Hot Water Tank options

T

TimHenn

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Went to turn on my hot water system and found that the water going in came right back out, I believe, through the bottom. The system was replaced new in 2003 based on a recall and I suspect the model they authorized was less than the best -- not sure of the brand/model yet, might be a Seaward.

After a little bit of shopping I noticed a big difference in price with the high end being Raritan, then Attwood and Seaward.

I don't have or need the heat exchanger so maybe that is the big difference in price. I think I currently have a 11 gallon Seaward so I will replace with similar capacity. Anyone have any recommendations?

I'm told the only difference between the marine models and the ones in Home Depot is silicone to seal the wires going through the housing to protect from sparks jumpin. Any thoughts on going this route?

Tim
 
Raritan is a superior product when comapared to other brands. It excels in terms of construct and longevity. If your current boat is a 10 year plus keeper for you, you would be better off going with a Raritan. If not, an Atwood or similar will suffice.

WRT going the Home Depot route......DON'T. What you state may very well be true, I do not know. However, IF (God forbid) something ever caused your engine room to go BOOM and an insurance investigation found you to have a water heater not specifically approved for marine use, you would be hard pressed to get payment. It wouldn't matter if the water heater was the cause or not. For example, a 10 gallon Atwood is about $380 at BF. A 10 gallon Reliance home water heater from ACE Hardware is about $300. Is your life worth $80.
 
I don't know if what you say is legally a fact but its not the kind of thing I would take a chance on. Just wondering what path others have taken. I found a 12 gallon Raritan for under $600 while the Atwood's are around $380 as you found.

I did see the other thread that's related and understand that Raritan has a better product from what I've read.

Thanks,
Tim
 
We replace our water heaters with 120 volt heaters, no boat engines input at all. If you want engine heat then I can't help you.
 
I use Raritan for my head a freshwater Elegance with the smart controller, their Hold-N-Treat refit kit for my existing 36 gallon holding tank and that feeds a Raritan PuraSan treatment type 1 system. I monitor my water tanks and holding tanks using Raritan's 4 tank monitoring system. When it comes to my hot water heater I am all for the stainless Atwood 11 gallon 110VAC with a heat exchanger from my starboard motor. I am on my 3rd season with the new water heater and I like the recovery, current draw and it shines up nice in the ER. Mine is a rectangular unit so it was a better fit per gallon than the small barrel units. If and when I ever need to change it again I hope Raritan comes out with a 11-12 gallon stainless rectangular (cube) style hot water heater if not I will stay with the Atwood. It is also well insulated and I usually shut it off before going to bed if at the dock and it still gives hot water 6 to 7 hours later. However I have found all Raritan products I use to be top notch. Bill
 
Again it is a question of longevity. I would jump on a Raritan 11 gallon for under $600. Doing the math, a 6 gallon from your supply source would be less than $450. Well worth it at that price. I have to replace my heater this year. Next year at the outside.
 
quote:
Originally posted by JimPend

We replace our water heaters with 120 volt heaters, no boat engines input at all. If you want engine heat then I can't help you.

Click to expand...


I don't have the heat exchanger now and don't think I'm missing much. The generator is always ready if needed but if I leave the dock with the charged tank it will stay hot/warm most of the day. Since I don't want engine heat, how can you help me? Do you sell water heaters?
 
The heat exchanger is in addition to the 120V heating element. IMHO they are a great plus. Free hot water while underway to use w/o running the gennie. The cost is usually less than $100 for the addition. I have never seen a boat without one.
 
Get electric and go, mine is set on 180 and have no problem on the hook, like he says I do start the genney if more than one day. I would not start the engine to heat the water even if it was a engine heat exchange.
 
Jim I didn't hook the engine exchanger hooked up until late last year. David is right you do get a good free shower or two after you cruise for a few hours. I like you set mine at 180 when running the generator or dock makes for great hot showers. Either way I wouldn't go with less than a 11 to 12 gallon hot water heater.
Bill
 
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