The PS tests were mainly heat retention ability. The original Isotherm with
the orange foam insulation came out on top. Not sure how the newer
stainless jacketed would rate. Second was the Heat Transfer Products Super
Stor.

We use the big HTP heaters in our commercial properties and they have proven
to be excellent performers so I went with a 12 gallon Super Stor. It has a
well insulated stainless tank with heavy plastic skin and is built to the
same standards as their commercial tanks. I added a Watts N170 thermostatic
mixer valve so it will output the water at a constant 120F. Theoretically
with the tank at 180F and supply at 80F the thermal valve will extend the
usage by more than double.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

"GBM" wrote in message
...
I saw a review of hot water tanks that was published in Norway, but it did
not cover the common units available in North America.

Has Practical Sailor or anyone else done one that cover Force 10, Seaward,
Raritan, Isotemp etc?

I no longer get PS, so if anyone has results of testing, could they
summarise?

Some concerns:

- materials - Some have aluminum tanks and heating coils, others S/S or a
combination of the two, others glass lined steel. (How will aluminum coil
stand up to salt water - I will be using raw water cooling)
- Type of insulation - PU foam, Fibreglass, rock wool - how long does
water
stay hot?
- Outer cover - galvanised, S/S, Plastic.
- Hot/cold mixing valve - is it needed?
- Wattage - some are 750W and some are 1500W regardless of tank size!
- Dimensions - need to get it into cockpit locker where it will consume a
lot of space!

I would like to have a custom unit made to fit the space, but suspect cost
may be excessive - has anyone done this?

Thanks,

GBM