Calorifier location

[superboots]

At present the calorifier is crammed in the engine bay under the generator frame. Its about 15 lts and has a small leak so needs fixing or replacing. I'm wondering if I could relocate to under the saloon sole - would involve a longer pipe run from engine and some re- plumbing of service pipes. I could p[robally fit a larger tank or have one purpose made. Any views about this?

 

[vyv_cox]

Distance makes little difference. Production boats I have worked on have them in lockers at the forward end of the saloon, several metres from the engine. Horizontal or vertical installation may require a different unit.

 

[Plum]

At present the calorifier is crammed in the engine bay under the generator frame. Its about 15 lts and has a small leak so needs fixing or replacing. I'm wondering if I could relocate to under the saloon sole - would involve a longer pipe run from engine and some re- plumbing of service pipes. I could p[robally fit a larger tank or have one purpose made. Any views about this?

Just try to ensure no high points in the pipe run between engine and calorifier that will trap an airlock and stop the flow. If unavoidable you can fit automatic bleed valves but they are another potential source of leak of engine coolant.. Until I re-routed my hoses I had this problem and although I had a manual bleed valve at the high point it needed regular bleeding otherwise frustration of no hot water after a long engine run. Problem now eliminated.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[Graham_Wright]

A consideration is the loss at the tap waiting for the warm water to emit.
My solution was to arrange a bypass loop from the heads (furthest from the calorifier) back to the inlet of the tank. There is a metal length in the feed to the tap holding which helps to be sure the water is warm before opening the tap.

 

[superboots]

Good but has anyone had a bespoke calorifier made and how did it go?