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A boat is a pricey investment just like your house. Therefore, it’s natural that you give it the same amount of attention. Equivalent to furnishing your house is getting the right and quality accessories for your boat, of which includes the best marine water heater.

Warm or hot water is essential when sailing as you utilize it for showering and washing up. Just make sure that you get the right heater size so that you can optimize the usage and performance. Unlike residential heaters, marine water heaters don’t consume a lot of energy.

There are numerous marine hot water heaters that you can find. You can avoid confusion by reading this comprehensive review so you’ll be oriented with the important features. Consequently, you can select the most suitable for your boat.

You’ll find this product from Whale which is a part of Attwood in several marine water heater reviews due to its dependability. It’s an efficient hot water supplier in my sailboat. I sometimes use solar power to make it work.

When it’s time to take a shower, I only need to wait for 5 minutes to get warm water. That’s why I call it an instant heater! Aside from quickly turning water hot, it can supply you with plenty of it. To prevent water from becoming scalding hot, I added an automatic thermostatic mixing valve to the outlet.

The installation is easy as I mounted it horizontally. It’s like doing plug and play as everything is a match. No tiresome process is required before reaping benefits from this 6-gallon heater that only requires 120V. It’s a relatively compact water heater. Thus, you don’t need a lot of space for it.

Due to this quick marine water heater, the supply of hot water in my boat doubled. It’s lightweight with fiberglass sheets for insulation. This design allows me to remove the case to minimize the space that it occupies.

I was happy that I am able to connect it to the freshwater cooling system of the boat’s engine. Water heating can be done with 110V AC when the engine is not running. However, it’s recommended to fill and cap the pipe with antifreeze when you let it run with AC.

You’ll find black, white, and green wires that have good quality. If you have the same wires in your boat, it’s easy to connect them. Installation is manageable in my case. I figured out what to do after I saw the parts. It has a nice recirculation system that works in producing hot and cold water.

With the 11 gallon capacity of this water heater, I have enough hot water onboard whenever I need it. I think that Whale is a part of Attwood company as the two-year warranty card is addressed to the latter.

It’s a great replacement for my previous heater even though it’s a tad bit larger. Luckily, the plates can be flattened against the case to make some room. This results in decreasing the depth. Although it’s another task, installation is fairly easy. Screwing down plates and horizontal mounting is not that difficult.

Operating this heater starts with 120 volts or 220 volts. It’s flexible when connecting to power sources as it has extra ports. Thus, there are options for you to plug it into the engine coolant or run off the heat engine. The second alternative works even though the boat is underway and it functions without the help of a generator.

Since the exterior shell of this is composed of marine-grade aluminum, it can last for several years. As I’ve used it for a year with no issues, it’s much better than the other one. I didn’t have to make adjustments as its measurement is similar to my previous water heater.

This has a 6-gallon capacity that never fails to provide the necessary amount of hot water. Thanks to its large diameter and 1,500W heating element! There are other features that I like about it. A high-temperature limiter is present and it has an automatic reset. Also, the circuitry is ignition protected for safe operation.

The heat exchange barbs are found at the back while the fittings and connections are in the front. Installation is relatively easy so I didn’t have to spend a lot of time when going through all the steps. This heater can start working through AC power or engine heat when your vessel is underway.

Although this is a mini-tank water heater, it has a number of great features. First and foremost, it’s capable of giving off instant hot water as it can maintain the high temperature. It fascinates me because I don’t need to wait for even a single minute. The warmth is good enough for my outdoor showers. I also use it when washing dishes.

It stands out when it comes to the quantity of hot water. Five to seven gallons can be obtained at 98 degrees Fahrenheit.

Be aware that it may be too hot at first and may likely be so for the first gallon. Despite this minor drawback, it can serve two sinks without compromising performance. Also, the recovery rate is fast. With these abilities, I can say that it’s perfect for heating water from distant faucets.

Since this is tankless, the mounting options are not limited. You may place it on the wall, shelf, or floor. In any way you do it, it will always be easy because of its size. The same reason helps me avoid wasting water as I only get what I need. Just like any other RV marine electric tankless water heater, this saves energy as you only heat the water when necessary.

