Shower Plumbng - I'm in Hot Water Now

One of the creature comforts that Beth is looking forward to on Harmony is on board showers.  Yes, the in-cockpit Sun Shower fed showers on Poetry were a wonderful way to end the day.  However, we both lack the exhibition gene and the efforts we each took to practice proper decorum while bathing in the cockpit more often than not made the actual cleaning process somewhat difficult!

On Harmony, we'll have a shower in the forward head:  what a luxury.  To fuel that shower, we'll also have pressure hot and cold water.  To get cold water is a fairly easy feed from the on-board water tanks:  remember those brand new beauties!  However, like most domestic household applications, the hot water will have to come from an on-board hot water heater.

When we bought Harmony, she had an old Raritan 6 gallon hot water heater.  These are generally very suitable units, but they can develop leaks over time no matter how well they are winterized.  Well, the Raritan unit on Harmony had succumbed to the leakage of age.  We needed a new hot water heater.

Our old Raritan 6 Gallon Water Heater - it developed a leak and needed to go

OK, which size and make to choose?  These hot water heaters can be operated on 110 volts AC or be plumbed into the engine's cooling system.  We will have both options open to us for the few times we'll find ourselves in a marina slip.

We could fit a larger than 6 gallon unit, but did we really need to.  The more water to heat the longer it takes to heat and that means more electricity or a longer engine run time.  Since we wanted to minimize engine run time for economy and environmental responsibility, we chose to stick with the 6 gallon size.  Besides, with the engine running it shouldn't take longer than 15 to 20 minutes to have abundantly hot water.

Now, what brand to get?  The Raritan units can be somewhat of a standard, but a trolling through the life supporting marine catalogs offers a veritable plethora of options.  We wanted one that would have longevity, have superior insulation, and be relatively free from operational problems.

After a thorough review of the internet, the several sailing blogs and networks, and our own Westsail Owners Association, we had narrowed our choices down.  After our discussions at the Newport Boat Show, we had made our decision.  Our friendly marine refrigeration expert, Kathy Groh from Great Water Marine Systems, had spent time discussing the Isotemp hot water heaters with us.

Based on its all stainless steel construction and excellent insulation, we chose to go with a 6 gallon unit.  Kathy had a show model with an invisible dent that she let us have for a bargain price:  no brainer!  The Isotemp will be able to hold the water temperature for up to 35+ hours.  This will allow for Beth and me to each have a shower and there to be water left over for other purposes.

The Isotemp hot water heater installed on Harmony

The Isotemp in its Port side nook in the engine room

The installation of the Isotemp 6 gallon unit couldn't have been easier.  I used 4 through bolts through its solid base.  All I had to do then was connect the plumbing hoses and a by-pass for winterizing.  It fit perfectly in the engine room.

For one of the few times in my life, I am perfectly content to be in hot water!

Fair Winds and Following Seas!