Got to love the unexpected…or not. At the end of our last cruise we noticed black bilge water. After much investigation, we decided it was not coming from the engine (thankfully), but likely the hot water heater. We looked through the paperwork that the previous owner had with the boat and the hot water heater looks like it may have been installed in 2002. Um…I don’t think they usually last that long!
Like all things labeled “marine”, the new hot water heater was ridiculously expensive and only one model would fit in the ridiculously small space under the galley sink. Looking at this project, we realized it might take the services of a 4 inch gnome to be able to work in the small space. The access for the heater (after removing a drawer), was only 15 inches wide. The hot water heater is 14 inches in diameter, not including protrusions for hook ups etc. We had to cut the access hole a few inches bigger to make it work.
Plumber Erik.
We learned that diapers are your friend. Because the hot water heater has a secondary method of heating when you are not plugged into the dock, there are coolant lines running from the engine to the hot water heater. We wanted to replace these lines as they run under the sole, through the bilge, where they cannot easily be inspected. Instead of buying the expensive absorbent pads used for engine maintenance, we soaked up coolant spills with diapers. Imagine me, never having had kids, in the grocery isle trying to understand what a size 2 versus 6 diaper is, and almost leaving the store with the pull ups which would have not worked as well for us. A bag of size 6 was the best $7.99 spent.
After widening the hole, squeezing the new heater in, connecting the water lines, wiring the electric, replacing the coolant lines and finishing the connections, we completed the “burping” procedure on the engine to get any air pockets out of the coolant lines. Kind of like burping a baby, I guess??? Thankfully, the new heater is now in place, the engine is happy and running at it’s proper temperature, and Erik and Karen are enjoying hot showers.
14 Comments
Maureen · August 26, 2020 at 3:46 am
Yay! Hot water. Your adventures look like great fun. Way better than evading smoke. 😉
Karen Arndt · September 19, 2020 at 7:20 pm
It was great catching up with you the other night. Glad your smoke has cleared for now.
Chrs · August 28, 2020 at 4:12 am
Good to see another project scratched off the list!
The photo posted appears to be mirrored, BTW.
Think we might have a similar (but about 19-13X times the size) in our future 🙁
Karen Arndt · September 19, 2020 at 7:18 pm
Sorry to hear you may be doing the hot water heater replacement as well!
Pam Reidy · August 28, 2020 at 10:09 am
So happy to see another post! I admire your patience with this project. And I hear ya about the diapers. It’s a mind-boggling world to a non-Mom. What a cruise through life you are making. Congratulations.
Karen Arndt · September 19, 2020 at 7:21 pm
We are definitely doing our best to continue the adventure despite COVID and all the smoke from fires. Blah
Kevin · August 30, 2020 at 4:51 am
So, have you been missing the storms lining up out of Africa like Starbucks patrons, or having no need for hot water in Miami in the Summer? Sounds like you’re doing pretty well up there, huh?
I keep pricing flights in case of…what name follows Laura?
Love the posts and the photos guys (serious water heater envy, nice one).
Karen Arndt · September 19, 2020 at 7:23 pm
Keeping fingers crossed you escape all the hurricanes in Miami. Sounds like you have had some crazy weather in Denver with hot temps then winter weather!
Nancy · September 2, 2020 at 11:02 pm
Still enjoying all of your adventures!! Love you both!
Karen Arndt · September 19, 2020 at 7:24 pm
Doing our best to keep the adventure going. Hope you are coping ok with the smoke!
Susan · September 9, 2020 at 4:32 pm
Love the diaper solution and the burping the baby follow up. It’s so satisfying to find cheap ways to do things!
Karen Arndt · September 19, 2020 at 7:25 pm
Hope you and Wayne are doing well, miss you guys!
Carol and Randy · September 12, 2020 at 1:54 pm
Glad to hear from you. Hope California fires isn’t smoking you out. Great resource on the diapers..baby wipes are good for cleaning hands and face (sunscreen)….looks like you are adapting to cruising life well…all the best…..Randy and carol
Karen Arndt · September 19, 2020 at 7:26 pm
Yes, we are getting into the baby wipe trick. Hope you guys have been out sailing!
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