I read some marine hot water heater reviews which convinced me to buy this item. The efficacy of this equipment is not only for household use but onboard as well. Eventually, I wasn’t disappointed. I only need to count seconds to have hot water. Moreover, the performance remains incredible even with a distant faucet.

When onboard, I need hot water to complete menial tasks and quick washing. As such, this heater is a reliable companion. Even my boat bidet with a sprayer became functional because enough supply of warm water came out of it. What’s even better is that this mini tank can give you both hot and warm water.

I like that it’s compact and lightweight with a sleek design and a temperature display. The size of this tank reminds me of a toaster oven. It has pretty good insulation so no energy is wasted. Plug it into a 110-volt outlet and it will start working.

Water heaters made by Kuuma are known for their durability. They are made of aluminum to ensure that you can use them for many years. So, I didn’t think too hard before buying this one. My hunch was right as it turned out to be the perfect replacement for the previous heater in my 1985 O’Day 28 sailboat. I’m enthralled by how it perfectly fits into the cockpit locker due to its side mount feature.

Hot water when cruising the vast sea can be both a necessity and a luxury. Thus, I was prompted to get this heater with great abilities. There are two ways to heat water due to its dual-loop feature. It can be done through the boat’s engine and shore power. When the vessel is underway, you can connect it to AC power. You may even use raw power heating.

It also promotes safe operation, especially for gasoline-powered boats. The credit goes to the circuitry that is ignition protected. There’s a limit to high temperatures and an automatic reset. Hence, you won’t be surprised with scalding hot water. Quick recovery is another wonderful ability from its 1,500W heating element.

The need to have a huge supply of hot water made me buy this product. You can get 6 gallons or 23 liters from it. It has a thermostat that regulates the electric heating element while it can also produce cold water if you need it.

When heating water, it can reach a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. But with the temperature-pressure relief valve, the water can’t get too hot. A bilge pump is also added to stop electricity sparks. Since it can dispense both hot and cold water, its design includes waste management.

You can rely on its durability as the inner tank is composed of aluminum and the exterior is of marine-grade stainless steel. These materials guarantee long-term service and strength to face the rigors of the marine environment. That’s why the manufacturer has the confidence to give a two-year warranty to all users.

The double-walled construction is also great as it protects the freshwater supply from contamination. Thus, I don’t worry too much about the water that I keep in my boat.

It’s convenient to just focus on the same area when working on the tank since the fittings and heat exchanger barbs are all situated in the front. Therefore, both the installation and marine hot water heater troubleshooting are easy. Hold-down brackets complete the horizontal mounting of this heater and it’s done with no troubles.

I like this product very much as it’s an effective marine tankless water heater. In just 35 minutes, the entire tank of 7 gallons is filled with hot water! Using it gives me so much ease and convenience. I don’t have to turn it on again and again as the water stays hot.

Installation is super easy since it’s substantially hardwired. I think everyone can do it with no difficulty at all. It can also produce cold water. You may mount it horizontally and vertically. But make sure to prepare enough space for it as it’s not exactly mini. Still, you have the freedom to put it on the wall or the floor.

I mounted it with PEX and once it’s done, hot water came out in just 9 seconds. Thus, it’s right to say that it heats up quickly. The temperature that it handles ranges from 65 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. I can customize the temperature of hot water as there’s a thermostat swing.

I bought this water heater to make sure that I always have hot water in my boat. Its 11-gallon capacity caught my attention among several other options in the market. It’s a product of the latest technology so it’s capable of bearing 1,500W.

It has a robust construction to withstand harsh marine environments and corrosion. So, I can rely on it in rendering the same performance through time. It simply means unrivaled durability. I can’t help but be astonished by its double-wall heat exchangers and integrated pressure relief valve. Both of these parts guarantee the security of water inside it and the preservation of heat.

Safety operation is also expected from this tank because of its protected ignition. The last thing that I want is to have a piece of equipment that acts up in my boat while sailing. Thankfully, this water heater gives me peace of mind. There’s a safety control to stop the build-up of unsafe temperatures as well.

I don’t go for a tankless water heater if I want more pressure and very hot water. The things that I’m looking for are provided by a hardy tank like this one. Since I sail for a couple of days, it serves me well in providing hot water that I use for showers and washing dishes. This is also an RV marine water heater as it’s mostly used by those who permanently live in RVs.

