Seaward F-600 Hot Water Heater Weld Failure

bails023

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 31, 2013
Messages
46
Fluid Motion Model
R-21 EC
Hull Identification Number
FMLC2815H314
Non-Fluid Motion Model
Cutwater 28
Vessel Name
First & Last
MMSI Number
338167347
I have a 2014 C-28 and when commissioning the fresh water system noticed a substantial leak at the bottom of the hot water heater (HWH). I had noticed a little wetness in-front of the HWH over the years however today there was a steady stream of water when the fresh water system was pressurized.

Each winter the fresh water system has been completely filled with antifreeze and I have never had any freezing problems.

Removal of the HWH (not a fun job) revealed that the weld for the heating element connection had cracked (see photo in album - weld crack - light line in about 30% of the weld).

Have anyone else experience this type failure? A quick web search identified a number of F-600 weld failures however, the description was not clear as to where the weld failure occurred.

I tend to think that a weld failure (even on a four year old HWH) is a "manufacturing defect".

Does anyone know if it is worth it to try and have the weld repaired or is it better just to buy an new HWH?

Thanks.
 
Well you already removed the heater so buying a new one or using the old will be the same amount of work. I would first call the manufacturer and see if they are willing to offer any relief. If not, my philosophy when doing my own work is go for the best product and spend the money since you are saving the cost of labor. The newer heaters that Ranger is using seem to be pretty well engineered and also have the anti-scald valve on them. I I think the brand is Isotemp https://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|51|2234308|2234311&id=2357713, but I am sure you can get that from Ranger. If it will fit in the space, and it were me, I would replace it with the newer model. While your at it you may want to check out everything that is accessible with the heater removed.
 
The hot water heater on our R29S is made by Webasto and named Isotemp Spa. Not sure if this is the one Mike is referring to or not but having this information my help narrow your search down, if you decide to go this route. They make them in 4 thru 11 gallons , based on the manual. Sorry to read about the weld problem.

Jim F
 
At the end of last season I noticed a small amount engine coolant coming from the bottom of the hot water heater. At the time I thought I may have spilled some when topping off the engine coolant. This year I have noticed more engine coolant coming from the water heater. I checked the hose coolant connections and they are dry, so I assume there is some sort structural problem with the tank. I don't know the manufacture of the heater but it may be a Seaward since it is the same year as your Cutwater. I will look at it next time I go to the boat and let you know.

The fresh water side of the heater is fine, so I don't plan on addressing it until I pull the boat this coming fall. I turned off both coolant valves coming from the engine and will use electric to heat the water. This gives me a reason to run the generator which does not get sufficient run time.

Let us know if you get any compensation from Seaward, I may decide to pull the tank and determine the cause of the leak.

Good luck!
 
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