350 Aft Cabin Water Heater Replacment

[32carv]

I need to replace my water heater in my 1993 350 aft cabin. It is a Seaward 11 gallon. How to I get to the rear mounting bracket without cutting through some fiberglass?

There is an access hatch under the seat but it looks hard to reach. I am tempted to install an access door in the bathroom but would rather not.
Jim

 

[Sereni-Tee]

I recently replaced my water heater on my 444CMY. There was no way I could get to the rear bracket. I called Carver and they told me the water heater was installed prior to the floor being put in. Since the rear bracket was screwed in to the plywood, they suggested that I wedge something under the heater and pry it out, which I did. I created a slot using metal strips and washers screwed down and then slid the rear bracket into the void to hold the rear in place. It worked well. No issues so far.

 

[32carv]

I found an access panel underneath the brunette seat. I was able to reach the rear bracket through the opening with the mandatory scraped up arm. I did lose two screws trying to reinstall it but it turned out fine.
Jim

 

[reelpriority]

I had same challenge on a Carver 356. Needed to remove dinette table post and vacuflush pump assembly to get to Seward 11 gallon water heater. Factory had only one screw on rear water heater bracket. It was a tight fit to remove leaking water heater. Replaced heater wit a new Isotemp Basic 40 - 11 gallon heater. The Isotemp heater fit better than the Seward. It uses only 6 amps and the heating element is only 750 watts. All connections are in the front of the heater. System works great and there is a mixing valve included. Nice side benefit is that breakers don't trip when all the galley appliances are running.

 

[reelpriority]

I had same challenge on a Carver 356. Needed to remove dinette table post and vacuflush pump assembly to get to Seward 11 gallon water heater. Factory had only one screw on rear water heater bracket. It was a tight fit to remove leaking water heater. Replaced heater wit a new Isotemp Basic 40 - 11 gallon heater. The Isotemp heater fit better than the Seward. It uses only 6 amps and the heating element is only 750 watts. All connections are in the front of the heater. System works great and there is a mixing valve included. Nice side benefit is that breakers don't trip when all the galley appliances are running.