Water Heaters

[captbaja]

Looking for for some advice regarding water heaters. I have a 6 gallon Raitan water heater that is a least 10 yrs. old. It is now leaking. My first thought is to replace it with the same Raritan heater, (or as close to it is they now make). But have statred to wonder if there could be a better solution. We live on our Columbia 45, so of course it gets a lot of use. A galley, 2 heads one with a shower, that two of use daily. The space the heater is in is really tight and hard to get to. I would like to put in a larger heater but don't know if that is possible. I would also like to get a heater less expensive than the Raritan, but not one I will need to replace again in a few years. I have wondered about flash heaters at each location, any ideas, knowledge or experiance. thanks

[rikhall]

We replaced our leaking Raitan with a 6 GAL 110V ALUMINUM TANK SIDE MOUNT 147666



$217.99

I do not work for Hamilton Marine - but with all I spend there I wish I had stock in it.

Cheers

Rik

[killarney_sailor]

The Seward heater, like Rik', certainly are much cheaper than the others out there, but they do not tend to last that long. Some have (or at least had) a magnesium anode to protect the aluminum tank, but the one we bought did not have one. They make tanks that are larger than the one you are replacing so you could have whatever fits. There are more impressive units to be had but much more expensive.

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by captbaja

Looking for for some advice regarding water heaters. I have a 6 gallon Raitan water heater that is a least 10 yrs. old. It is now leaking. My first thought is to replace it with the same Raritan heater, (or as close to it is they now make). But have statred to wonder if there could be a better solution. We live on our Columbia 45, so of course it gets a lot of use. A galley, 2 heads one with a shower, that two of use daily. The space the heater is in is really tight and hard to get to. I would like to put in a larger heater but don't know if that is possible. I would also like to get a heater less expensive than the Raritan, but not one I will need to replace again in a few years. I have wondered about flash heaters at each location, any ideas, knowledge or experiance. thanks

Frankly, 10 years is not very much for a Raritan. Are you certain your leakage is from the tank and not a fitting? Rusting of the cover around the base is not necessarily an indicator of leakage there. Never-the-less, if you do have to replace the unit, and choose a Raritan again, be sure to service the Anode to ensure a long trouble free life (see Raritan 1700 Series HW Heater - Cruisers & Sailing Forums).

FWIW...

[captbaja]

Thanks all for the replys. I'm not sure how old the the heater is, I've had the boat for 10 yrs, not sure how long it was on the boat before that. I couldn't find a leak from a fitting, but havn't really seen where it's coming from the tank either. The unit is in this small space and I can only see one side of it since I haven't removed it yet, but the water seems to be running out of the outer cover, so it looks like the leak is inside. But sounds like I should replace with a Raritan, if they last has long as you indicate. I'm not sure if any of te rectangle heaters would fit where the current one is anyway. Thanks again

[treilley]

Isotemp is tops in my book. Stainless shell and liner.

[Minnewaska]

Heater life can be significantly impacted by water quality. Hard water, in particular, can really eat them up. I've not heard of a good solution to soften water at a dock.

I do suggest a carbon filter, but not sure that will help with heater longevity.

[gtod25]

My preferred choice is an Isotemp.

[eherlihy]

Originally Posted by killarney_sailor

The Seward heater, like Rik', certainly are much cheaper than the others out there, but they do not tend to last that long. Some have (or at least had) a magnesium anode to protect the aluminum tank, but the one we bought did not have one. They make tanks that are larger than the one you are replacing so you could have whatever fits. There are more impressive units to be had but much more expensive.

Don't be so quick to dis' the Seward Water Heaters. They make two versions; for the 6 Gallon size, there is the 600 series, and the 700 series. The 600 are made from galvanized steel. The 700 series are all stainless. I have an F700 and am quite happy with it.

Seward makes marine water heaters in various sizes from 3 to 28 gallons. See Water Heaters

Although, I do like the Isotemp water heaters too. Find out more here: Indel Webasto Marine - Isotemp Water Heaters - Robust & High Quality Marine Heating Solutions

[gtod25]

Originally Posted by eherlihy

The 600 are made from galvanized steel. The 700 series are all stainless.[/url]

AFAIK the water tank (i.e. the part that will eventually leak) on all Seaward water heaters is made of Alcoa Alclad aluminum alloy.

I have nothing against Seaward, especially for the price, but I would plan for a 10 year life span. I would also engineer the install for easy removal without having to dismantle the whole boat.