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Post by schooner on Nov 8, 2016 17:28:51 GMT
Hi everyone on Thunderboat.
I am currently working on a spec for a new build narrowboat and would like to get some feedback on what is the optimum size of calorifier to meet our needs. The boat builder fits a 64 litres dual coil upright type calorifier as standard to the 57 foot boat. We (wife and myself) intend using the boat for leisure at this stage, mainly weekends and approximately 6 weeks throughout the summer months. The boat will be fitted with a shower, wash basin and kitchen sink as well as central heating fed from the engine and diesel heater.
Would you let me have your views, based on your own experiences, as to whether this unit is a reasonable size for the type of use required - daily showers, pot washing, boat cleaning etc.
Thanks
Garry |
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Post by peterboat on Nov 8, 2016 18:03:28 GMT
Should be ok I have an 80 litre upright and a 55 litre on its side jobby in series [dont ask] the big one works fine for most occasions I have a bath, dishwasher, etc and have no shortage of hot water either cruising or when moored
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Post by tonyb on Nov 8, 2016 18:43:03 GMT
The largest that will fit and that you can afford.
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Post by Mr Stabby on Nov 8, 2016 18:45:19 GMT
Learn to wash as infrequently as the rest of us and the smaller one will be fine.  |
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Post by cuthound on Nov 8, 2016 19:50:27 GMT
In my experience e horizontal calorifiers are prone to getting air locks that are difficult to bleed. Also they are often shoe horned under a cruiser or semi-trad deck, where they get cold quicker than if inside the boats cabin.
I would get the largest vertical one that will fit.
Edited to change it back to wot I rote after autowrong had interfered with it.
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Post by schooner on Nov 8, 2016 19:56:36 GMT
The largest that will fit and that you can afford. I'm a bit worried about going too big, that's why I'm trying to ascertain a reasonably average size for 2 people leisure cruising. I'm assuming a 100 litre calorifier will take much longer to heat up on a morning?
Garry
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Post by Telemachus on Nov 8, 2016 20:16:51 GMT
I think the 64 l upright will be fine. Upright is much better than horizontal since the latter has a bigger contact area between the hot water and the incoming cold water at the bottom - in other words you get hot water the next morning, rather than warm.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2016 20:28:12 GMT
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Post by schooner on Nov 8, 2016 20:38:19 GMT
In my experience e horizontal calorifiers are prone to getting air locks that are difficult to bleed. Also they are often shoe horned under a raiser or semi-trad de know, where they get cold quicker than if inside the boats cabin. I would get the largest vertical one that will fit. Thanks for the advice. It is fitted inside the cabin and upright. As I suggested to tonyb, I'm worried about going too large, say 100l, in case it takes significantly longer to heat up. |
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Post by Ditchcrawler on Nov 8, 2016 20:45:07 GMT
I think the 64 l upright will be fine. Upright is much better than horizontal since the latter has a bigger contact area between the hot water and the incoming cold water at the bottom - in other words you get hot water the next morning, rather than warm. Ours doesn't heat in the morning, it heats while the engine is running the day before and the water is still hot enough for two showers the next morning. You say its in a cupboard, if you can add more heat insulation do so, the old fashion lagging jacket or even canned spray foam |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 8, 2016 20:47:00 GMT
In my experience e horizontal calorifiers are prone to getting air locks that are difficult to bleed. Also they are often shoe horned under a raiser or semi-trad de know, where they get cold quicker than if inside the boats cabin. I would get the largest vertical one that will fit. Thanks for the advice. It is fitted inside the cabin and upright. As I suggested to tonyb, I'm worried about going too large, say 100l, in case it takes significantly longer to heat up. I have not used ours much,so not qualified to advise, but when selecting one, I didn't want one too big for exactly that reason .Why heat up water that you aren't likely to use. If you are cruising on a regular basis you can always heat up more. I calculated what I thought we would need (before it was likely to go cold again), and then added a bit on top. |
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Post by tonyqj on Nov 8, 2016 20:59:51 GMT
I think the 64 l upright will be fine. Upright is much better than horizontal since the latter has a bigger contact area between the hot water and the incoming cold water at the bottom - in other words you get hot water the next morning, rather than warm. Ours doesn't heat in the morning, it heats while the engine is running the day before and the water is still hot enough for two showers the next morning. You say its in a cupboard, if you can add more heat insulation do so, the old fashion lagging jacket or even canned spray foam ^^^^ This |
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Post by Telemachus on Nov 8, 2016 21:05:04 GMT
I think the 64 l upright will be fine. Upright is much better than horizontal since the latter has a bigger contact area between the hot water and the incoming cold water at the bottom - in other words you get hot water the next morning, rather than warm. Ours doesn't heat in the morning, it heats while the engine is running the day before and the water is still hot enough for two showers the next morning. You say its in a cupboard, if you can add more heat insulation do so, the old fashion lagging jacket or even canned spray foam Hi Brian just to mention that the quote button is in a different place on here vs CWDF! nick |
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Post by schooner on Nov 8, 2016 21:14:38 GMT
I'm going to have the quote embossed on the shower tiles for my other half.  |
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Post by tonyb on Nov 9, 2016 7:59:21 GMT
If you are cruising the length of time needed to heat a calorifier is not really an issue, the batteries often take longer to properly charge. If you are in a marina then fit one with an immersion heater and use a shoreline to heat it. Shoreline electricity is cheaper than diesel. If you do not have shore lien facilities then fit another from of heating like a coil feed from central heating.
If you have lots of solar and envisage no shoreline and not a lot of engine running then fit an instant gas water heater.
By and large you only heat the calorifier from stone cold once when you get onto the boat UNLESS you fit one that is too small. Then you potentially do it after each shower or washing up.
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