I have an '84 H31 w/ the original water heater in it. It's a Seaward 6 gal. and recently we found a leak on it that can be viewed under the sink. The leak is coming from the right line between the heater itself and the threaded extension portion which protrudes out, then connects to a 90 degree PVC fitting. Will I be able to replace only the threaded extension, or is there more to it? Should I replace the unit anyways due to its age? If so, what is a good brand and what is the estimated cost? Thanks you in advance for all of your assistance. Robert (Challenger)
Water Heater Leaking
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FWIW, my 2 years old Seaward leaked too !
Of course, right after it's out of warranty! Before buying a new one, curiosity made me take it out of the boat and bring it home to take it apart completely. Very easy to do! Outside casing is stainless, but found out the tank itself is aluminum and is assembled with a seam in the middle (very similar to a propane tank). Welding of the seam had let go over +/- 6 inches. Took it to an aluminum welding shop and got it re-welded, then tested it and re-assembled, replacing the insulation that had gotten wet. Been working fine since re-installation in the boat this Spring. In your case, because of the age of the unit, I'd agree with Rick that it's probably beyond repair unless you can get the leaking line out and replace it easily. Here in Canada we can generally get the Seaward 6 Gal. for about $300 CDN. good luck
Of course, right after it's out of warranty! Before buying a new one, curiosity made me take it out of the boat and bring it home to take it apart completely. Very easy to do! Outside casing is stainless, but found out the tank itself is aluminum and is assembled with a seam in the middle (very similar to a propane tank). Welding of the seam had let go over +/- 6 inches. Took it to an aluminum welding shop and got it re-welded, then tested it and re-assembled, replacing the insulation that had gotten wet. Been working fine since re-installation in the boat this Spring. In your case, because of the age of the unit, I'd agree with Rick that it's probably beyond repair unless you can get the leaking line out and replace it easily. Here in Canada we can generally get the Seaward 6 Gal. for about $300 CDN. good luck
Replace it
My tank was okay, but the leak had destroyed the outside casing, making a real mess. It was nine years old. I agree, they're good units.
My tank was okay, but the leak had destroyed the outside casing, making a real mess. It was nine years old. I agree, they're good units.
Boater's World
has the Seaward 6 gal. for $189 plus shipping, you won't find one cheaper. I see them go on ebay used for almost that??? It has galvanized shell. The stainless shell ones are much higher. I think there all make of the same material inside though.
has the Seaward 6 gal. for $189 plus shipping, you won't find one cheaper. I see them go on ebay used for almost that??? It has galvanized shell. The stainless shell ones are much higher. I think there all make of the same material inside though.
Thanks!
Everyone's comments are much appreciative. Boaters World on-line does appear to have the best price around for an exact replacement and I am going to order it from them this week. Looks like a simple job to swap out. Thanks again everyone. Robert
Everyone's comments are much appreciative. Boaters World on-line does appear to have the best price around for an exact replacement and I am going to order it from them this week. Looks like a simple job to swap out. Thanks again everyone. Robert
Two models, be sure to get the correct one.
Robert: There are two models. I believe it has to do with where the discharge and electrical hook-ups are located. Be sure you get the correct one the first time.
Robert: There are two models. I believe it has to do with where the discharge and electrical hook-ups are located. Be sure you get the correct one the first time.
Two Models - Front and Rear
I just replaced the Seaward S-600 in my '91 30T. The two models spoken of above are S-nnn and F-nnn (where 'nnn' is the model number). The difference is where the coolant hoses from the engine connect. 'F' models have them connected on the front (i.e., where all the other connections are). 'S' models have the coolant hoses connected on the rear (i.e., the opposite side). By the way, I agree that replacing a unit as old as yours is the correct move, but just for reference, that threaded extension you had originally asked about is, indeed, replacable. You'll find this out when you take delivery of your new water heater and find that you will need to take a trip to the hardware store to get a couple of thoise threaded nipples because the new heater will not come with them installed. - Jim
I just replaced the Seaward S-600 in my '91 30T. The two models spoken of above are S-nnn and F-nnn (where 'nnn' is the model number). The difference is where the coolant hoses from the engine connect. 'F' models have them connected on the front (i.e., where all the other connections are). 'S' models have the coolant hoses connected on the rear (i.e., the opposite side). By the way, I agree that replacing a unit as old as yours is the correct move, but just for reference, that threaded extension you had originally asked about is, indeed, replacable. You'll find this out when you take delivery of your new water heater and find that you will need to take a trip to the hardware store to get a couple of thoise threaded nipples because the new heater will not come with them installed. - Jim
Thanks For The Boaters World Lead
They have the galvanized shell model. I ordered one which should be here when I am back from my cruise. Of course, it doesn't state the model number but does indicate the exchanger ports are on the front. We'll see. Never again will I spend the $$ for the stainless model. Who cares? The unit looked just fine after seven years and after nine in my old boat. Under the skin, they are the same. Rick D.
