Making hot water

walt123 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-09-2002

I am removing an old Bosch propane hot water on demand heater. I am looking for an electric substitute. The unit is for the occasional hot shower underway. I have a 2500 watt inverter and plenty of battery storage. I have a 12V pressure water system. Any suggestions?

mojizm · #2 (**permalink**) 01-09-2002

Do you have an inboard engine? If so any of the small marine tank type heaters w/ heat exchangers work with the benifit of converting waste heat into hot water. If you want just an electric heater a small residential unit might work for a couple of years at a smaller cost than the marine models but keep in mind that a 1000W element will draw over 80 amps at 12V. and it will take an hour + or - to heat that tank.

Peter_pan · #3 (**permalink**) 03-09-2002

I think your going up hill with that idea. You just think you have enough battery storage. an electric water heater will kill your batteries in less than half a day. you cant even generate that kind of power without a 3000 watt generator. most water heaters are only 6 gallons. I can''t take a shower hardly with that. Fire is the most effective way to heat water. you''ll be alot happier with a new gas fired water heater. Propane is a lot cheaper than running a generator or engine to make hot water.
Jim