De Winterized with only one winter casualty

davidbrooks · April 2018

Well finally got back to the boat after launching at the end of March. The only thing i had left to do was the water system. As i started flushing out the antifreeze i couldn't get pressure. Opened the hatch to see water pouring out of the hot water heater.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020499/uploads/editor/da/bgzmvqdcxt5y.jpg

A look at the bottom. Being screwed right onto the ledge didnt give any place for water to run... so it sat and rusted.

Ordered a new Kuuma 6 gal replacement for $245 and it looks like it will be a direct drop in replacement with almost no trouble.

Handymans342 · April 2018

Looks like an Alunimum tank. Did it have an anode rod?

davidbrooks · April 2018

Good Question Handy. I will have to look and see. Pretty sure this is original and i doubt seriously if there was ever any maint done other than winterization. It is a Atwood EHM6-SM. In looking at the manual it doesn't look to have one. A lot of comments i read about Atwood is that it is on the lower end of quality for water heaters. One big thing is that in winterizing you have to blow air through the tank to get the last 2 gallons out. Otherwise that is where the most corrosive water exists. This is my second season with this boat. This obviously has been going on for a while.

Liberty44140 · April 2018

Let us know how the Kuma fits, $245 is a great price. Mine worked great all season but I figure that I'm on borrowed time....

davidbrooks · April 2018

I am going to modify the install a bit and put it on rubber feet to keep it off the deck. Water needs to be able to drain out of the enclosure.

reneechris14 · April 2018

I agree think I'm on borrowed time also. Both sides of the 342 are flat so the genny water heater and batteries sit on water all the time. I think this could of had a little pitch to make water go away. I'm always climbing in the back corners to try to get the water out. Also need to put vent hoses to make water go in the bilge.

reneechris14 · April 2018

Liberty44140 · April 2018

I get the same puddles, when we go out I make sure to peel to both sides on plane so they tip inward and drain.

J3ff · April 2018

Where'd you get it for 245? I've owned three boats with hot water heaters on them, every single one of them (including my current 270) have been rotted the core and bypassed.