Water Heater Recommendation

I would not mess with a six gallon heater. The 10 gallon is not much bigger and the least you should go for in this size boat.
 
I don't know if I'd base that decision on the size of the boat. Did you ever run out of water with the 6 gallon? If not, stick with it. Then again, if you plan on guests staying onboard, I guess you have to offer them a shower, feed them and then wash their dishes, go bigger.
When I replaced mine I went with a Force10. http://www.boatersworld.com/product/337410435.htm?utm_medium=productsearch&utm_source=google
I've had it 3 seasons, no leaks no problems. I read a review that one lasted 20 years, but my guess is it wasn't hooked up to the engine cooling system.
 
Replaced mine last year direct from searay.They had the best price!
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no kidding? Figures, that's usually the last place I go for parts assuming the price is sky high.
 
We LOVE our 11 gallon HWH. Three showers consecutively and never a problem (and my daughter take forever and cranks the hot). As for brand I couldn't tell you the best. They are pretty straight forward in construction - the elements are usually what die and they are cheap enough to replace (about $15). I'm assuming you are replacing with an ELECTRIC ONLY HWH (?)
 
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They are pretty straight forward in construction
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I agree, as for brand they're probably all the same. Even the stainless versions have the same internals as the galvanized steel.
 
capz said:
I don't know if I'd base that decision on the size of the boat. Did you ever run out of water with the 6 gallon? If not, stick with it. Then again, if you plan on guests staying onboard, I guess you have to offer them a shower, feed them and then wash their dishes, go bigger.
When I replaced mine I went with a Force10. http://www.boatersworld.com/product/337410435.htm?utm_medium=productsearch&utm_source=google
I've had it 3 seasons, no leaks no problems. I read a review that one lasted 20 years, but my guess is it wasn't hooked up to the engine cooling system.
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Doing dishes, then my wife and son showering leaves me while you're at it?? They are not much more money and not much bigger in size. Connections are also in the same spot so hook up is a cinch.
 
I thought it would be double the price. It's only $30 more for the 11 gallon. No brainer if it fits.
 
rondds said:
We LOVE our 11 gallon HWH. Three showers consecutively and never a problem (and my daughter take forever and cranks the hot). As for brand I couldn't tell you the best. They are pretty straight forward in construction - the elements are usually what die and they are cheap enough to replace (about $15). I'm assuming you are replacing with an ELECTRIC ONLY HWH (?)
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The old one I had was a combination electric and engine recirulate.
 
Tom, you're going "all electric" this time around? Granted, I don't live in Alaska but there was never a time I wished I had a engine water heated HWH. Even the 11 gallon only takes 15 minutes to heat up on genny or shore power.
 
rondds said:
Tom, you're going "all electric" this time around? Granted, I don't live in Alaska but there was never a time I wished I had a engine water heated HWH. Even the 11 gallon only takes 15 minutes to heat up on genny or shore power.
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Hey Ron,

If you mean "all electric" by 110vac with the engine heat up, then yes. The old one I pulled out had both electric and engine recirculate. Are you suggesting NOT going with engine recirculate.
 
That's what I'm suggesting. BUT it depends on your needs. We're warm weather boaters so the need really isn't there for us. And it seems to be still another thing to fail. If you take all your showers when you're in your slip and plugged in, who needs it. Even if you drop a hook in the middle of nowhere and enjoy a hot shower (and you have a generator), you can make all the hot water you'd need in 15 minutes.
 
I don't have a generator so the engine heat up comes in handy for me every once in a great while. It's nice to be able to take a quick shower after a dip in the bay, or on a really hot sweaty day. I'm usually only out on the hook for an afternoon, and find that while not piping hot, the water is still warm after a couple of hours without having to start the engine again.
I'm sure the engine hook up is probably decreasing the life expectancy of the heater, but they don't seem to be expecially expensive to replace.
 
I had an eMaxx instant on put in place of the bulky 12 gal unit that was there and no longer functional. It's worked great and pressure is good. Was about $289 and I paid about $150 to have it installed.
 
JVM225 said:
I'm sure the engine hook up is probably decreasing the life expectancy of the heater, but they don't seem to be expecially expensive to replace.
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If your cooling system is a closed system and you keep quality antifreeze in it there is no reason that the engine hookup would shorten the life of the water heater.

I really like having the hot water when I tie up to a buoy or anchor out at the end of a long day's cruise.
 
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