Water Heater leaking

[Brian W.]

the Raritan water heater on our 33 seems to be leaking engine anti-freeze at the point where the engine in/out hoses connect. There is a bit of play in the connection, which leads me to believe the entire heat exchanger manifold is corroded (it's pretty green, and the metal a bit soft). It looks like the whole piece unscrews (a big 3 inch fitting though) and presumably can be replaced. Has anyone ever done this who'd know what's involved?

thanks,

Brian W.

[Finlay Smith]

We have replaced our heat exchanger and our water heater on our 33.
The heat exchanger wasn't difficult but the water heater had to be cut in half to get it out of the lazarette! Be prepared to do quite a bit of searching for a water heater that will fit in that space.
If you have more questions, just let us know.
Al & Finlay Smith



saylr@mindspring.com

[Will Parker]

I removed the water heater on my CD 30 because it was old, leaky and rusting. It filled the starbord cockpit locker and prevented using it for most anything else. Since I live in South Florida, I decided that one thing I could live without was "hot" water. So I elected not to replace it. Instead, I added two more AGM batteries where the hot water heater had been. I now have 3 AGM group 31's in my hous e bank and one such in my starter bank. This permits an "adequate" amp supply to support other boat systems, e.g. the refrigeration. I still do not have a solar panel or other means of battery charging (other than running the engine or plugging into dock power), but on a 10 day cruise to the Keys, I ran the engine only when moving the boat and was plugged into dock power for only two days. No problems.
However, for any lengthy cruising, I obviously need a solar panel or something.
Good sailing.
Will
"Jambalaya"

the Raritan water heater on our 33 seems to be leaking engine anti-freeze at the point where the engine in/out hoses connect. There is a bit of play in the connection, which leads me to believe the entire heat exchanger manifold is corroded (it's pretty green, and the metal a bit soft). It looks like the whole piece unscrews (a big 3 inch fitting though) and presumably can be replaced. Has anyone ever done this who'd know what's involved?

thanks,

Brian W.

whildenp@flinet.com

[Dick Wiesen]

the Raritan water heater on our 33 seems to be leaking engine anti-freeze at the point where the engine in/out hoses connect. There is a bit of play in the connection, which leads me to believe the entire heat exchanger manifold is corroded (it's pretty green, and the metal a bit soft). It looks like the whole piece unscrews (a big 3 inch fitting though) and presumably can be replaced. Has anyone ever done this who'd know what's involved?

thanks,

I replaced the Raritan Water Heater this spring. You must know that the original was installed before the deck was put on so that the screws are not easily accessible. Secondly the cockpit locker has too small of an opening to get the heater out in once piece. Cutting the jacket off and taking the insulation out will enable you to get it out of the hole. Finally, the new 6 gal. Raritan will not go back through the cockpit locker with out cutting out part of the lip on both the back and the front side. It can be done nicely with a metal cutting blade and the sabre saw. I took a total of about 1.75 in. off the two lips. Using epoxy I glued them back and they look pretty good. If you have any questions, give me a shout by e-mail.

Dick

Brian W.

WIESENSL@aol.com

[Brian W.]

Our water heater is actually somewhat "new," as we replaced it about 5 years ago. It seems just the heat exchanger, or the part where both engine in/out attachments are, is leaking. It seems as though it unscrews and replaces. What was involved when you replaced your heat exchanger?

Thanks,

Brian

We have replaced our heat exchanger and our water heater on our 33.
The heat exchanger wasn't difficult but the water heater had to be cut in half to get it out of the lazarette! Be prepared to do quite a bit of searching for a water heater that will fit in that space.
If you have more questions, just let us know.
Al & Finlay Smith