1996 33 Sundancer with the Windshield Defogger / Cockpit Heater leak, options?

[rumrunner]

All,

I have a 1996 33 Sundancer with the Windshield Defogger / Cockpit Heater option. Does anyone have any experience with the Windshield Defogger / Cockpit Heater? Mine has developed a small leak, I noticed a small amount of water in the Rear Stowage compartment and traced it back the Defogger / Heater.

I am unable to identify where the leak is coming from, the hose clamps look good as well as the fittings. It looks as if it may be coming from the radiator portion of the assembly, a small trace of water seen with the motor running at idle. It looks easy enough to remove. Is this something I can take to a local radiator shop and have them pressure check the unit? Weld it up if necessary? I plan to take another look when there is a load on the motor (Boat on plane and see if the leak is more obvious).

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[TimTech]

Rumrunner,
I was going to post the same type of question. I have a river flowing from under the seats to the back of the boat when I turn on the heat. However, I can't seem to find an easy way to remove the seat to take a look at the heater. I have yet to lay eyes on it. How did you gain access? I have the helm seat with the electric forward/aft movement.

 

[rumrunner]

There is a stowage compartment under the Helm seat accessed by the folding down the upright portion of the Rear Seat facing aft. Once open there is a close out panel (Grey painted plywood with the gray indoor carpet wrapped around it). Mine was held in place with a couple screws. Remove the screws and the panel is removed quite easily. I am going to take another look this weekend and take some pictures.

 

[rumrunner]

Ok, next step. Take a closer look and see if I can identify a manufacture of the Defroster / Heater and see if there are still in business, maybe I can Purchase a replacement.

 

[TimTech]

I thought going through the compartment of the upper portion of the rear seat facing was the way to go. I can't imagine trying to tinker/remove the heater unit through that opening though. I'll give it a shot. I think the heater unit is a HeaterCraft http://www.heatercraft.com/marine-heater-200-sport-intro-system/