To obtain hot water on a boat, there are several technical solutions. All of them use a tank that is heated either electrically or by using the engine cooling water.
A stainless steel tank to limit aging
The company Plastic et Formes in France imports German water heaters of the brand Elgena. These models, which range from 6 to 50 liters, are built with a stainless steel body. This metal offers a double advantage. Not only is it more durable and does not rust as quickly, but above all, limescale does not stick to it. As a result, it falls to the bottom of the water heater. It is then easy to extract it at the time of the annual draining for example.
The importance of good insulation
All the water heaters in the range are perfectly insulated. They keep the water hot at over 80° for at least 48 hours (with an outside temperature of 18°). It is both comfortable to always find a good temperature at the tap, but also energy efficient not to have to heat the tank all the time.
Three energies to heat water
There are 3 heating modes and they can be combined. You can heat with a 12 or 24 volt DC resistor, powered by the onboard battery. You can also opt for a 220 volt resistor to use the heater when you have the electrical outlet connected to the dock.
Finally, the coil can also have an exchanger with the water of the engine cooling circuit or the water circulation fuel heating circuit. The water is then heated when the boat's engine is used. The 3 heating solutions can be combined: for example, a water heater can have a 220 volt resistor as heating medium and also be connected to the engine or heating boiler exchanger.
Minimum footprint for maximum adaptability
It is the strength of this German manufacturer to offer water heaters that can be adapted to the needs of each individual. The same applies to the size and shape of the tanks, where there is a wide choice. As for installation, there is no need to place the water heater right next to the engine, but rather where there is room for it to be installed.
15 l for 4 persons
And to help you choose your model, you should know that a family with 2 adults and 2 children needs a 10 liter tank, 15 l for a family with 4 adults will be enough.
