I suppose wrapping would reduce the loses some, but it is a rather tight
fit in the locker and 3 sides probably can't be insulated. Actually the
inner cylinder is wrapped and contained in a larger box. Unfortunately,
because we opted for the larger it will take a saw to get it out for
replacement.

Frankly, we haven't had much of a problem since we normally vacation in
"heat wave" weather, and the need for a "hot hot" shower is minimal.
Although the temp is diminished, there is usually enough warm water in
the morning (16 hours after running) to shower, including the dog who
likes to swim. However, if we were to add more solar power to reduce
the number of times we run the engine for juice, we could have a problem
- I'd probably get one of those "black bag" heaters and rig it in the
shower so there would always be a reserve.

The one year we traveled in a nasty early winter we tended to stay at
marinas a lot so we could run electric heaters and have the water heated
electrically. Also, I suppose one could heat electrically with a genset
since they only draw about 1.2 kW and its a simple resistive load.

All that said, were I doing it over, I would review the Practical Sailor
result (Jan '99?) before choosing a water heater


MMC wrote:
Jeff,
Could you wrap the heater with an insulating blanket like a house unit? If
you have room, might help.
MMC
"Jeff Morris" wrote in message
...


Our boat normally comes with a 5 or 6 gallon tank; we opted for the 11.
THe month after it was "sealed in" practical Sailor did a review which
said that ours (Sealand?) was so bad at retaining heat they couldn't even
show it on the chart. However, it will take some major work to get it
out, so we're stuck with it for a while.