Atwood Water Heater on a 1999 35 Open

[ReelMagic]

I replaced the hot water heater on my 2003 38 Open last year and learned quite a bit. Not sure where yours is located on the 35 but on the 38 it's on the outboard side of the starboard motor (Cummins 6CTA). Initially looked like the unit as a whole would come out once disconnected..... That was incorrect... Close but no cigar..... Needed to remove the outer shell exposing the tank which is an Aluminum cylinder (like a coke can). With the shell removed it came out easily.... Needed to remove the shell on the new one and re-installed the shell once back in the boat.... Not a hard job but time consuming with disassembly of the unit itself......BTW mine is 11 gal..... M2C

[1999R4]

On the 35 it is actually in the cabin below the AC/DC Panel.  You access it by removing the seat-back from the dinette and the access panel.  It is very awkward to work on as you are reaching into the compartment and down.  The unit is a 6 gal. model but they look similar in design to the 11 gal. so the shell might have to be removed on these as well.  

[torchlake99]

Thanks, let me know how the change went.  Most likely I will be doing the same thing soon.....
Good luck.
Kent

[drifter]

Looks like its my turn to replace the water heater, 2001 3100.  Are there any issues removing the old unit?  Does it fit out of the hole?  How much coolant am I likely to lose?

[ReelMagic]

WRT to removal see my post above..... Needed to remove the outer shell to remove. Same to install the new one.  Other than the shell removal/replacement not a big job..... I didn't lose much if any coolant as the hoses from the engine to the hot water heater had valves on the engine to minimize coolant loss.. If I loss a 1/2 quart I would be surprised... Look for the valves on the engine.... M2C

[drifter]

Thanks, I'm going down tomorrow to have a go at it.

[drifter]

Got the old one out.  My boat is a 31, the heater is located under the cabin seat below the electric panel.  Removal wasn't too bad, if anyone wants help just ask/PM.  This is a 6 gallon unit.  Took me 2 hours, too long, can be done quicker.

[bluebikemike]

Bluebikemike is correct, it is 6 gallons. I would replace the unit at that age. Good Luck!

Of course that being said, our W/H has failed.  My technician replaced it with an Attwood 6 gallon, and now we're golden.