[ReelMagic]

Yes.... I had to replace mine in a 2003 38 Open w/Cummin's several years ago as well. Tried to remove it without removing the heat exchanger but there wasn't enough room but I did figure out a way.... It's quite a bit of work but possible.. After removing the hoses and anchor screws holding the hot water tank down you have to remove the screws on the sheet metal covering around the tank and take the covers out of the engine room. Once the sheet metal covers are removed the tank will come out past the heat exchanger as the tank is a cylinder and much smaller. Reverse the process when installing the new one.. Remove the Sheet metal covers from the new heater, put the new tank in, and reinstall the sheet metal covers... Takes time and significant effort but it beats removing the starboard heat exchanger.. Hope this helps....