Replaced the water heater
Posted: Tue Jan 23, 2018 1:32 pm
I could not find any postings about this, so I am simply reporting that I replaced the water heater this week. The replacement was from Kuuma and seems like a very nice unit for a lot less than some brands. The original model Force 10 was leaking and I figured at 12 years old, it was time. The Kuuma looked almost identical, by the way.
I chose the model 11811 which has the coolant hoses in the front. It makes for a little more clutter, but I preferred that to having the coolant hoses in the back where you can't see them or reach them to check the hose clamps. The coolant hoses were easy to cut shorter since they are no longer looping way around the aft side of the heater.
The job was pretty straightforward with the worst being what it always is on these boats, cramped spaces. When you are reconnecting the PEX water lines, be sure you seat them fully into the fittings. They will likely leak if not. Whatever brand and model you might choose as a replacement when the times comes, make sure you get the 120V version.
I chose the model 11811 which has the coolant hoses in the front. It makes for a little more clutter, but I preferred that to having the coolant hoses in the back where you can't see them or reach them to check the hose clamps. The coolant hoses were easy to cut shorter since they are no longer looping way around the aft side of the heater.
The job was pretty straightforward with the worst being what it always is on these boats, cramped spaces. When you are reconnecting the PEX water lines, be sure you seat them fully into the fittings. They will likely leak if not. Whatever brand and model you might choose as a replacement when the times comes, make sure you get the 120V version.