12 Meter International Water Heater Replacement

[tcollins2]

Hi,
I was blowing out the water system with an air compressor over the weekend and I noticed bits of rust coming out of the faucets when I was isolating the hot water side of the system. I anticipate that I'm due for a new hot water heater soon. Probably original 1990. Anyone do this yet? How do get that out from under the counter? Take off the counter top or take the dinette seat back off? Any other hints are welcome.

[El L Sea]

Just did my 12m Sedan last weekend. When i got it out you can see how much rust. Luckily in the Sportfisherman, the heater is under the stairs, so I just lifted it out. The good news is the Raritan replacement has a plastic outer shell.

Heater Rust.jpg (99.61 KiB) Viewed 4617 times

[tcollins2]

I have the express, so it's under the countertop to the left of the sink, under the coffee maker. Borrowed photo.

ExpressWaterHeater.jpg (15.13 KiB) Viewed 4614 times

[tcollins2]

Has anyone tried an electric instant heat unit instead of a storage unit?
I think it would be easier to winterize and you wouldn't have to carry that extra weight.

[El L Sea]

Has anyone tried an electric instant heat unit instead of a storage unit?
I think it would be easier to winterize and you wouldn't have to carry that extra weight.

Extra weight is always relative, we always want to carry more water, unless we bring a water maker.

When we go offshore we carry an additional 150 gallon diesel bladder and a 120 gallon water bladder. Plus people, ice, gear, etc.

The only decent instant heaters that can run a lot are usually 240 volt, otherwise they are point of use, which usually means a sink, not a shower.

[tcollins2]

I was cleaning up and I found this post I printed out.
I never did change out the heater. It's still making hot water.
I think I got stumped on how to get it out without taking the countertop off.

I wonder if the new insta-hots got any better since I posted this in 2018!