Hot Water heater

[ataylor233]

Ok so i'm not sure but i think i'm going to need to replace my hot water heater . My question is whats the difference between a electric hot water heater with side connections from lowes for 300 and the marine one for 800.00 they are both around the same size same electrical specs from what i can see . i don't have the connections for the engine. so i'm wondering why the one from lowes wont work just as well any ideas?

[bud37]

I believe lots of people have used household water heaters in their boats with perhaps no issues.....but there maybe a case for a discussion about marine ratings and surveys/insurance.The one thing that would concern me is , I would have to make sure it is wired correctly for marine in regards to the hot/neutral/ground relationships.....remember house 120 volt wiring is handled differently in regards to neutral and grounding.This can be checked by a qualified marine electrician to ensure your safety.....sure is a big price difference though........

[ataylor233]

Source of the post I believe lots of people have used household water heaters in their boats with perhaps no issues.....but there maybe a case for a discussion about marine ratings and surveys/insurance.The one thing that would concern me is , I would have to make sure it is wired correctly for marine in regards to the hot/neutral/ground relationships.....remember house 120 volt wiring is handled differently in regards to neutral and grounding.This can be checked by a qualified marine electrician to ensure your safety.....sure is a big price difference though........

yes the wiring was my only thoughts i will have a marine electrician by my side he's my friend so we will see what he says

[Midnightsun]

If you are not taking showers and do not use the heat exchanger function, a compact 4g unit from HD should work fine at 1/4 the cost. This one even says great for boat/RV however this does not mean it meets marine standards. I personally would have no issue with installing one. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Eccotemp-4- ... /205811530

Only problem is the day you go to sell the boat and the surveyor sees a home unit. He will most likely mark that on the list of unacceptable items.

[bud37]

Source of the post

Source of the post I believe lots of people have used household water heaters in their boats with perhaps no issues.....but there maybe a case for a discussion about marine ratings and surveys/insurance.The one thing that would concern me is , I would have to make sure it is wired correctly for marine in regards to the hot/neutral/ground relationships.....remember house 120 volt wiring is handled differently in regards to neutral and grounding.This can be checked by a qualified marine electrician to ensure your safety.....sure is a big price difference though........

yes the wiring was my only thoughts i will have a marine electrician by my side he's my friend so we will see what he says

Good call man , I am glad to hear that.

[tomschauer]

The home type water heaters will work in your boat. But don't expect to get 15 -20 years of service from one. The "real" marine units have stainless steel inner tanks and either stainless or aluminum outer covers. If your water heater is some where in the cabin and not continually exposed to moisture, the outside will most likely not rust or corrode. Where you may have a problem is the actual water (inner) tank. Residential units are thin standard steel with an internal epoxy type coating, these are meant to be stationary, not bouncing around all of the time.
Will they work? most certainly, how long will they last? one year? five years? Who knows, but definitely not 10, 15 or more. Mine is 20 this year.
Try one, and see how long it lasts, the initial savings may or may not prove out over many years.

[Viper]

Source of the post The home type water heaters will work in your boat. But don't expect to get 15 -20 years of service from one. The "real" marine units have stainless steel inner tanks and either stainless or aluminum outer covers. If your water heater is some where in the cabin and not continually exposed to moisture, the outside will most likely not rust or corrode. Where you may have a problem is the actual water (inner) tank. Residential units are thin standard steel with an internal epoxy type coating, these are meant to be stationary, not bouncing around all of the time.
Will they work? most certainly, how long will they last? one year? five years? Who knows, but definitely not 10, 15 or more. Mine is 20 this year.
Try one, and see how long it lasts, the initial savings may or may not prove out over many years.

+1
Not to mention that if yours is mounted in a gasoline engine compartment, you cannot put a household unit in there unless it has an ignition proof rating.