[C320-list] water heater by-pass

[warren updike]

I don't know where Catalina switched from clear plastic hose to the PVC;
but, perhaps it makes a difference when installing a bypass. On Warr De Mar,
#62, I think I counted 17 hose clamps in the hoses under the galley sink. My
original intention was to install two manifolds in an effort to organize
this mess and minimize the number of connections. That's how I got an
education on PVC pipe and connectors. The manifold was expensive not even
considering the cost of the various connectors, there was no viable retail
outlet, and the mfgr. wouldn't sell directly to me. I ended up just
installing a by-pass on the water heater.

The by-pass is a $24 kit containing two valves and a bypass hose. The valves
are well made of bronze (I think.)  Space is so cramped under the galley, if
I had to do it over again, I would consider pulling the heater first. The
valves replaced two plastic elbows that screw into the heater. The hose that
needed to be run over the top of the heater from one valve to the other was
not long enough. The threads on the plastic elbows were worn and probably
leaked. Plastic hose barbs screwed into the valves provided for hose
connection. There was not 1/8" to spare. Much attention was given to not
encroaching on the space for the drawer cabinet. 

The bypass, some new hose, and new clamps were enough to eliminate the
leaks, and make winterizing the heater much easier. I do have to pull the
cabinet to get at the valves. Small price for easing the job. 

Warren & Pattie Updike
Catalina 320, #62, "Warr De Mar"
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay



-----Original Message-----
From: Paul Rickman [mailto:ilove2sail at verizon.net] 
Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2008 2:13 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] water heater by-pass

Mine has four screws. Remove the drawers, remove the screws, lift the unit
out and you have access to
everything under the sink, takes maybe three minutes.
 
I made my own bypass with hose and connectors. I don't know what size. But
it was easy and may have
cost me three dollars. But I have to remove it when I have finished, then
put it back the way it was.
 
Paul
Affinity, 657



----- Original Message ----
From: "BAdams3491 at aol.com" <BAdams3491 at aol.com>
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 29, 2008 2:00:20 PM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] water heater by-pass

I am in the process of making a hot water bypass.  I don't think the  WM 
version will work because our boats have 15mm lines and fittings on most  
commercial bypasses have female type ends, which will not mate to the 15mm 
fittings.  
My plan is to make my own bypass using 1/2" pvc and fittings (T  fittings
and 
shut offs), sealing the bond between the 1/2" pvc and the 15mm  lines with
3M 
4200.  You can get 15mm fittings from WM, page 523, but they  are 
ridiculously expensive.

Yes the drawer unit must be removed...it's easy only six or eight  screws.

Bert
At Ease
#442


In a message dated 10/29/2008 11:15:39 A.M. Central Daylight Time,  
uhlman at sbcglobal.net writes:

We are  at that point and wondering what to do next.

I see that West Marine has  a by-pass kit for $30.  The limited description 
says that once you  install it, you can simply turn it on and off in future 
years - no need to  remove.
I've heard a number of people say they bought the kit and did not  know what

to do with it.

Questions

Have you installed  the kit successfully?
If so, did you have to take the drawer frame out to  install it?  (seems
like 
the only way)
Has it worked well for  you?
If not, other solutions?

We were standing on our heads  last Sunday trying to see the outlets of the 
water heater and the lines  running from them - Bob looking through from the

galley side and me from the  seacock door.  We had removed the drawers and 
passed the digital camera  back and forth to get better angles to see what
was 
there.

Also,  has anyone seen the movie Morning Light?  If so, what did you think
of 
it?  We are not a coastal city so may not get it.  Bob is in LA this  week 
and might get the chance to see it there.

Thanks again for  your help.

Barb & Bob  Uhlman
"Whisper"

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