Propane instant hot water heater

[remetau]

We recently removed our 6 gal 120v and engine coolant hot water heater and switched to a propane instant hot water heater. We love having hot water without having to wait 30 minutes of running a generator or our engine to get hot water, and now we have a 4’ cubic space freed up too. Anybody else on here using an instant water heater or considering switching to one?

[Gene T]

What did your insurance company have to say about it? What kind did you get? Where did you mount it?

[JimsCAL]

Where is the heater located? I would be concerned about having propane on all the time where a leak would cause propane to collect in the cabin and bilge.

[remetau]

I didn't bother telling the insurance company since it is basically the same as our propane cabin heater.

We got a vent free Excel:
1.6 gpm LPG VENT FREE tankless gas water heater

I installed it our anchor locker since our head is in the V. I also put in a new propane tank and control system in our forward deck box which is right above the heater.

[Gene T]

A friend used a Paloma mounted on the bulkhead with a vent. It worked fine but didn't look very nice where mounted and I remember it was an issue with the insurance co.

I wonder how long yours will last being mounted in the anchor locker. This is not a marine unit so it will rust badly. I would be interested how a surveyor would react.

The price is certainly right. I plan on installing a hydronic heating system someday, this solves heat and hot water issues and runs on diesel. It is expensive however.

Gene

[Architeuthis]

It does appear to be the same as some propane cabin heaters and is better than our propane stove/oven as it shuts off if O2 gets low.

I would still want a solenoid in the propane line so I could shut it off after use, just like we do with the stove and of course a propane and CO detector would be nice as well.

After looking at the price, $210 plus tax/ship I would want it to last at least three years, hopefully 5 years. That would be my only concern since it is not meant for marine use. When it does fail I would just replace it as I doubt it would be worth fixing.

Hydronic is crazy expensive compared to this option. I know because adding the HWT to the hydronic system is the job I should be doing rather than posting more stuff on the net.

[remetau]

We have a separate solenoid for this tank and a water solenoid for to control the flow of water to the heater.

The unit itself is all aluminum and copper tubing. With the safety systems built in, I don't see why a surveyor or an insurance company would have a problem. We already knew people from Europe who were using systems like these, and I think it is only a matter of time before boat builders over here start putting them in.

[Fstbttms]

I know a hull cleaner who mounted one in his 16' RIB and uses it to heat an improvised hot water suit. It's a cheap, household model and has lasted all winter. He loves it.