Paloma Water Heater

[richar42]

My Paloma heater has finally bit the dust on the Niagara 35. Can anyone suggest a replacement? I would like to replace it with the same type unit if possible.

Dick

" Almost Heaven "

[baileywick]

I installed an Excel water heater a couple of years ago on Segel, my 1979 Niagara 35. Much better than the Paloma as it is pilot light free. See a detailed description of its installation with photos at Enhancement Projects for Niagara 35 done on Segel. If you want to discuss email me direct at bailey@baileywick.org or 410-326-3115.

[DanLegg]

In the past 6 months I replaced my original Paloma water heater with a new Paloma heater that functions exactly the same as the old one. The model is the PH6 which I think Paloma calls a "legacy" model. It is slightly bigger than the original but I had no trouble fitting it in the same place. I replaced the original exterior vent at the same time as it was falling a part.
Like the original the PH6 requires the pilot light to be lit for use and is not approved for marine use.

Dan Legg
N35 #74, Tapestry I

[baileywick]

Having had Palorma's on boats and the Excel on my current boat, I think the Excel makes more sense [no stack to install, but you need a heat shield at the top if something is close overhead; and no pilot light running that consumes propane].

[salevy]

i also have the excel...agree with baileywick...also it is cheaper!

steve levy "spirit"

[baileywick]

All Niagara 35 owners on this forum. I had been in an email discussion with those who had been on the Niagara email List Server, some 70 owners, but was locked out by comcast.net due to the number of emails being sent. So I will put my thought below:

"I got an email note from our new Niagara forum telling me the message that was just left on the forum regarding a comment on my discussion of the Excel flash hot water heater. The email did not require me to go to the forum for the information, however, for additional postings I would have to use the link to the forum. I am impressed with the forum software." Let us continue on this forum while more research is done, but keeping our minds open. I am not sure how we can continue the discussion with the whole group, except to use this forum media.

[kengoodings]

It sounds like the Excel with the pilot light-less system is more "ABYC friendly". When Silverheels III was surveyed 5 years ago, our surveyor was very blunt in telling us that the Palomar wasn't acceptable (maybe it was back when propane was safe). I guess it depends on the surveyor whether it passes muster or not. Our insurance company also told us to get rid of it... The Palomar website states "not for use in boats or RV's".

We don't have a hot water heater on the boat now. A kettle on the stove works well enough for our needs.

Lynn Kaak
Silverheels III N35, Toronto

[anchorsaweigh]

I have a 28 year old Paloma PH5-2F on my Nonsuch. It's starting to need service so I'm going to replace it. Sounds like the Excel is the right one.

Cheers,

Bob