Water heater recommendation
- Thread starter agprice22
- Start date
Two factors will have an impact on which water heater you choose, the space you have and your budget. When I replaced my water heater a couple of years ago I was limited by the space and had to use an expensive Raritan. If your space is more flexible, then there are other options, some more suited to a frugal sailor.
The heat exchanger is a nice option if time is spent away from the dock and on the hook. If shore power is always available, then it is not necessary. If you do go with the heat exchanger option, be sure to install a check valve on the cold water intake and an tempering valve on the outflow. This will help to prevent scalding. The water in the tank will reach the engine's operating temperature of about 160° F.
I can't speak to other brands, however, the Raritan is well insulated and water staying warm for up to 24 hours.
The heat exchanger is a nice option if time is spent away from the dock and on the hook. If shore power is always available, then it is not necessary. If you do go with the heat exchanger option, be sure to install a check valve on the cold water intake and an tempering valve on the outflow. This will help to prevent scalding. The water in the tank will reach the engine's operating temperature of about 160° F.
I can't speak to other brands, however, the Raritan is well insulated and water staying warm for up to 24 hours.
Just changed the water heater in our boat. I put in a Kuuma as it was the least expensive I could find . The one I removed was a Torrid that was installed when the boat was new(1984). I would always get one with a heat exchanger as we rarely spend time at docks.
+1 on the heat exchanger...nice if you are on the move, using the engine some before dropping the hook.
I can’t comment on specific brands. I think my O’Day 322 has an Atwood.I think my previous boat had a Seaward. Had a temp control gizmo go out on the Seaward once, but other than that, no major issues with either one.
As mentioned earlier, size and the space to mount it are important.
Greg
I can’t comment on specific brands. I think my O’Day 322 has an Atwood.I think my previous boat had a Seaward. Had a temp control gizmo go out on the Seaward once, but other than that, no major issues with either one.
As mentioned earlier, size and the space to mount it are important.
Greg
I also recommend the heat exchanger option. Here is the link to my thermal mixing valve addition. This is a very essential safety item when heating the water with engine coolant.
Thermal Mixing Valve
I finally upgraded my water heater after reading the posts from Mainsail, Stu, et. al. to a safer system. As you all have no doubt discovered the hard way, the water that comes out of the tap after using the engine to heat it is really HOT. I find this out every time I leave the handle set from...
forums.sailboatowners.com
One caveat that I just thought of. On boats with raw water cooled engines, they tend to run cooler and the heat exchanger doesn't always heat the tank efficiently without some modification. Fresh water cooled engines have a higher temperature thermostat and therefore work well. I'm not sure what system you have.
A few models are including this feature to prevent scalding the owner. Definitely don’t wanna scald the owner! Certainly not the Admiral!
Replaced our original 1991 six gallon Seaward hot water heater with heat exchanger a few years ago with same. We spend lots of time on the water during the year with several extended cruises (two months plus) and seldom any marina time or access to shore power. We remain pleased with what we have and the versatility of the heat exchanger helps.
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When I bought my boat she had a Seaward heater of unknown age and a habit of leaving a bit of water on the deck I used to slide into the engine compartment and service check the oil and coolant before starting the engine. Not a lot of water but enough to make you want to change your pants before dropping the lines and heading out to sea. So I did the look for a new heater. It helped to know that my current heater did not keep the water warm thru the night. I looked for one that had a reputation of having los of insulation. I wanted the engine connected Heat Exchanger and a decent AC powered element to quickly provide hot water on demand. I opted for a 6 gallon tank. The unit is square and fits neatly in the same location as the previous heater. Pretty with it’s shine polished stainless case. Water stays hot for 36 hours. Italian Manufactured by Quick. BX Series Water Heater Mfg# BXS2512SL. It got good reviews from the various testing sights.
Good luck.
Good luck.