hot water systems

[Guest]

can anybody tell me if the installation of a calorifier and associated plumbing is something that i could carry out myself. i am fairly handy with tools etc. any idea
of the cost would also be helpful

thanks steve.

 

[ccscott49]

The instalation is fairly straight forward, if you are handy with tools, you should have no problems. This question came up not so long ago, onj this forum. I could explain the whole procedure, but its a bit long winded for here. If you purchase from, vetus or the like, threy will probably be able to help with instructions. Its not a big job, especially if your engine is fairly modern and has the take off points for this instalation.

 

[coliholic]

I have a vague recollection, which could of course be alcohol induced, that PBO did an article on this fairly recently. A search though their archives might produce results, but not a difficult job. Suggest you use the plastic plumbing pipes, trade name Hep2O I think, rather than copper. But a straightforward job.

 

[VMALLOWS]

If you're happy enough with domestic plumbing you shouldn't have a problem....principles are the same.

Your main expenditures will be the calorifier (fancy name for a small indirect hot water cylinder which because its for boats costs 10 times the price of a domestic one) and a pump, either 12volt or mechanical off the engine to circulate the engine water through the tank. For good results the engine should be indirectly cooled.....the water in a sea-water cooled engine is only luke warm.

I would guess at £200-£300 for the bits, or better if you're lucky at the jumbles.
I had a boat-neighbour who LITERALLY cut a domestic cylinder down to size!

For the plumbing (copper or plastic) try SCREWFIX....you're unlikely to beat them on price.

 

[Guest]

Beware of using domestic cylinders: they are usually of an inadequate pressure rating. A boat's automatic water pressure system will be running at something around 35 p.s.i. or more depending on the pump. The nature of the system, with fluctuating pressure as opposed to the steady gravity pressure head from your normal household tank or nearby water tower will also impose additional stresses on the cylinder. Hence they cost more, but not as much as some of the silly Vetus style models. Make sure that you install a proper pressure relief valve and also a back-flow check valve on the inlet, the latter to prevent scalding water back-flowing through your cold water system: could cause a nasty surprise! Try speaking to Gledhill Water Storage (01384 262255) for a sensibly priced cylinder, and specify 100' head pressure rating.

 

[roger]

You might consider running a pipe round the boat with the hot engine water filling it 9by passed in Summer) to give a little gentle warmth in lockers etc. I saw this fitted to a Vindo 32 and it struck me as a good idea.

 

[chrisc]

just started putting one in -seems pretty straight forward ,
biggest problem was deciding on position for Calorifier(tank)
i tried to get it as low as possible so as to make it easier to
drain (whole water system)for winter layup . Next biggest
problem is providing a pumped water drain for shower. ...

 

[Ecartar]

See article p.p. 30 August 2001 'Motor Boat Monthly' for installation info. Combine this with sourcing references already mentioned & Go!

Good luck.

Regards,