Propane System and Excel H2O Heater

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James Power
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Re: Propane System and Excel H2O Heater

Post by James Power »

Hey Guys,

Don't want to throw a monkey wrench into the equation but, is the Excel ventless water heater CO output safe when exhausted into a small, closed, occupied, compartment. Read a few stories where propane water heater exhaust gas caused problems onboard vessels.

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chicagocat
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Re: Propane System and Excel H2O Heater

Post by chicagocat »

I think James has a good point, despite the elegance of Jim's setup. Another reason to consider the outside holding tank compartment and just flipping the hatch when showering.
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NautiBits
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Re: Propane System and Excel H2O Heater

Post by NautiBits »

James and Brendan,

Duly noted!

I'm thinking about enhanced ventilation with any installation. Exhaust fans (except for an inline bilge blower for the holding tank compartment) take up valuable real estate on the deck. Where best to put them? Is a puzzlement! I'm consciously trying to do something that is not best suited to being chained to a marina. Plus, I don't want to upset the powers that be. Oh, and avoiding the pre-mature demise of the crew is also important. :mrgreen:

I haven't forgotten about the simplicity of just opening the hatch. Trying to build in some measures to augment 'oops'!

Thanks for the great feedback everyone!

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jimlong
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Re: Propane System and Excel H2O Heater

Post by jimlong »

There is a good discussion regarding On Demand water heaters on the website "Sailboatowners" http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/ar ... 23621.html. James has a good point regarding emissions but feel that the 2-3 gals. that we use during the shower isn't going to cause any significant emission. Before each shower we ventilate the area with the port light and the aft hatch and then turn on the main propane solenoid and then turn on the gas at the Excel unit and when finished reverse the process. There is definitely nothing wrong with mounting them in the outside lockers other than exposure and even then they aren't that expensive. 8)
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thinwater
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Re: Propane System and Excel H2O Heater

Post by thinwater »

On-demand heaters use a LOT more gas than is commonly realized. How long would it hake you to heat 3 gallons of water on the stove? That's a VERY big pot. 20 minutes? Longer? That is the amount of combustion, only it will happen in just a few minutes. The BTU ratings are much higher than most other gas devices; about 40,000 BTUs or nearly 6x your gas range output.

Though I know many have an aversion to cutting holes in the deck, that is the right answer. It's really not a big deal to install a vent and it's way safer. The surveyor and next owner will likely see it that way. Unvented heaters just give me the willies; a good friend of mine lost his only daughter to CO poisoning.
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Re: Propane System and Excel H2O Heater

Post by jimlong »

The Excel will certainly go through your tanks in short order especially if you linger in the shower like some teenage girls, Lol! We added an additional 5 lb. bottle to our supply of 20 after the first year. This usually lasts us 8-9 weeks before we have to refill. We've used the water heater for the last 3 seasons in the Bahamas and have been very happy with function and placement, no issues. 8)
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