Water Heater- Brand and Price?

[Cheechako]

The Seawards have been fine, good for about 8 years and $179. I'm installing an eccotemp L5 on demand heater, but mostly due to the room limitation and difficulty of adding hoses to the engine block.

[windsaloft]

I have a nearly new Seaward S700 just pulled and in the back of my truck. Installed it about 8 months ago when the old one went, and then realized that electric bills at the slip were eating us alive after one month -- then realized that we don't need hot water -- we heat for dishes per use with propane, and when onshore use shower houses, and on passage, no room inside to shower when cold, so sponge baths or hot water in the solar shower -- and in warmer climes, always use a solar shower outside, either solar or stove heated water.

BOttom line -- just pulled it and listed it on craigslist. It is, for all purposes new, has all fittings, etc already plumbed to it. A mite heavy to ship, but anyone local can look on craigslist!

[s/v Jedi]

So I guess that this Seaward is a domestic heater without heat exchanger, right? You get "free" hot water without using any electricity when you use a heater exchanger fitted marine version.

cheers,
Nick.

[windsaloft]

Actually, the Seaward can make hot water off AC for the cost of electricity, or "free" for the cost of running the diesel on and off anchor. It actually makes hot water pretty quickly. But, we are a small boat, with limited water and a low output water maker -- we don't use enough hot water to justify a water maker -- we can "create" what we need with a few minutes of propane on the stovetop, even with the gimbaled in teapot for underway. We value the space a lot more.