Propane Hot Water Heater
While this item fits in the "Water" category, and is mounted in the head, it is also a luxury item: it felt great to have a LONG hot shower when experiencing a cold New Zealand winter. It was typically my job to have the first shower as it takes 60 seconds of cold before the water gets hot - every ounce of water has to be accounted for - and it gets piping hot!
Usage Notes:
Usage Notes:
- Stressed to me by the previous owner so I will stress to you, ALWAYS have the head hatch open when using as it is not vented outside and you may die of carbon monoxide poisoning otherwise.
- Turn on the propane solenoid at the control panel and at the stove.
- When lighting after a long time (week-ish) the built in sparker will not work and we use the galley stove lighter. (A match will work in a pinch however it takes 30 secs to light the pilot light and that takes around 5 matches and usually I burn my fingers as I try and make it only 4) Press in and twist until you get the sparking click then hold it in this position still pressed in, at the same time hold the flame in the window on the thermocouple.
- After 30 seconds or so it will splutter into a blue flame, keep pressed in for another 10 seconds or until it remains alight when you release the dial.
- If used regularly, lighting is as simple as turning to the pilot position, two or three clicks will light the pilot and hold for 10 seconds, done.
- Now rotate the dial to two or three flames depending how hot you want it. We normally don't mess with the heat dial as it tends to stick without regular CRC/WD40.
- Make sure the valve on the electric/engine hot water heater is closed. This is the only way to force the water through this heater.Now when you turn on any hot water tap on the boat, this unit will jump to life and give instant hot water.
- Lastly, as with all propane items on the boat, turn off the unit and turn off the solenoid at the stove immediately after use.
- If ever concerned about propane leakage into the bilge, run the diaphragm bilge pump and listen for blowing bubbles outside. Then run for a further few minutes to suck any gas out of the bilge where it would collect.
Have you read Sailing to Jessica?
"For anyone who wants to grab life with both hands, leap out of their comfort zone, and imagine the possibilities out there; this wonderful debut novel ticks every box. It is part memoir, part exceptional travel adventure (with amazing detail), part love story. After reading this, don't be surprise if you feel just a little tempted to jump on a sailboat." - Christine on Goodreads.com
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Buy at Amazon (USA)
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