GETTING THINGS BACK TO NORMAL:Pressurized Water System

After I removed the Paloma on demand water heater I was left with doing something with the water supply and hot water output hoses:

The sinks on board BIANKA have two ways to provide water. One is by foot pumps which is what I most often use. The other is a pressurized water system which requires an electric pump to provide the water. The Paloma water heater was hooked into this system. I thought I might be able to get away with just capping the supply hose. But, as I found out after I turned on the water pump the water back fed through the hot water outlet hose. So I would need to reconnect them now that I have removed the water heater. Two 1/2 inch elbows and a short piece of 1/2 inch hose allowed that to be easily done:

I did not like the idea of the hoses just floating there so I arranged for a little more secure mounting of them. I used a    Cable Tie Saddle Mount  and attached it to the bulkhead:

Then used a cable tie to secure it to the mount:

With the hose secure I turned on the pressurized water pump and everything work as before except I no longer was able to have hot water. But, I have come up with an alternative hot water system that I'll be showing in the near future.

RETHINKING PROPANE: The Final Piece

I've finished with the dismantling of the Hillerange stovetop and oven. I've also removed the Paloma on demand water heater. The remaining piece I need to remove from the twenty thee year old propane system resides in the propane locker. It is the gauge, regulator and solenoid assembly that connect to the propane storage tank in the propane locker to the hose that enters the cabin:

 These will be the final pieces of the old propane system that I will remove from the boat. The assembly is not that big or heavy but, it was somewhat of an energy hog when in operation. As I checked out in a previous post.   Gas flow required that the 12 volt solenoid be energized and used over one amp when in operation. The ability to cook on the Hillerange Seward stove or use the hot water heater depended on having a working 12 volt battery bank.  In the process of simplifying the propane system I have also created a more reliable system with which to cook. One not dependent on other boat systems working. That's a good thing.

RETHINKING PROPANE: Removing the Paloma Hot Water Heater

After dismantling the Hillerange Stove and adapting it to my new cooking burner. My attention turned to the Paloma on demand hot water heater. It was still in good shape and working but, since I no longer wanted to rely on a 22 year old propane hose snaking below the cabin sole to deliver propane gas to it and the stove. So it was time to remove it.

I had not actually used it for hot water in about two or three years preferring to take Joy showers off the stern or cockpit showers using a solar shower bag. Though it was a reliable provider of hot water when I was working and living on board in New York City back in the mid 1990's to 2001. I'd use it take a shower everyday before heading off to a midnight shift keeping electrons flowing through the wires in midtown Manhattan. Now that I am living on board only in warmer seasons and in more secluded locations I  won't miss the unit.

The Paloma water heater on BIANKA was installed behind a custom built cabinet with some extra joinery to hide the gas supply line, water hoses and also an AC line for a microwave used by a previous owner located in another cubby.

Removing the wood covers showed the various hoses connecting up to the unit:

Two hand screws on the bottom sides of the heater allowed the cover to be removed:

It then was pretty easy to access the water heater connections and remove them:

The gas supply and water hoses came off pretty easy:

Two bolts and nuts held the bottom bracket of the heater to the bulkhead:

A single bolt and nut held a bracket on the upper part of the heater to the bulkhead. This was more difficult to access. So I went around the back and just loosened the screw until the nut fell off. I was then able with a little wriggling to remove the water heater from behind the cabinet:

With the Paloma water heater removed a nice amount of storage space was opened up:

I'm already planning on adding another spice rack below the cabinet. I'll see what else I can fit into the area left by the removal of of the Paloma. Always good to have more storage space on board.

In hot water?

Bianka had an on demand Paloma hot water heater installed when I bought her. This came in very handy when I was living on board while I was working in New York City. I was working an overnight shift at the time and taking a shower at 11:30 at night in April with unlimited hot water was a luxury found on few sailboats. Today I usually rely on a solar heated shower or a fresh water rinse off from a five gallon bucket I keep on the stern for after a swim. I have not had to use the Paloma hot water heater for several years. Like many things on the boat it will have to be replaced at some point whether I use it or not. But, when that point comes I might consider something like this:

It's a Coleman Hot Water on Demand Water Heater
I can see this having several advantages as a replacement for an installed hot water heating system on a boat. For example it's portability. It could be used in the cockpit on long voyages by the helmsman to make a hot beverage while underway without leaving the helm or disturbing sleeping crew members. It has an optional shower hose and can be turned into a portable on demand hot shower. It can also be connected to the on board propane system or use Coleman portable canisters. The water intake can be plumbed into the on board water system. It could also be taken off the boat and be used at home should some natural disaster knock out power and the ability to take hot showers at the house. Other than making sure that the unit is used with proper ventilation. I see a lot of things to recommend this unit on sailboats of all sizes. Watch the demo video and see if you don't agree. The retail price tag of $250.00 is another real good reason it would make a good replacement.