Installing a Water Heater on a Small Sailboat

[@ezequieldiaz1950]

BUEN TRABAJO CAPITAN !!!! SALUDOS DESDE ARGENTINA !!!

[@trailsandsails2722]

Argentina!! Muchas gracias por tus lindas palabras!!

[@nicolasreed8002]

Nice work, very professional and well thought out system. You appear to be a person who appreciates quality and multi-functionalism. In that spirit you might consider looking into a Wallas Diesel Stove/Oven combo to replace your Propane stove system. As I'm sure you're aware Propane creates water vapor when burned, and that accumulates inside of your cabin. Diesel stoves however do not release water vapor when in use. A diesel stove also eliminates Propane on your boat completely, and it can be plumbed directly into your main fuel tank. They are incredibly efficient and they can be used to heat your cabin. The Wallas brand is not cheap, but they come very highly recommended...

[@trailsandsails2722]

Thanks very much for your thoughtful comments! I have looked into alternatives regarding the galley stove and its on the list after higher needs like a self steering wind vane and frig. The propane stove works fine but, like you, I'm no fan of propane on a boat. I like your mention of the Wallas diesel stove and since I already have diesel for the engine and heater I'll be installing, it makes sense to go that way. I also considered alcohol and appreciated using an Origo 6000 on my son's boat but they aren't made anymore and it requires another fuel. All of these fuels do release copious amounts of water vapor at various levels (alcohol is worst) due to the breaking of organic carbon compounds largely composed of carbon and hydrogen- even burning dry wood releases water vapor.

[@cochrantd]

Hello from the Chesapeake Bay, I recently purchased a 1979 Orion too. Thanks for sharing this video. I am very interested in your battery box design. Did you install additional "House" batteries in your battery box? How did the hot water tank work out? How many showers approximately? Thanks! Tim

[@trailsandsails2722]

Great to hear you have a 1979 too! What hull number? I put in 3 AGM 100aH batteries in the box I built that sits between the tiller and rear of the engine. I wish LiPo were cheaper, would have gone with them. Orignially there was a bulky battery charger and start battery behind the engine. There were two flooded lead acid batteries on the built in 30 gal fuel tank on the starboard side under the lazarette lid. And the platform for that included a form for a propane bottle. That's really hazardous! Fortunately, we've learned a lot about boat safety with fuels and batteries since that time when the boat was built. As for showers...haven't done that yet. I had a leak in the built in the shower pan fitting for the hose going to the pump so sucking water out wasn't working. I replaced the fitting so now the system works but haven't done the next - taking a shower. Where are you on the Chesapeake? Our younger son had a Pearson 365 ketch at Glocester Pt near Hayes VA. and we sailed the lower Bay then. Dean

[@JohnBraman413]

never heard of that brand boat. looked it up, has a good comfort/capsize ratio.

[@trailsandsails2722]

You're right- it sure does. Hope to be sharing our first trip on her this summer and I'll be commenting on how it goes. KZbin channel 'Captain Q' did a boat tour on one about 1-2 yrs ago. I'll be doing one too this summer.