Simple Water Heater Question

[Fancy Nancy]

New owner of 240DA here... stupid question of the day but can't find an answer. Does the water heater operate only with (or after) engine running of will it work independantly (as in electric powered)?

 

[KHARRIMAN]

As far as I know it only runs off the AC side... unless you have an inverter system. which means you have to be plugged in or running a generator.
Also, some have an engine coupler that takes hot engine water and cycles it through the heater while underway so that it's hot without turning on the power, but it will only do this while running the motor.

 

[Southpaw II]

1. If you have a water hose running from your engine to the hot water heater, the engine running will heat the water in the water heater.

2. If you have a switch on your A/C panel that says "hot water heater", you can heat water from shorepower.

I assume you do not have a generator.

Don

 

[Fancy Nancy]

I believe our boat has a factory invertor system (but no generator)... so I am guessing that water is heated from the electical system and if so, I was wondering if the system draws too much current to have hot water at the tap overnight while on the hook?

 

[Southpaw II]

I believe our boat has a factory invertor system (but no generator)... so I am guessing that water is heated from the electical system and if so, I was wondering if the system draws too much current to have hot water at the tap overnight while on the hook?

If you do, it's certainly possible, but water heaters draw lots of current. If that's the route you choose, consider adding another battery. With another battery, you could isolate 1 battery and save it for starting the engine the next morning.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Unless I'm mistaken, genny was not an option (although it could have been installed aftermarket).

All of the above posts are correct, I'll just repeat it in a different way:

1) When the engine runs, the water heater will heat up.

2) When you are hooked into shore power (or w/genny), with power switches on, the water heater will heat up

3) When on the hook - you will have no hot water, except for the residual from running the engine. Unless you have a genny.

Basically, it's an electric heater like in a house. But, it also has a loop from/to the engine to circulate hot engine water through a closed heat exchanger.

--- At the dock/shore power = AC powered heat

--- Away from the dock = only with engine running


The inverter wouldn't have been standard. And, as said above, if one was installed, you'll need another battery as the heater draws a lot of juice. Even then, I'm not sure how long it would last. Maybe someone else can comment on that.

If you're simply looking in the bilge and see what looks like an inverter - it may just be your battery charger. If you can verify what you're seeing, or snap a couple of pics, that would help.

 

[Fancy Nancy]

Thanks guys.... that makes sense. New owner.... trying to patiently await arrival of Spring. Trying to learn all I can!

 

[HUMPH]

Thanks guys.... that makes sense. New owner.... trying to patiently await arrival of Spring. Trying to learn all I can!

Right place to learn that's for sure! Many of the members have much to share and it has helped me a ton! :smt038

 

[Aerobaticflyer]

Just remember.......no one needs a "hot water heater." Now a water heater.........yes. :smt101