Hot Water Heater 2003 3860

[PromisesKept]

Happy New Year To All.
My hot water heater is falling apart from corrosion and the estimate from my marina to replace it is over $2,000.They say the labor is 20 hours or maybe more to do this job. I can see where it will be a pain to get the old one out but this seems outrageous to me.
Any 3860 owners here ever replace one.We always have plenty of hot water from the engines without the heater so I am not in a hurry to spend 2 grand for 11 gallon hot water heater.I am thinking about replacing it with a smaller one so I dont half to tear the aft cabin apart.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[Ultra]

Steve I have not replaced the H20 heater in our 2004 3860, but I may not be far behind you. I agree that 20 hrs sounds excessive.

Good Luck & let us know how things work out.

Hugh

 

[PleasureTime]

Just a thought, is there anyplace else that a replacement H2O heater could be located, re-plumbed and wired, leaving the old one empty and in place for the time being. Maybe one day you might have to get into the original access area for some other reason and it could be changed around then if need be.

 

[jackiejiv]

I haven't replaced one, but I did some emergency plumbing work on a friend's 3860 when the fittings gave out. It is a really tough working area!

Paul

 

[PromisesKept]

I think I will try to find a smaller unit, one that doesnt take up the entire space like it does now. I think a smaller 6 gallon heater will work fine.

Steve

 

[Freedom 45]

The Regal 5260 has an inline hot water heater, without a tank, that gives hot water on demand. I have no idea what the cost is, but it would probably be an easy install. Might be worth asking your dealer to look at this as a potential option.

 

[rommer]

I doubt if the 3860 has the electrical capacity to use an electric on demand hot water heater. Sure if you turn off the other power hogs at the same time. But not real practical.