Water Heater ,

[sailor2mon]

What is the easiest way to remove the water heater. Mine still does OK, but after reading the posts here I know it is short lived. I am thinking of getting one next time I see one on sale just to have the spare available. If I remove the wooden access door will it come out through that?, (If I remove the frame?)
 Lived aboard 11yrs...guess it has lasted well.
 I don't keep it on unless I need some hot water.

[dsavary]

I also had a leaking water heater in my 1991 C34. A word of advise, only a seaward heater fits under the gally sink without removing the counter top. Take out the access door to the heater on the port side (where you get access to the shut off). Make sure you remove the door and its frame.
 The heater "justs fits" through this opening. I think you will find your leak on the aluminuim welded seam around the center of the tank and only when under pressure. I bought an exact replacement from BoatUS for $179.  I also opened the cover and added alot of more insulation.  In boat now on third season works better than orignal. Good luck.

[Ron Hill]

Doug is correct on the removal and installation. I'm assuming that your C34 is a 1988 with a square water heater. Seaward sells a galvanized and a stainless model, however the price is different. Both have the same "innerds" so save your $ and buy the galavanized. Make sure that you get the version that has the same water hookups as the one you take out - or you'll be doing some additional plumbing.  Ron
 
 Ron, Apache #788