Replacing hot water heater 1988 38c

[captcrunch]

Just summarized my fresh water system and the bottom of my hot water heater seems to have rotted out. Best replacement and how do you get the thing out and in, doesn’t look like much room

 

[cenger]

I replaced my Raritan with an Atlantic Marine 20gal and could not be happier. Heats up instantly so I don't have to wait around for hot water or worry about running hot water for too long, I just flick the switch when I want hot water and bingo.

I have room in my 55c but in my old Viking 40 I had to cut out the old water heater with a sawsall which was not an easy thing to do. I replaced the unit with a smaller version that fit easier but less capacity.

 

[Bob Bradley]

I just did the job on my 43C (79). It was outboard of my port engine. I had to remove the inlet and outlet engine cooling water lines and the exhaust blanket and exhaust support rod. That allowed me to slide it aft, up over the athwartship stringer behind the motor bed, and across behind that engine to the main hatchway. It was a PITA, but not impossible. I put in the Raritan 12 gal (120V) - same as what came out (same problem - rotted bottom). Plenty of supply and the recovery is satisfactory. While in there, I built a bypass manifold to simplify the winterization process.

 

[JCG-PR]

I just recently replaced the heater in my 1987 45C. Same as mentioned above, mine was outside of the Port motor. I took a few measurements and quickly realized removal would not be possible without cutting it up. The one I was removing was 12 gallons I think and based on my measurements I purchased a 6 gallon one from Westmarine, since it would fit without taking apart half of the engine.

Removal was "easier" than I expected, since the heater was so rusted that everything basically fell apart and the tank itself fit around the exhaust and out benind the engine. Installation of the new, smaller one was straight forward, only had to loosen an ER over head light and a water filter base that were in the way.

Good luck,

JCG

 

[captcrunch]

Anyone replace with an instant tankless system?

 

[Boatsb]

Not successfully. Look up the subject.

 

[jim rosenthal]

This has been discussed here on several occasions. There are a lot of reasons why they are really unsuited to marine use. They aren't even very good on land, from all I've heard.

What DOES make sense is to fit a marine water heater with a coolant loop through it. You can plumb it into one of the mains, or the genset. Either one will have enough waste heat to keep it piping hot. And with water that hot, you don't need much of it for dishes or showering or whatever, so it lasts longer. Plus, since the heater's in the engine room, the ambient heat after running the boat keeps the water in the tank hot for longer. What you might call a win-win.

 

[captcrunch]

Hubbell makes a marine product anyone try it

 

[Boatsb]

Tankless?

I think they do commercial starting at 8kw 3 phase tankless .

 

[captcrunch]

Thinking of making an access batch under fridge for removal and reinstall. Anyone ever thought or done this

 

[steve c]

I replaced my water heater which was outboard of the port motor. It's a 41C Galley up and I took on the task
when the motor was being rebuilt. The head was off and the old unit came out right over the top. I
installed the new heater, prior to it's removal, under the sink. It's a piece of cake to service and
winterize. Their is still room for storage under the sink and the heater ( 6 gallon ) slides under the
sink trap.

 

[captcrunch]

Interesting thought as we have almost the same boat, my 38 is galleybup as well. Really wanted to try and keep an 11 gallon in there so I could use the shower without rush

 

[CTdave]

I don't know the layout but on my 50c, the hot water tank is under the steps from the salon down to the cabins. Do you guys have room under the steps? I changed my heater two years ago and besides destroying my back, it was easy for my friend to pull out. Make sure it's fully drained, mine still had 10 gallons and the reason for my back LOL

 

[ChurchKey]

Looking to replace what appears to be an original water heater in my 79’ 37C. With the galley up there is little to no access along the port side of motor without removing cabinets or taking apart the block. Found a Bosch 4 gallon tankless system 120 Volts ‎1440 watts unit that I have seen installed in remote bathrooms commercially. Has anyone explored successfully installing a tankless water heater in there boat. Open to other recommendations as well.