De-winterizing hot water heater

[jennso37]

Prelude - I did search the archives but I do not see anything that helps me with this particular issue.

When we bought the boat it was on the hard and winterized - I have everything up and running now ready for an insurance survey next week but  realized this morning that the hot water heater is bypassed as part of the winterization. Now I could just proceed into the survey and have the surveyor note that the hot water heater could not be checked as it was winterized, but if I can get it reconnected then I'd like to do that.

Attached are two photos showing the tank and hoses. Evidently the two white hoses are connected with a male to male adapter as part of the winterization. I assume one of them goes on the nipple marked A (big assumption) and the other one goes where ? on the fitting on the top of the tank (marked B) ? or elsewhere. If on B I assume I need a 90 degree hose barb adapter on there.

If this is not correct then your insight would be appreciated

[renegade27]

Hello, jennso37

I've just completed a full review of the hot water tank and system with a drawing here jeanneau.proboards.com/thread/2744/piping-valves-hot-water-heater .

I didn't fully understand your question, but I hope the drawing will help.

Top forward valve: pressure relief.
Bottom forward valve: winterization dump and water supply
Top and bottom aft vales: heat exchanger to/ from engine
Very top valve (red hose on mine) hot water supply to the boat.

As a PS on my situation - the yard couldn't stop the leak from the heat exchanger connection - I was given a choice: bypass (as yours is now) and give up hot water, or spend ~ $1000 for a new tank and installation. Washing up these days with room temp water

Hope this helps and good luck!

[jennso37]

Thanks Renegade - will get this hooked up this week and see what happens

[so40gtb]

Just remember that the water heater is your sworn enemy. The objective of this diabolical device is to soak you with water, should you ever touch it. On our SO34.2, the water heater succeeded in soaking me during 50% of the winterization/de-winterization cycles over our 5 years of ownership. Our SO40 blew a hose off its water heater while cruising last summer, emptying one fresh water tank, but all's been quiet since I cleaned off all of the silicone sealant that prior owners applied to the hose barbs. I will pay for this peace soon, no doubt!

--Karl

[jennso37]

Thanks all

On our Beneteau (2001 Oceannis 381) the element in the water heater is a common place item that I can find at any home improvement store. I haven't done it but am told it's a < $20 replacement part.  Does anyone know if the heating element in the Jeanneau is also a commodity part ?

[rxc]

I don't know about the heater element, but I have found the relief valve from the water heater on my 43DS on only one web site, in the UK. I even contacted the manufacturer, Honeywell, and they agreed that they only sell it in the UK. But even that web site did not have it in stock so I still suffer with crud deposits. I did find thermostats in the UK, from several suppliers, for about 12 pounds-UK each (there are 2 in the water heater). but they wanted 37 pounds-UK(!!) for delivery to France. I had them sent to a friend in the UK for free. You might have to go to Jeanneau and pay sailboat prices for the heater. But take it out first, and see if you can find one that will fit at HD.