R29 Leaking Hotwater Tank

[Bruzer]

The water heater in our 2020 Ranger Tug, R 29 S LE is leaking water. The water heater is an Isotemp Spa 30. The heater was built in August of 2018. I inspected the heater through the inspection port at the forward end of the midship berth (the “cave”) with the pump on and the system under pressure. With the plastic cover removed at the front of the tank covering the electrical components, a steady stream of water was flowing through the rubber gasket on the front panel. I did not observe any leaking around any of the hose fittings. I have read other posts describing leaking tanks due to failed welded seams in the tank. My plan is to replace the hot water heater. In order to extract the existing heater, I have removed 2 panels from the berth to get better access but the forward panel is jammed in place even though I have removed the two metal angle brackets that secure the panel to the floor of the berth. Have any of you replaced your hot water heater in a R/29? I would prefer not to cut the forward panel to gain access. Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Bruce
R29 S LE "Full Circle"

 

[Bosn Mate]

Bruce:

I have a 2017 R29 Sedan and recently inspected the water heater element as well as work on the AC which required removing the forward panel. Some suggestions as follows:

1. The forward panel will come out after removing the angle brackets on the bottom. As I recall, it required me to remove an overhead panel and a smaller one on the starboard side that is elevated. Once these are removed, I pulled the top of the forward panel and it came down…but it is tight.

2. Before replacing the water heater, I would check to see if the heater element gasket is properly seated and tightened sufficiently. I could easily see this as an issue.

I am not at the boat until Monday but would be happy to crawl in the cave and talk you through how I did it. Shoot me a PM and we can connect.

Mike

 

[Bruzer]

Bruce:

I have a 2017 R29 Sedan and recently inspected the water heater element as well as work on the AC which required removing the forward panel. Some suggestions as follows:

1. The forward panel will come out after removing the angle brackets on the bottom. As I recall, it required me to remove an overhead panel and a smaller one on the starboard side that is elevated. Once these are removed, I pulled the top of the forward panel and it came down…but it is tight.

2. Before replacing the water heater, I would check to see if the heater element gasket is properly seated and tightened sufficiently. I could easily see this as an issue.

I am not at the boat until Monday but would be happy to crawl in the cave and talk you through how I did it. Shoot me a PM and we can connect.

Mike

Mike- thanks for help. I was able to pull the starboard teak panel as you suggested and that allowed the front panel to slide right out. I have complete access to the water heater. Later this week I will check the gasket as you suggested. Hopefully, I will not have to pull out the heater.
Bruce