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Instant on tankless propane water heater

  • February 22, 2012 9:41 PM
    Quote
    Message # 833041
    Anonymous member

    I'm considering the Excel 6 liter per minute model. Sells for about $200 requires no venting and takes up very little space.

    http://www.excelamerica.com/calentadores12lt_eng.htm

    Anyone familiar with this unit and likes or dislikes it? Any other brands worth considering?

     

    scott
  • February 23, 2012 9:27 AM
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    Reply # 833590 on 833041
    Deleted user
    Not sure you noted it, but it requires some kind of vent else it will just shut down O2 sensor? Using my crappy force 10 cozy cabin heater I find that propane heat (open flame) produces alot of moisture. = not so good in the winter. 

    Also not sure what you want to do with it? heat the boat, warm some water for a shower, or ?  

    lastly: you may run into issues at sea, if it is tipped 15+deg (normal sailing), the fireing could be an issue, not sure on this, it depends on the internial design.

    but hey, in port with unlimited propane and all of the hatches wide open? I believe you will want all the hatches open to get rid of the moisture.

    You might look into one of the webasto type hydronic heaters with a heat exchanger for the domestic hot water,  just a thought.  I think they use a 1" or 1.25" flue. They cost a bit more.

    My opinion:  Please: if you do this, get a CO detector just in case. and remember you are betting your life on there O2 sensor. if it fails and you don't have a low 02 warning system. you will fail to.


     
    Last modified: February 23, 2012 9:51 AM | Deleted user
  • February 23, 2012 10:20 AM
    Quote
    Reply # 833639 on 833041
    Anonymous member

    Norm,

    Thanks for the response,  I'm planning to use it strictly for showering. Years ago I installed a diaphragm pump to empty the shower sump. Shortly afterwards I was talked out of showering inside the cabin due to the moisture. In the meantime I've discoverd I really do enjoy a hot shower, and my travels may not allow for such luxuries ashore. Also there's little or no chance to attract female crew without one of these hot shower devices I'm told.

    This particular model does not require direct venting to the exterior but a good supply of airflow is important. I'm thinking an exhaust fan near an open porthole. I'll likely operate it the same way I do with the stove, open the propane valve just prior to use and close it right after. The propane tanks sit in a locker on the cabintop with a handvalve just outside the companionway hatch.

    I'd probably go without while underway, too much water sloshing in the shower pan and me clinging to the shower curtain.

    scott 
  • February 23, 2012 10:53 AM
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    Reply # 833658 on 833041
    Deleted user
    It looks like a pretty good unit for hot water or showering.  But it needs to be vented no matter what!!!  Vent-less works only in well vented or large areas and are not legal in many places. I've worked for years on burners and gas fired equipment and would not have one without being vented.

    @ fifteen years ago there was a vent-less marine hot water heater on the market named Wolter and went out of business after two deaths resulted in lawsuits.  Both were mounted in the head which lacked proper ventilation.

    We have had a Bosch mounted in the head for seventeen years and love being able to take hot showers especially in colder climates. It is vented through the roof and we always crack the port when showering.  It can supply hot water to the galley but we don't use it for that.  When cruising one 2.5 propane lasts 5-6 weeks even when showering.  Obviously it doesn't get much use in the tropics but occasionally was used for showering. Moisture has never been a problem, after showering we open the port in the head and in a couple of hours it drys out.

    Jim

            
  • February 23, 2012 3:19 PM
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    Reply # 833853 on 833041
    Anonymous member

    Thanks Jim,

    Excellent, that makes it easy, I'll look into a small capacity Bosch unit.

    scott
  • February 23, 2012 6:54 PM
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    Reply # 833946 on 833041
    Deleted user
    The Excell heater looks like a smaller fit and is a lot cheaper than the Bosch.

    Jim
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