They have the galvanized shell model. I ordered one which should be here when I am back from my cruise. Of course, it doesn't state the model number but does indicate the exchanger ports are on the front. We'll see. Never again will I spend the $$ for the stainless model. Who cares? The unit looked just fine after seven years and after nine in my old boat. Under the skin, they are the same. Rick D.
Weeps excessively
Turned on our Seaward 600 at the dock for the first time this year and a leak developed from the pressure relief valve. There is a notice on the heater that explains that this will happen initially, then the seal should reseat itself. Try as we might, the weeping wouldn't stop until we shut off the heater. We've not had a problem using the heater before, nor heating from the engine (the engine is not as hot I presume as the internal electric heater). The water is indeed very, very hot from the heater. We're okay with this; rarely use hot water at the slip, but curious whether there is any collective wisdom - a) replace the thermostat (not shutting off when it should, causing the water to get too hot), or b) replace the pressure relief valve (but maybe its doing exactly what it should) or c) ???? As always, appreciate the help and support. Paul
Turned on our Seaward 600 at the dock for the first time this year and a leak developed from the pressure relief valve. There is a notice on the heater that explains that this will happen initially, then the seal should reseat itself. Try as we might, the weeping wouldn't stop until we shut off the heater. We've not had a problem using the heater before, nor heating from the engine (the engine is not as hot I presume as the internal electric heater). The water is indeed very, very hot from the heater. We're okay with this; rarely use hot water at the slip, but curious whether there is any collective wisdom - a) replace the thermostat (not shutting off when it should, causing the water to get too hot), or b) replace the pressure relief valve (but maybe its doing exactly what it should) or c) ???? As always, appreciate the help and support. Paul
Ordered Wrong Model
You guessed it. I was in a hurry to replace the heater, saw no options online w/ Boaters World for "F" or "S" and ordered it. Their picture showed the "S" model, however the fine print at the bottom stated the engine connections are in the front. My '86 currently is the "S" and the new one I just received is an "F". Is this an easy change over for me to move the lines forward or am I best to exchange it? Thanks again for everyones wisedom. It is very much appreciative. Robert
You guessed it. I was in a hurry to replace the heater, saw no options online w/ Boaters World for "F" or "S" and ordered it. Their picture showed the "S" model, however the fine print at the bottom stated the engine connections are in the front. My '86 currently is the "S" and the new one I just received is an "F". Is this an easy change over for me to move the lines forward or am I best to exchange it? Thanks again for everyones wisedom. It is very much appreciative. Robert
Exchange it
No question in my mind; exchange it for the right model. Shouldn't be a hassle (he says). As opposed to re-routing and extending the hoses, and the pain of making it all work, it would be wiser to wait another week and get the right one. Paul
No question in my mind; exchange it for the right model. Shouldn't be a hassle (he says). As opposed to re-routing and extending the hoses, and the pain of making it all work, it would be wiser to wait another week and get the right one. Paul
Correct Model on Order
Boaters World didn't have the model needed, therefore I had to ask for a refund. The good news is the I found a local place (Torresen Marine) that ordered the one I needed and matched the online price for me. Now that is great service! Thnaks again for everyone's input! Robert
Boaters World didn't have the model needed, therefore I had to ask for a refund. The good news is the I found a local place (Torresen Marine) that ordered the one I needed and matched the online price for me. Now that is great service! Thnaks again for everyone's input! Robert
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