1998 355 AC/MY Hot Water Heater

[mjk1040]

Looking ahead for a replacement hot water heater for our 1998 355 AC/MY. Parts listing says it's a Gallo? It's a 11 gallon heater with the engine plumbing in the back of the heater and the fresh water supply in the front. Replaced the relief valve already and now need to replace the drain valve that's leaking. Would like to, when the time comes, replace with the same style heater so I do not have to do any re-plumbing and can just plug and play. Thanks in advance! Mike

[mjk1040]

Guess I found what I was looking for. Didn't find a Gallo, but it appears Whale Seward makes an 11 gallon one that looks to be an exact replacement in three different types of cabinets, SS, Galvanized and Painted. Thanks 4 Looking-Mike

[Viper]

Believe you're looking for the S1100 if I recall. Should be a direct replacement, just need to ensure you get the model with the exchanger ports on the back.

Is yours under the dinette?

[mjk1040]

Yes it is Viper, and I do believe the S1100 is the correct model. Hopefully I can get it out without having to remove the bench seat when the time comes. Mike

[Viper]

Don't remember having to remove the bench. It should come right out of the floor hatch. I do seem to recall that there is an air conditioner there unless yours is a slightly different build. Can't remember if that is in the way and has to be moved to get the heater out.

Mike, I forgot to mention that Kuuma has an equivalent model. It is slightly larger (not much) and may not be suitable for your space but they are typically cheaper in price. You'd have to measure available space and the hole she has to come out of, then compare to the size of the unit.

[mjk1040]

I'll have to look again at Kuuma, I put one in our '86 Mariner 32, 3 years ago, but when I was looking at the Kummas, I couldn't seem to find a rear exchanger model. The AC unit is located there also, but it's farther starboard and shouldn't be an issue. My concern was if I can reach the mounting screws in the back of the unit and it will in fact come out of the floor hatch. I'll have to recheck the Kumma models. Thanks for info Viper. - Mike

[mjk1040]

Viper, Found the Kuuma model 11842. The reason I didn't see it before is the pics didn't match the description. And the $$ is slightly less. Thanks again! Mike

[PINCHME]

You might find one that will fit your need at Defender. Here's a link to a quick search:

http://www.defender.com/category.jsp?pa ... id=2234312

Cheers,
Doug

[Viper]

Qr Bbpost..... My concern was if I can reach the mounting screws in the back of the unit and it will in fact come out of the floor hatch....

Didn't anybody tell you that you have to be a contortionist to work on a boat?

The heater will come out through the hatch. I've never taken the bench apart to do this job but I'm used to getting into tight spots then having to call someone to pull me out

Do whatever you need to do to make it easier for yourself. If you dismantle everything first though, you'll likely get to keep all your skin and blood, I'm missing a lot of that

[mjk1040]

Oh I know all to well the contortionist one has to be to work on anything in a boat. But you forgot about the other things you will need! Lots of Band-Aids, Advil and of course a lot of your favorite booze to kill the pains when all is said and done. And oh yes, the special tools one has to make to get in there in the first place. MIKE!