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!
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.
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.
+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.
