the amount of sediment that came out of a two year old tank. Still can't believe it as we (supposedly) have very high quality water here ...... mind you we do use a lot of hot water for deck showers after swimming. Regards, s/v Island Hunter
.......... you may want to try draining your hot water tank sometime to remove any silt coating the heat exchange tubes. I did the other day in order to work on the tank and almost croaked at the amount of sediment that came out of a two year old tank. Still can't believe it as we (supposedly) have very high quality water here ...... mind you we do use a lot of hot water for deck showers after swimming. Regards, s/v Island Hunter
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Tom Senator
Ralph , did you notice a reduction in hot water
even if you were plugged into 120VAC at the dock? Or did you only see a problem when trying to heat the water while running the engine? Also did you see an improvement in the hot water after you got the crud out?
even if you were plugged into 120VAC at the dock? Or did you only see a problem when trying to heat the water while running the engine? Also did you see an improvement in the hot water after you got the crud out?
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Patrick Ewing
Ralph - I am not sure what you cleaned
Was it the fresh water part of the hot water heater or was it the inside of the heat exchanger in the hot water tank? I will check it out but don't think it is either one on my boat. I did find some curious stuff in my fresh water recently but it has seemed to be gone with further rinsing out of the main tank. I am going to put inspection/cleaning ports on both the water and fuel tanks in the near future as I had some problems with both systems this summer while cruising your wonderful province.
Was it the fresh water part of the hot water heater or was it the inside of the heat exchanger in the hot water tank? I will check it out but don't think it is either one on my boat. I did find some curious stuff in my fresh water recently but it has seemed to be gone with further rinsing out of the main tank. I am going to put inspection/cleaning ports on both the water and fuel tanks in the near future as I had some problems with both systems this summer while cruising your wonderful province.
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