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Water Heater - (Leave it on or off?)

Discussion in 'Carver Yacht' started by babyc34, May 29, 2014.

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  1. babyc34, May 29, 2014
    #1
    babyc34

    babyc34 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 1, 2014
    Messages:
    63
    Location:
    Redwood City
    Some things (like lights & computers) don't like to be turned on and off. I own a lab and we went through light balasts and computer power supplies like crazy until we started letting the computers run 24/7 and put the lights on timmers. So now I am wondering whether I should leave the water heater on 24/7 or turn it on only when I need it. I only need it twice a day, once at night for dishes and once in the morning for a shower and that is only when I'm staying on the boat which is 2-3 days a week. I've been letting it run on shore power 24/7. Am I reducing its life span by leaving it on or will I reduce its life span by turning it on and off multiple times a week?

    Any thoughts?

    Cheers!
  2. RER, May 29, 2014
    #2
    RER

    RER Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2009
    Messages:
    1,583
    Location:
    Newport Beach CA
    I think most people turn on the hot water heater when they arrive and leave it on for the 2-3 days while staying onboard - then shut it off when you close up the boat and go home. That's what I do, anyway.
  3. Capt Ralph, May 29, 2014
    #3
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2004
    Messages:
    13,389
    Location:
    Satsuma, FL
    I do recommend turning it off while not on board (along with dock pressure water). Have already witnessed pop/valves, plumbing failures, run-away thermostats (and meltdowns) and just today, another Atwood alloy tank failure.

    Another fine example of the below deck environment, winning... Your wallet loosing.
  4. NYCAP123, May 30, 2014
    #4
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    +1. Leave it on while on the boat, but off when off. If you shut the dockside water and there's any drip you could drain it. On/ empty water heater = burned out element.
  5. babyc34, May 30, 2014
    #5
    babyc34

    babyc34 Member

    Joined:
    Feb 1, 2014
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    Location:
    Redwood City
    OK then, off when gone, on when there.

    Thanks Folks!
  6. Capt Ralph, May 30, 2014
    #6
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2004
    Messages:
    13,389
    Location:
    Satsuma, FL
    Pressure water off also.

    Well & safe,
    rc