Replace hot water heater on a 320

tbontrager

Member
Jan 3, 2016
37
Seattle
Boat Info
2003 Sundancer 320
Engines
Twin 350
I've got an '03 Sundancer 320 with 350 Mags and need to replace the hot water heater. I know the port exhaust manifold must be removed. I've had a few quotes at $1400, $1900 and $4900. First 2 bids are with the boat in the water and 3rd they want to haul out with 25 hrs of labor.

How many hours has this taken for others?

Thanks in advance
 
I do not have the same boat but it took me 3 hrs to change mine . I bought a Kuma 6 gallon stainless one for around 300 us dollars . Not sure why anyone would take the boat out of the water for this operation
 
On my 280 DA is was $600.00. You did not have to remove anything for that change out so $1900.00 seems stiff but I don’t know how many man hours of labor that are estimating for that.
 
I do not have the same boat but it took me 3 hrs to change mine . I bought a Kuma 6 gallon stainless one for around 300 us dollars . Not sure why anyone would take the boat out of the water for this operation
I agree with Handsom Transom. Mine went out on our 2000 340 in Dec. Paid about $300 for a new six gallon heater. I didnt have to remove the entire manifold, just the elbow to make enough clearance. I did it over two days, but could probably complete it in about 3-4 hrs if I worked straight through. If I can do it in that amount of time I can't imagine how it would take professionals 25 hours. No need to haul boat out of the water either.
 
I've got an '03 Sundancer 320 with 350 Mags and need to replace the hot water heater. I know the port exhaust manifold must be removed. I've had a few quotes at $1400, $1900 and $4900. First 2 bids are with the boat in the water and 3rd they want to haul out with 25 hrs of labor.

How many hours has this taken for others?

Thanks in advance

My advice is for you to RUN away from those quotes as quickly as you can!
 
Just a quick question: whats wrong with the water heater? If it's just not making hot water when on electric all you may need to do is replace the heater element. Much cheaper and probably less time.

-Kevin
 
All, thanks for the good info. The heater is still working but it is leaking. The labor hrs range from 4, 9, and 25. The exhaust elbow
I do not have the same boat but it took me 3 hrs to change mine . I bought a Kuma 6 gallon stainless one for around 300 us dollars . Not sure why anyone would take the boat out of the water for this operation
I told them it didn't need to be hauled. Tells me they're trying to overcharge for a haul out and 25 hrs of labor. Crazy estimate. Told the service manager they were crazy.
 
Just a quick question: whats wrong with the water heater? If it's just not making hot water when on electric all you may need to do is replace the heater element. Much cheaper and probably less time.

-Kevin
It makes hot water but has been leaking from underneath.
 
I agree with Handsom Transom. Mine went out on our 2000 340 in Dec. Paid about $300 for a new six gallon heater. I didnt have to remove the entire manifold, just the elbow to make enough clearance. I did it over two days, but could probably complete it in about 3-4 hrs if I worked straight through. If I can do it in that amount of time I can't imagine how it would take professionals 25 hours. No need to haul boat out of the water either.
Good to know it is just the elbow. I just looked at the engine service manual. Not as difficult as I thought, but not sure my back can handle it.
25 hrs is crazy and told the service manager as well. Never would use them.
 
Good enough is say you're ahead of the game knowing what they care about. On my newinstalli bonded two 3/4 × 1 1/2 " cedar slats under the heater .I'm hoping to eliminate condensation , rust and premature failure of my.new heater
 
Mine was working but leaking also. Not sure about your engine room, but perhaps the Isotherm slim line may be easier to get in.

I dismantled my old square Atwood in the engine room and will be able to get the new Isotherm in place without much removal.

The older ones have the box that adds a lot of required space, Isotherm is insulated, but doesnt have the square enclosure.
 
+1 on Brewster16
Grab a buddy and do this yourself. Have done one in friends 320s, it is not that difficult. You Tube is amazing for things like this. It will save you a ton of money. Also, check all of your connections really well. Mine on my 340 was leaking and seemed to be from the back, but on careful inspection, the leak was from the mixing valve. The water was following the valve pipe and showing up on shelf.
 
It makes hot water but has been leaking from underneath.

I just went through this with mine. It looked wet at the base, but I found a bad fitting on the hot water outlet. A new piece of PEX fixed it for $5. It could also be a cracked fitting. They also can be had online for a couple bucks.

Wrap some paper towel around the pipes any just verify. It could be a DIY fix
 

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