I was able to double up my hot water supply from 6 to 12 gallons. This tank can be powered by propane and 120 volts of electricity. Although it’s big, I’ve noticed that it consumes less propane and it’s quieter too. Due to the adequate supply of hot water, there’s no interruption when taking a shower as long as the power source doesn’t cease to work.

Before mounting this heater, I flushed it first to ensure that the inside is clean. I did some minor adjustments to the plumbing and it didn’t trouble me at all. It doesn’t take much time and effort to complete the installation. After the assembly, give the cold tap water 15 minutes to turn hot.

When I go sailing, I see to it that I dock my boat before sunset. But, I sometimes spend the night on the waters and return home the next day. Hence, this 6-gallon water heater is just right for my needs. It can be operated by 120 volt AC or engine coolant heat exchange.

To have constant availability of hot water, there’s a thermostat that regulates the heating temperature at 140 degrees Fahrenheit. You may also get cold water from it because of its 1/2-inch NPT.

The inner tank is made of aluminum while the exterior is of marine galvanized steel. With these premium materials, I know that this tank will be with me for a long time. Durability of a water heater is important for me so I have the assurance that it can take care of my boat’s water supply.

Set it up by horizontal mounting and hold-down brackets that are already attached to the inner tank. I did it with ease by myself. You will have to thoroughly check the fittings and heat exchanger parts to avoid any issue. Fortunately, it’s uncomplicated as they are all placed in the front of the tank.

Before buying a water heater, there are two main things that you have to consider. Of course, the size of the heater should match your boat’s size so you have enough space for it. The next thing you have to think about is the number of people onboard. Hold your horses as you can’t just buy a 12V marine water heater if you have a lot of people cruising with you! There are other aspects that you have to ponder as well.

Most of the water vessels these days have an electrical system. So, getting an electric-powered water heater is not troublesome. You should know that the heater will always be running without limitations if it’s run by electricity.

When it comes to a propane-powered heater, it has a quick recovery rate even when the temperature is low. You’ll also save on running costs. Some think that electric-powered ones tend to last longer. Nevertheless, propane-powered heaters can keep up.

On the brighter side, you’ll find exceptional water heaters that can be powered by both propane and electricity. So, at any time, you can switch to the power source that suits you best.

The water heater should be the right size for your boat. It shouldn’t be too big or too small. If you ignore this matter, it may be bulky for your boat or won’t provide the necessary amount of hot water. If you don’t have ample space for it, go for the tankless type as it’s compact.

Everything you put in your boat is exposed to the marine environment. In this matter, you should consider your boating routine and preference. Experts recommend stainless steel that can withstand all kinds of environmental and weather conditions.

A brand is appealing if it becomes popular due to the satisfaction that it gives buyers. So, settle for a company that has a good reputation and you won’t be disappointed with the quality of their products.

Marine Hot Water Heater Troubleshooting

Be concerned about troubleshooting as it’s important to get the heater fixed in case something goes wrong. Research the product to see if you can handle the necessary troubleshooting steps.

A marine water heater heats water that is used for cooking, washing, or shower. It seems like the one that is used at home but the operating system differs. Hoses are made as connectors instead of pipes.

There are two ways to heat a marine water heater. You can let it run by AC power or marine engine heat. This equipment only needs minimal power as any excess can disrupt ignition. It usually comes as a built-in but selections are in various sizes, patterns, and durability.

Companies become competitive these days. Thus, it’s not only the popular ones that excel in making quality products. Aside from the commonly known Superstor marine water heater and Isotemp water heater, Whale, Kuuma, Bosch, Ecosmart, and Suburban are trustworthy brands in terms of creating marine water heaters.

Most marine water heaters are easy to install. You can follow the steps in the instructional manual but in some instances, you may not need it at all.

You can mount it by the brackets and other hardware that come along with it. Then turn it on and you’ll have water in no time.

Rheem and AO Smith are known as makers of quality water heaters. The former also specializes in crafting air conditioning and air cooling systems while the latter only focuses on water heaters. AO Smith has better customer service than Rheem, which is the primary difference between them.

After reading this review, you know the importance and value of the best marine water heater. It’s an investment with a load of benefits. Hot water is a necessity but it can be luxurious when you’re cruising with your boat. It can make a huge difference in your sailing experience due to the immense comfort that it brings.

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