Installing hotwater on Alberg37

[harmersailor]

I'm thinking of breaking down and installing a shore power/engine coolant hot water tank. I have found a used one. But there is no information with it on where to position it in relation to the engine. I'd like to install it in my starboard lazaret. I've done some reading and some diagrams have a second freshwater reservoir for the engine coolant. I'm not sure of the specifics and if anyone has hotwater in their Alberg37 would you be able to share how your setup looks?

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[Terra Nova]

See this.
Boat Plumbing by Don Casey - BoatTECH - BoatUS

[FamilyVan]

They're not very pricey new. About $300. New they'd come with a manual and tech support.

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[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, harmersailor.

[Pendragon35]

I have an Alberg 35 and have thought about installing hot water, similar to this. I know the boat originally came with hot water but have no information on how it was set up. Hope you post here when you find your answer.

[bsurvey]

i believe that the only installation requirements that are important are that the unit is on a level self, the closer to the engine the less of a heat loss through the hose tranfer of the hot engine water to the unit. and back as these are closed loop recirculating systems. you may want to insulate the hose if the runs are long.


i prefer instant hot water heater which runs off of propaner. smaller installation and you carry & use up less water especuially if you are using a desalination unit as your primary source of FW

[Scout 30]

Boat US just had a bulletin on installing on demand propane water heaters on a boat. Per Boat US they are very dangerous & should not be installed on a boat.


When you get a water heater cheaper is not better. I replaced a Raritan that had rusted out with a much cheaper but great looking stainless steel Seward. Big mistake. The Raritan kept the water hot for a couple of days. The Seward keeps it hot for a few hours.

[Lepke]

Your engine fresh water pump will push water some distance so a HW heater can go anywhere convenient. The water coming from the engine should be before the heat exchanger so the hottest water is being used.
Something that saves water is to have a return line for hot water. When you want hot water, in a house you just dump water down the drain until it gets hot. I have a return line with a small 12 volt pump that draws hot water and returns it to the cold end of the tank. That way I'm not dumping a gallon of fresh water every time I want hot water.

[Scout 30]

I used to get Practical Sailor back in the day & I remember that they tested a bunch of water heaters. I believe Isotherm came out on top but can't remember any other results. Defender has water heaters on sale pretty regularly.