Marinette Boat Forum

Has anyone tried to install a residential hot water tank in their boat? I was thinking about getting one of the six gallon under cabinet mount but I don't know how it would hold up to the abuse.

I have a marine one. I imagine it takes a licking with the moisture all around.

I have a spare if you are interested

Are you thinking one little, on-demand, tank-less water heaters? I was thinking about one of those, but most draw more amps than the average dock shoreline circuit (my dock service is 30 amp)

I installed a 6 gallon residential unit in mine. Worked fine, but the inlet/ outlet connections were on the top, which made draining it for winter a b*tch.

Jeff

I guess I will go to my grave HARPING on non- ignition protected devices in engine spaces on boats!

Sorry folks here goes my rant!

To answer your question. NO NO NO NO !

Residential water heaters are NOT USCG/UL certified for "Marine use"

There are ignition protected marine water heaters for under $300.00 bucks. You do not have to buy the Overpriced but extremely high quality Raritan heater.

While you may get away with it and many do! This IMHO is foolish. My family, myself and my guests are far more important than saving a few dollars on a water heater that may result in an explosion.

Just think of the liability if a boat building slipped one in and there was an explosion. Bet Y'all would be the first to jump on the law suit train!

Enough said...

safe boating,

dave

Good point, but I believe that the 'wine cellar' area (where mine was located) does not require ignition protected devices--it's on the other side of the firewall.

Think of how many devices are in the cabin area that are not ignition protected: all the DC ceiling lights, the M supplied microwave, the switch for the macerator pump, the electric range, entertainment devices, etc. etc.

Jeff

Jeff read my first sentence "in engine spaces in boats"

28 and 29 tank is in stern cockpit hatch.

Dave

Tranquilo

I sent you a PM with my number

Totally agree. The water heater in my Bayliner was down there as well.

Do YOU agree that it's safe to put one in the wine cellar?

Jeff

Jeff I agree the wine cellar is fine for the heater under one condition.

The bulkhead must be sealed from the engine spaces. I have seen more than one boat where folks added wiring etc and cut holes in the bulkhead and did not seal them up so explosive gases as well as CO could find their way into the cabin spaces.

Now propane must be completely outside all spaces. I use to find 20 lbs bottles stuck into cockpit hatches on sailboats and were not sealed and vented to the outside! dumb!!!!!! (They were DIY mods for BBQ grills and stoves. )

safe boating,
dave