Electric Hot Water Heater

This unit was replaced in 2004 and heats water by two methods:

When running, the engine coolant passes through the electric heater and heats the water, this normally takes 45 mins. So taking a hot shower after motoring is always possible.
When on shore power the AC heating element heats up the water. This is controlled from the control panel at the NavStation and is labeled "Water Heater"

The unit is located between the quarter berth and the lazarette and is accessed from either side. The photo is taken from the quarter berth with the access panel removed. "A" indicates where the high pressure overflow valve is and "B" is an on/off valve for the hot water. You would turn this off when either you are using the propane water heater or you are using the washing machine and want to perform a cold cycle.

The unit used to have a thermostatically controlled valve to shut off the engine coolant when the temperature was what the lawyers at the company deemed hot enough. This valve is in the tub of spare plumbing parts if you want to put it back on. My logic is if the water is super hot, I add cold and make the hot water last much longer (It is only a 5 gallon tank). If you have small kids you may have a different view.

Note: The inverter is powerful enough to run this unit but will bring the batteries to their knees pretty fast so take care not to accidentally turn this on when not on shore power.

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