www.iFourWinns.com

So I've searched on the site and I've confirmed what I suspected already, that replacing the water heater in my 258 Vista will not be easy. I've seen a few members state that they were able to remove the hot water heater without having to take the engine apart but they were other models of boats. It appears that if I remove the batteries there might be enough room to slide the old one out, and a new one in, but curious if anyone here has done it. Also if you do manage to slide the water heater out and get a new one in, is there enough room to work, as far as any bolts that have to be put in, connections made, etc.

I've never had a boat with hot water before, so it is something I can definitely go without. If I can buy a new heater for @300 or so and do it myself, it would probably be worth it .. if I have to spend the money for the heater and then for say 4 hours labor to a mechanic ... then probably not worth it.

Thanks!

Jason

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'99 258 Vista Cool Breeze II

My 278 is probably similar. The shorepower hot water element has always worked but a few months ago the engine heat exchange component failed. I'm more interested in hot water while underway than dockside. Taking a few measurements I gave up on the idea of removing and replacing the old water heater as it would involve removing the engine or a number of parts. My plan was to dismantle/cut up the old heater in place and replace it with a simple heat exchange unit (no electrical connection). An example is shown.



I decided to have one last look at the old unit and found that the heat exchange tube was blocked but the debris was near the exit point back to the engine and I cleared it with a screwdriver. My conversion plan is now on hold.

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John
2006 Four Winns Vista 278 (sold)

Jfair, that heat exchanger might be an option, thanks. I'm not familiar with these systems at all, so just a couple of questions about heat exchangers in general.

How long does the water generally stay warm for after you kill the engines? And also how long would you have to run the engines to get some hot water if they haven't been running for a while?

My other question would be regarding the set up of a system like this ... would you use the existing hoses that currently go into the hot water heater and just bypass the heater? Or would this require a whole new setup?

Thanks again for the response.

Jason

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'99 258 Vista Cool Breeze II

I replaced the hot water heater on my 2005 268. It was not too difficult. I removed the batteries, disconnected and plugged the hoses, and disconnected the wiring. The hot water heater is attached to two pieces of starboard which is attached to the boat. I unscrewed the starboard on both sides from the boat and lifted the hot water heater and starboard out of the boat. It was a tight squeeze, but I made it.

Before I reinstalled the new hot water heater, I attached it to the two pieces of starboard. I also added a set of bypass valves so it would be easier to winterize. I put the hot water heater in place. Again a tight squeeze, but it fit. I reattached the hoses and wires, replaced the batteries, and FILLED the hot water heater with water. I tested it; no leaks and it worked great.

Would I do it again if I had to? Yes!

My hot water heater stopped heating last year. I replaced the heating element and then found out afterward all I had to do was hit the reset button. Maybe you don't need to replace the hot water heater.

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2004 268 Vista "Satisfy My Sol"

Fred, that is good to know, thanks! Gives me hope that I may be able to do this.

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'99 258 Vista Cool Breeze II

That would be great, however when I took the cover off to replace the heating element, which was my first hope, it appeared that all the connections had corroded on both sides. So unless there are wires under that cover plate which are not supposed to be connected to anything, I don't think that is it. However since it can never hurt to try all the simplest ideas first, where is the reset button? lol

Jason

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'99 258 Vista Cool Breeze II

As su2skelsey pointed out, check everything out before replacing. Is the unit getting power, have you hit the reset button?

I too have a V258 and would have to agree with the above post!! BUT remember, you can always take it out in pieces. Its getting the new one in that counts.

Since my last post I decided to retire my Atwood water heater and find a stainless steel tank. I had considered a heat-exchanger-only unit but decided that both shore power and engine heat would be best. Removal of the old unit was accomplished by taking the outer case off in situ to reduce its size. I looked closely at the Isotherm water heaters but couldn't find one small enough for the space available. The photos show my new Mariani "baby" heater. I bought the tempering valve at a local plumbing shop.





http://www.arnoldsboatshop.com.au/index ... pQodLlEArg

The Mariani water heaters are made in Italy, distributed through Europe and available from two outlets in Australia, not sure about the USA.

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John
2006 Four Winns Vista 278 (sold)

Very nice setup, gonna keep that in mind when mine goes south. Thanks

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"Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes "

1996 238 Vista dlx "Casper's Toy Too"
2006 5.0GXI w/closed cooling, DP-sm 1.95 drive
Previous boat:
1998 Sundowner 205

I know this is an old post, but can someone link a picture or diagram where this "reset button" is on the 248/258/268 water heater?

Much thanks,
NJboater.

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Current Boat: 2016 V275 6.2L MC B3
Previous Boat:2002 Vista 248 5.7l dp

http://www.atwoodmobile.com/manuals/wat ... .19.07.pdf

I found this, but I have to read through it, since Im trying to locate the reset button.

Thanks,
Michael

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Current Boat: 2016 V275 6.2L MC B3
Previous Boat:2002 Vista 248 5.7l dp

You have to remove the small rectangular cover on the front of the water heater, this will give you access to the two thermostats and the heating element. There will be a small square button on one of the thermostats, this is the reset. However, after working on a few of these for myself and a few friends in the marina, I would almost bet that you will find the terminals burned up and/or wire melted on one of the thermostats. Replacing them both is not an expensive job, I think the kit is @ 30 bucks depending on where you buy it from.

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Jack
2005 268 Vista - Sold

2001 Silverton 35C 8.1L Crusaders

Thank you for the reply, Ill have to take the cover off...crazy to have a reset button behind a cover like that but...

I have the manual now, found an expanded PDF at which appears to cover most models and marine units:

http://hometips.me/Mar/Atwood-Water-Hea ... manual.pdf

The question I have as Vista 248 owner, what am I missing if I can get this button reset and it still doesn't work?

1. Confirm water in tank (the cold works)
2. Turn on pressure pump, wait a minute or two for heater to fill, ensuring not to power it up empty/burn it out.
3. Confirm that the reset button is closed, continuity check prior to turning the unit on.
4. Turn on the hot water heater breaker. (I understand, it could take 5-10 mins for heating)


Is there any other "REMOTE switch" anyone knows of in v248/268 in the engine compartment which may be hiding?

Much thanks, once I can get my hands on the boat in the Spring from storage, i'll be able to check, and if required order new thermostats, etc, if it doesnt work.

NJboater

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Current Boat: 2016 V275 6.2L MC B3
Previous Boat:2002 Vista 248 5.7l dp

I thought I had a burned out heating element and replaced it with a new one. Unfortunately it did not fix the issue. It turned out the connection wiring harness about three feet away from the heater had separated just enough to break circuit. Pushed it back together and fixed the issue.

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2007 358 Vista