The 6-gallon water heater on my 3200 has been leaking. I didn't think working on it on the boat was feasible, so I pulled it and brought it home to the garage. I had preemptively bought a new element w/gasket, drain valve, and T/P relief valve. Once I pulled the cover off, I was pretty disappointed to see the condition of the bottom of the tank. There was a lot of pitting and even a hole, I believe. I also dumped out about 2 cups of corrosion dust from inside the tank. I wasn't planning to shell out $400 to replace the entire thing, but I fear I may have to. So here are a few questions that will help me decide the way forward:
1. Can it be repaired by welding? I've seen simple aluminum patches with a propane torch and aluminum rod stock. Seems simple enough, but not sure of the durability over time.
2. Anyone ever replace the 6-gallon tank with an 11-gallon? Without going to the boat to measure, it seems like the standard dimensions are too big based on what I remember of the space.
3. Any brand recommendations? I'm leaning towards Kuuma, but open to Whale or Attwood/Seaward.
4. Anyone ever put in a tankless water heater? My thought would be too much current draw for the circuit. I don't see any on the interwebz, so they probably don't exist.
Thanks for the advice!
'Goose
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1994 Maxum 3200 SCR w/5.7L Bravo IIs & 3kw Onan
2019 Starweld Victory 16 DC w/Suzuki 90hp
Dream boats (smallest to largest): Regal 38 Grande Coupe, Prestige 420S, Cruisers 46 Cantius, Princess V50, Sunseeker 100 Yacht, Mangusta Gransport 54
6 Gallon Water Heater Leak/Refurb
Linear Mode
