400EC Water Heater Replacement

[Roger Sanders]

I have a '97 400ec and am thinking about the day the water heater needs replaced. It looks to me like the starboard engine would have to be removed in order to get it out. Someone please tell me if there is another way. Also, what is the life expectancy for a water heater used about six months each year?

 

[RollerCoastr]

Mine began leaking 2 years ago, so yours might already be living on borrowed time...

On a DA, the exhaust hose needed to come off. My neighbor with '94 EC replaced his at the dock. I'm not sure what he needed to do, but the engine obviously stayed-put. His new one had a stainless housing. Looked cool.

 

[mistercomputerman]

You might consider cutting it up with a sawzall to get it out and then purchasing a new one that will fit with minor removal of some of the engine parts.

 

[tmacdon1]

I just put a new element in mine this weekend 97 40 EC, yes it does look like you would have to lift the engine to get it out (short of sawing) It would be interesting to know how it is really done. It was difficult enough changing the element.

 

[Air O'Nautical]

I also wonder how it comes out in the 400EC ?
Mark.

 

[al400]

The water heater will come out without removing the starboard engine. if you remove the right side manifold and riser it will sneak out.:smt038

 

[Air O'Nautical]

The water heater will come out without removing the starboard engine. if you remove the right side manifold and riser it will sneak out.:smt038

Thanks,
Now I / we know :thumbsup:.

 

[tmacdon1]

Thanks, can't wait till spring to do this one!

 

[Warren]

I completed this job last season. There is very little room back there as you know and I am over 6' so I hired a small and flexible local contractor. He removed the old tank using a Sawzall (as was suggested), cutting it in sections and removing it in pieces. Warning: there will be a lot of calcium and other crud in the tank so once the water is removed from the old tank, adsorbant towels must be right there handy before you cut. No other components needed to be removed (the exhaust could stay in place on my boat) and it is done easily at the dock.

It was replaced with a Slim 15 four gal. cylindrical SS tank which is expensive (I paid over $600), but superb. Made in Italy as I recall. It slipped into place neatly over the exhaust, aft of the genset and above my the huge 3116TA starboard engine. Hot water is now obtained and maintained more efficiently. This is the last tank you will ever install on the boat. I replaced the water pump at the same time. Good luck.
Warren

 

[Roger Sanders]

Thanks to all for the advice. It sounds like the configuration must be quite different in the 400DA with diesels than in the gas engine 400EC. My water heater sits directly to the right of the starboard engine and my genset is all the way aft directly in front of the cold water tank. It makes sense that the right exhaust manufold would have to come off to get clearance to get the old water heater out and get a new one in. I am interested in Warrens's recommmended replacement as I am not familiar with a "Slim 15 four gal" water heater. Thanks again.

Roger

 

[Warren]

Roger, here is a link to the Slim 15 hot water tank that I mentioned earlier http://www.indelmarineusa.com/basicwater.htm . As I said, it was purchased specifically to fit into a tight spot however now that I have had a year's use I do also appreciate:
1) the speed that it makes hot water, 2) the smaller size means less weight, 3) the appearance is attractive, 4) the water system will be cleaner - no corrosion and the tank water is replaced more frequently, 6) no more rusted-out leaking tanks to replace.

Of course, I have no relationship with the manufacturer or the vendors. My findings are based solely on personal experience.
Cheers,
Warren

 

[Roger Sanders]

Thanks Warren. I checked them out and they are indeed quite classy. It looks like I might be able to get one of those in without removing any engine parts.

 

[Air O'Nautical]

I completed this job last season. There is very little room back there as you know and I am over 6' so I hired a small and flexible local contractor. He removed the old tank using a Sawzall (as was suggested), cutting it in sections and removing it in pieces. Warning: there will be a lot of calcium and other crud in the tank so once the water is removed from the old tank, adsorbant towels must be right there handy before you cut. No other components needed to be removed (the exhaust could stay in place on my boat) and it is done easily at the dock.

It was replaced with a Slim 15 four gal. cylindrical SS tank which is expensive (I paid over $600), but superb. Made in Italy as I recall. It slipped into place neatly over the exhaust, aft of the genset and above my the huge 3116TA starboard engine. Hot water is now obtained and maintained more efficiently. This is the last tank you will ever install on the boat. I replaced the water pump at the same time. Good luck.
Warren

Sure, the layouts are different.
Installing a small heater in place of the big one would work, of coarse.
But, can a family of 4-5 people shower in the morning with a small tank?
How long after you shut down is it still hot?
Sounds like a trade off to me. Guess it depends how one uses the boat.
Good luck,
Mark.

 

[Warren]

Of course Mark, it is certainly a compromise. My wife and I have AMPLE water for morning showers - but a family of 4, no way. Either quick showers or shower AM and PM. It's a 4 gallon tank. I actually turned the temp on the tank down to the mid range as it was too hot.

However, unless you want to spend thousands and either start emptying the ER or taking a saw to your cockpit sole, buying a well engineered cylindrical tank like this is a real option.
Warren