[C320-list] Water Heater By Pass

[Christian]

Apologies, I wasn't the most clear.  I am talking about installing valves
on the fresh water intake and exit of the water heater, so no water enters
the water heater.  Then should I decide to cruise overnight, I could turn
the valves and allow water to enter the water heater.  I winterize my
plumbing without antifreeze, blow compressed air throughout the system, and
drain the water heater with a wet vac.  In the 5 years of owning, I've
never used the water heater, and draining the heater with a wet vac is 2-3
hours of effort.  But as our sailing skills improve, we are looking at
overnight trips in the near future, so I'd like the option of the water
heater if needed.  I'm looking at these whale valves:

https://marinepartssource.com/15mm-quick-connect-shut-off-valve-whale-wx1574b.html?utm_source=google_shopping&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9YWDBhDyARIsADt6sGZCFjJYsNEBNy42ZCETNJGagUWNDhMB3TEnOie3j3M73BgIX6f0KVoaAtP7EALw_wcB

Thanks Jack for the comment about 110 volt on the heater, was wondering
about that.  I should think about that.

I am in Chicago, and our off season is about 7 months, so my water heater
sits with no fluid for 7 months every year already.  I'm curious if
potentially 5 more months with no liquid would hasten corrosion, but I
don't know which is worse, submersed in water, or dry.  I would almost
think submersed in water could corrode coils, etc, quicker.

Thanks all for the insight, still debating if a good idea to do.
-Christian Caperton
1994 C320 #138 "Canuck" Monroe Harbor, Chicago, IL



On Sun, Mar 28, 2021 at 1:14 PM RONALD HODEL <ronandgail2 at me.com> wrote:

> Sorry about my assumptions. I thought you were only interested in by
> passing the engine cooling water side of the water heater. We use our hot
> water heater all the time and because we’re on the west coast, we never
> have to ‘winterize’ our boat, so I just made an assumption. To Troy’s
> comment, yes it would create a lot of storage space below the galley.
>
> Ron
> Lokomaikai #1070
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> > On Mar 28, 2021, at 11:52 AM, Troy Dunn <troutwarrior at gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > Christian
> >
> > Are you asking about by passing the engine or the water side of the
> heater?
> >  Removing liquid from either side of the equation will provide a more
> > robust environment for corrosion for sure.  If you really don’t use the
> > water heater, it may be a smarter idea to remove the water heater
> > completely take off the thermostat, heating coil, and pressure relief
> valve
> > and allow it to dry completely and then store it for the next owner.
> > Taking out the water heater will definitely create a lot of extra stowage
> > below the galley.   Removal is a straight forward deal.  Remove base
> > drawers and frame, remove all hoses and drain, remove the screws holding
> > the heater in place.   Take out.
> >
> > Good luck
> >
> > Troy Dunn
> > Hull #514
>