We are in the process of purchasing a 1984 Hunter 31. It currently has a 12 gal water heater mounted in the starboard lazarette that needs to be replaced which we plan on doing with a 6 gal one. Our question is...the opening of the hatch from the outside isn't large enough to remove the old one or to install a new one. Is there another access to the water heater? Thanks!
Water heater replacement
- Thread starter Pizzazz18270
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Under the sink
I think that you need to remove the shelf and the hoses from under the sink. Then there is a panel that can be removed to allow access to the starboard lazarette. If you have a 12 gal. unit, why not just put another one in. You cannot ever have enough water aboard.
I think that you need to remove the shelf and the hoses from under the sink. Then there is a panel that can be removed to allow access to the starboard lazarette. If you have a 12 gal. unit, why not just put another one in. You cannot ever have enough water aboard.
Steve is 100% right
While you are at it, that's the same way you remove the fuel tank. Good time to clean it out too.
While you are at it, that's the same way you remove the fuel tank. Good time to clean it out too.
One thing though
It seems to me that the water in a conventional heater is trapped there when the ships tankage runs dry. At least for all practical purposes. If the water was used in the tank, you would have a burned out heating element every time you ran out of water. (On shore power) I don't like to carry the weight of water. That's why I removed our original water-heater and installed a tank-less system and a water-maker. Now if you were in survival conditions I'm sure you could find a way to get the water out of that 12 gallon tank, (like using the drain) but that's 100 lbs. of water you're stuck with for the life of the system. The changes I made were to my H34. On a 27, the negative affect is, what, double or quadruple? Did I mention you lose storage space too? The point is, 6 gallons is plenty big for the crew of a 27 footer.
It seems to me that the water in a conventional heater is trapped there when the ships tankage runs dry. At least for all practical purposes. If the water was used in the tank, you would have a burned out heating element every time you ran out of water. (On shore power) I don't like to carry the weight of water. That's why I removed our original water-heater and installed a tank-less system and a water-maker. Now if you were in survival conditions I'm sure you could find a way to get the water out of that 12 gallon tank, (like using the drain) but that's 100 lbs. of water you're stuck with for the life of the system. The changes I made were to my H34. On a 27, the negative affect is, what, double or quadruple? Did I mention you lose storage space too? The point is, 6 gallons is plenty big for the crew of a 27 footer.
Pizazz Let me say first I am not an expert but I do tend to think outside the "container". Would it be possible to just relocate a new water heater and run the lines accordingly? I have a 336 and relocated a twelve gallon between the fresh water tanks up front. Im sure you could drain the old tank as Fred says somehow some way. Sone left over dead weight but.. One other thought. Dont know if your crew is of the female variety, but mine is and six gallons wont get shampoo out of her hair. If it wouldnt sink my boat, im sure we would probably just relocate the one from the house. Cheers Rick Whiskey Chaser
Rick, that is MY kind of woman!
But I'm a child of the 60's. One more thing to keep in mind. These little heaters have a factory thermostat setting that will cook a lobster. That means you will use very little of the tanks' water to get the job done.
But I'm a child of the 60's. One more thing to keep in mind. These little heaters have a factory thermostat setting that will cook a lobster. That means you will use very little of the tanks' water to get the job done.
Hot water, hot buttered rum
Fred Thanks for the "props". My first mate got a chuckle. She isnt really high maintenance but can doll up a bit if she wants to. I looked at the refit you did on your boat. All I can say is wow. What a wealth of info you must have learned. They say Captain Kirk knew every weld on the Enterprise. Im thinking your right up there. Happy holidays and fair winds Rick Whiskey Chaser
Fred Thanks for the "props". My first mate got a chuckle. She isnt really high maintenance but can doll up a bit if she wants to. I looked at the refit you did on your boat. All I can say is wow. What a wealth of info you must have learned. They say Captain Kirk knew every weld on the Enterprise. Im thinking your right up there. Happy holidays and fair winds Rick Whiskey Chaser
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