Eemax "marine/rv" Tankless Water Heater - EX2412M and insuarnce?

SanDiegoChip · #1 (**permalink**) 11-13-2008

We were thinking of putting a thankless propane hot water heater on our boat. I have heard that they are real popular in Europe but that insurance will not cover the boat with one in the US. Does anyone know about insurance issue?

Eemax "marine/rv" Tankless Water Heater - EX2412M
Thank you,
Chip

sailingdog · #2 (**permalink**) 11-13-2008

Yeah, tankless propane water heaters on boats tend to be a common cause of fires and explosions.

Insurance companies here generally won't touch them. They're also a CO poisoning risk too.

boatpoker · #3 (**permalink**) 11-13-2008

I assume you mean propane fired instant water heaters. Up here in Canada they are illegal in boats even though thousands were installed in C&C's, Whitby's and Hinterhoellers. They are also very common on Gemini catamarans. (side note: the propane refrigerators in Gemini's are also illegal in Canada).

Our "Transport Canada Small Vessel Construction Standards" state that any appliances installed in a boat must be installed according to the manufacturers instructions. Of the five brands I am familiar with they all state in their manuals that these are not approved for boats.

I have been told (don't know for sure) that the issue is the valves are designed to operate in a vertical position and can fail at an angle of heel thereby releasing propane into the cabin.

Port Credit Marine Surveys

SanDiegoChip · #4 (**permalink**) 11-14-2008

They seem save if say in a propane locker in a lazerate. However if we cannot get insurance then it is a no go.
We originally wanted to buy a Gemini MC but found they were out of our reach finically. You can insure the Gemini with the propane refrigerator.
We are in the process of selling our current 30' keel boat and buying a 36' keel boat. Got to keep the economy moving you know.
Thanks,
Chip

boatpoker · #5 (**permalink**) 11-14-2008

the specs I find for an Eemax EX2412M show it to be not propane fired like the ones previously mentioned but 120VAC which is only good when you are at the dock or if you have enough batteries to support an inverter.

PS. The propane refrigerators on the Gemini do not meet ABYC standards or United States Code of Federal Regulations Title 46