[Uhehner]

My opinion is, if removal access to the water heater is easy, replace it. Otherwise do a quick fix and replace the element. For home heaters you can get stainless steel elements that last much longer but I never changed a boat unit. My heater is an '88 and still working without a leak but to replace it is a big job. The engines outboard elbow and exhaust hose has to come off first. But the tank is aluminum, not coated steel like a home heater so I guess that's why it's still going. Capt. George