Hot Water

[Mike Brown]

Other than those with generators how do you produce enough hot water for showers? Once we've been out on anchor or mooring ball for better than a day all hot water is gone. I have a 140amp high output alternator that is supposed to create enough load on the engine that it makes hot water but it doesn't get the job done, even after running it for better than an hour in reverse. Needless to say it makes life on board less than desirable at times. Any bset practices would be appreciated.
Mike

[Peter Obetz]

Something is not right. We get plenty of warm water for 2-3 showers after running @1500 for 20-30 mins.

[Mike Brown]

Peter thanks. What engine do you have? We have the Yanmar 4jh4e but perhaps the thermostat isn't working properly.
Mike

[clayton curtis]

Mike

I've wrestled with the same thing and made probably the best upgrade I've made on my B40. I installed an on-demand water heater that uses the propane. I know sailors have strong opinions about this, but after doing a bit of research and testing, I'm convinced that it is safe. It's been a life changing experience aboard.

Here's what I did. I bought an excel water heater ($170) and all the plastic and brass fittings to jack into the existing system, and hooked it all up and it works great. I put it right behind the stove, teed into the gas and water right under the sink. Provides continuous hot water to all faucets including the transom shower. Takes 16s (1.7L) to get hot water to my shower, which is across on the other side of boat, but then flows nicely. One propane tank can heat 900 gal of water. We also use it to preheat water hot before we put it on the stove to boil- it's more efficient and faster.

If I've motored back to my mooring I can flip a valve and still use the engine heated water.

Here's three photos. I'll upload a schematic with parts list when I get back to my home computer.

Clay

[clayton curtis]

Pict 2

[clayton curtis]

Pict 3

[Mike Brown]

Clay thanks for the response and pictures. Although im not wild about adding propane devices below deck I'll keep it in mind as a solution as the lack of hot water is a pain.
Mike

[clayton curtis]

Hi Mike,

Yeah, I realize that adding propane devices can get you into "hot water!"  Sorry, couldn't help the joke.  I decided that it was a low risk and low cost and gave it a try.  Now I'm a believer.  I don't see that it is any more of a risk than the propane stove. But it is a personal choice. I was thinking about buying a generator basically just to have hot water and decided against it based on the cost and noise (see http://seaknots.ning.com/group/beneteau4043/forum/topics/to-generat...). 

Anyway, I've had a couple of people ask me how I did it and decided to make a schematic for reference. Here it is if anybody is interested. Comments welcome!

clay 

[Mike Brown]

Clay thanks for the schematic it looks pretty straightforward. As for your hot water comment I'm sure you couldn't resist. I wouldn't have let it go by either :) I'm going to see who has what at the Annapolis Show before I do anything but as you know hot water makes life much nicer so something has to work.
Mike

[clayton curtis]

Mike,

I might be there for the Annapolis boat show.  We were there last year for the Beneteau party. Were you there? 

For sure we will be at the Newport one, as that is where we keep our B40.

/cc

[Mike Brown]

Clay, no they only let in a limited number of people. Even the dealer I was helping didn't get in. If you come to the Annapolis Show let me know. I'll either be in the Beneteau or Jeanneau docks. No idea which boat yet which can change at any time anyway.
Mike

[Mike Brown]

Just an update on the hot water issue. I pushed the RPMs up to 1500 as Peter suggested and now get warm water. Still going to consider the propane system but at least for now we can shower in relative comfort.
Mike