Water Heater options

[Jack Dokter]

I'm stuck.   We decided to install a water heater system to Nine Lives.  Since we have the 26ft Classic model with limited space, my thought was to install the 6 Gal 120v with heat exchanger style.  I wanted to set this unit between the transmission and rudder post area.  We went ahead on ordered the unit, and it has arrived.  Once we opened the box, we realized that this unit is likely going to be a snug fit.  Firstly, we have to remove the port hatch along with it's teak trim. That will provide 13.5" space and the heater unit is 13.65" wide.  Oops. Not sure if we can steal 1/8".  The next idea is that if and once it is down below, we need to fabricate some gussets to hold the unit and hopefully reasonably level.  After that it's running 120 volt to the unit, plus heater hoses to the engine and usual water piping.

Going back to the drawing board, I see many tankless water heaters available for under $200.  I like the size as they are about  4"X10"X 28" in size.  But, what to do with the exhaust venting.  The only likely space to install this is inside the head.  But you will have ugly water lines and propane lines running up the wall, and then the exhaust venting needs to be dealt with.

I also heard for many reasons that insurance companies will not cover your vessel with these units installed.

What has others done with their tankless water heater systems?

BTW....I may have a new 6 gallon water heater for sale.

Jack Dokter

Nine Lives 1983 26C W21 #099

Penetanguishene, Ont

[Joe Valinoti]

Jack:  Not too long ago, on this listserve, I remember seeing a 26 with the 6 gallon engine/110VAC box shaped unit installed aft where you'd like to place yours.  Sorry I can't find out who it was.

Joe Valinoti
S/V IL Gatto NS30U #221 (1984)
Sea Harbour Yacht Club
Oriental, NC

 

  

 

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[wb]

Jack,

 

It sounds as if it is six and two threes between your options.

 

I may have mentioned in an earlier e-mail that I  have both a Volvo AC/Engine heat and an Excel tankless/ventless on Persistence. Since I replaced a Wolter, I had the vent already installed, and I used it for the Excel, since I don’t care what they say about failsafe shutdown for CO, vented is safer. So the unsightly mess you foresee was not an issue.

 

But the Volvo was also too big to go thru the cockpit locker – that was solved by removing the outer insulating jacket from the unit and reassembling it below. You may be able to use that approach with your unit if all else is resolved.

 

Good luck,

 

Bill Baxter

Persistence

NS30  #507

Penetang ON

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[Jim Cosgrove]

Jack,
On my previous boat, a 26C, I replaced the existing Paloma on-demand unit with an Excel on-demand propane unit.  I installed it in the head where the Paloma had been.  I reused the white enamel metal chase that covers the water and propane lines and it made for a neat looking installation.  I have seen other Nonsuches with chases made of teak.  One of those would be easy to fabricate.

I also reused the existing vent.  I know the Excels are "ventless" but I would not want one without the vent.  (In part just to get the heat out of the cabin.)  I'd also make sure to open some port lights or hatch to get air in.  A CO monitor is also smart.  However, if you think about it, the units never run very long.  There is only a flame when the water is running and on a boat you do not just leave the water running.  The unit itself worked great and I was happy with it.

When I bought my 30 U,  I installed an Excel in it too.  My insurance company would not insure the boat with the Paloma because it had a pilot light, but was ok with the Excel.  Your company may be different.

Good luck with your decision.
Jim

Jim Cosgrove
Fate 30U #343
Galesville, MD

[Jim Cosgrove]

Jack,
I forgot to mention that you should reach out to Jeff Orlando if you have not already.  He installed an electric water heater on his former boat, a Nonsuch 26 named "Catbert".  Here's a link to photos of his boat, one of which includes the water heater installation. 

http://www.pbase.com/nonsuch/26c_016_catbert

Jim Cosgrove
Fate 30U #343
Galesville, MD


On 1/23/2014 2:00 PM, Jack Dokter wrote:

[Jeff Orlando]

I forgot to mention that you should reach out to Jeff Orlando if you have not already.  He installed an electric water heater on his former boat, a Nonsuch 26 named "Catbert".  Here's a link to photos of his boat, one of which includes the water heater installation. 

http://www.pbase.com/nonsuch/26c_016_catbert

The setup on Catbert worked well.  The tank was mounted on the shelf at the very back of the starboard lazarette making it higher than the engine which required addition of a bleed valve at the highest point and moving the overflow tank up there too. 

The Seaward tank fit the opening without removing the teak trim and had about 1/8" to spare.  Catbert is hull #13  - YMMV



Jeff Orlando
30-438  SummerPlace

[Jack Dokter]

Thanks Jeff.

I did see this installation, but the area where Catbert's water heater is situated (on the port side) is where our starter and house batteries are mounted. On the opposite starboard side area is only a small vertical sheet of ply-board that's designed to be removed to enter if servicing is required. This is where I'm hoping to have both myself and heater enter for a possible ease of installation. If anyone has a photo showing this particular heater mounted between the engine and transom I would really appreciate seeing that.

Jack Dokter

Nine Lives

26C

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