Easy ways to raise your boat’s water temperature.
At the end of a wonderful day aboard, a hot shower is like heaven. That hot shower is even better when you don’t have to lug your towel, clean clothes, shower shoes, soap, and shampoo all the way up the dock to the marina washroom. And that marina shower isn’t an option when you’re swinging on the hook at a secluded anchorage. Hot water aboard your boat is greatly appreciated for showers, washing dishes and clothing, or rinsing off the salt after a swim from the aft deck. There are many options for hot water, including a water heater, but you need to be aware of a few things first.
It is important to know how much hot water you need aboard your boat. First, let’s talk about how it is heated. Your house ashore may have a 40-gallon or larger water heater. Most residential homes use either gas or electrical heating elements. The usual temperature for your home water heater is around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. A typical shower water temperature may average 105 degrees Fahrenheit. So, let’s think about how that water comes from the tank to you. When you adjust the hot and cold faucets, you are testing the temperature to satisfy your personal comfort.