42 LRC water heater help, how do I get it out and replace it?

[Rays53]

[FONT=&quot]I have a 42 foot Hatteras LRC that has a rusted and dead water heater. Cold water nipple broke off because of corrosion.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Does anyone have experience removing and replacing this water heater in this boat? The space between the Starboard DD and the genset is too narrow to allow the heater to pass. I can saws all the old one to pieces and remove it. However, to install a new one, it looks as though I will need to remove the frame of the Gen Set and then start removing parts of the DD until there is space for the new one to pass. The other option is installing a 110 on demand heater. I know the consciences is that this is a bad idea because of the power suck. We have done some measuring with buckets and a stopwatch in the shower, and we will use about 10 gal of hot water a day. So, the power suck isn't so pronounced for us.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Q1: Am I wrong about what it's going to take to make the space to get a new one in?[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Q2: Anyone using a high efficiency 110 on demand water heater that they like?[/FONT]


[FONT=&quot]Regarding the on-demand heater. Our water pressure provides just under a gallon of hot water a minute. So, the small units that go under a residential sink will suffice. As long as two people don't try to shower at the same time.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Assuming I do all the work.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Cost of replacement with what is comparable with original is going to be $800-$1200[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Cost of a 1.4 gal per minute on demand heater is $190 - $250[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]I am going to post another thread with formulas and calculations about on demand vs traditional tanks for all the geeks who want to chime in.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]This thread is just, anyone removed and reinstalled a water heater in a 42 LRC and anyone with a 110 water heater they like[/FONT]

 

[jim rosenthal]

It sounds like the basic problem is space to fit the new unit in where the old one is. Have you looked at Isotemp water heaters? They have some in different shapes which might work better for you. As far as having a water heater I like, I have a Seaward which works fine, and has for years, (knock wood) but it is square and I don't think is the right shape for you. Defender sells them, and other brands- they might be able to give you some measurements.

Is there another place in the engine room where you could locate the heater?

As far as the on-demand water heater, perhaps there is someone here who's fitted one in their boat. I wonder how well that would work in a boat, with the limited electrical supply that boats have.

 

[bostonhatteras]

Chiming in on Jims relocation thought. I built a shelf (stout) over the port shaft way to locate a 20 gallon raritan. Otherwise the shaft way was entirely unused space. now its better weight distribution and easier access overall.

 

[MadHatter53]

When I replaced mine I cut off the outer skin and shaved down the foam. I also had to cut back the door stop trim. I could have cut the tank into three pieces but that would have been too messy. I replaced it with a Lowe’s Bradford white version as that was the only one that would fit and have decent capacity.