Water Heaters Through Engine

[RegalBoater]

I have a 1982 Regal Ambassador 245 XL. I am new to boats and am restoring this one. It has a water heater that runs through the engine. How good do these units work and do they use the same pressure that the cold water uses? Or does it have another pump for the hot water? Anyone have a schematic of this system.

 

[RegalBoater]

Re: Water Heaters Through Engine

Also,, this is the first Cabin Cruiser boat I have owned. The construction and condition on this Regal is phenominal for as old as it is. I have made the gel coat look like it was brand new just with a buffer. No cracks or anything. <br /><br />Does anyone know the quality and construction of this boat? or a little on the history of Regal boats. <br />Thanks

 

[Mikedg]

Re: Water Heaters Through Engine

Regal started in the 70's and is still a family owned business, based in Florida www.regalboats.com. The quality of their boats has always been excelent. I've owned 3, one was a later version of yours, a 1989 233XL, pictured below. I had that boat for 10 years and put over a thousand hours on it without any major problems.<br /><br />As to your original question on the water heater, the heater has a heat exchanger that uses the water from the engine to heat the water. Very similar to a car heater. If your boat has shore power, the water heater may also have AC elements for heating at the dock. One pump will provide more than enough pressure to pump both the cold and hot. I don't have any schematics applicable to your boat, but if you check some of the pump company web sites, they some times have typical installation drawings.<br /><br />

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Water Heaters Through Engine

Mike...looking at your picture almost looks like you are at the north end of Big Chief Island on Couchiching?

 

[Mikedg]

Re: Water Heaters Through Engine

Bob:<br /><br />You got it. Used to boat on Simcoe and Couch. Now boat out of Victoria Harbour on the bay.<br /><br />By the look of the photo in your profile, you must keep your boat at Hot Knots?

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Water Heaters Through Engine

Actually Mike we were at Mariposa right next door, now we are on Couch at Ojibway Bay near the casino. Have stayed a few times at Queens Cove during our trips to the bay, nice place!

 

[RegalBoater]

Re: Water Heaters Through Engine

Cool!<br /> Thanks for the info Bob I like the looks of your 233. It nice to hear some good words about regals. I picked this boat up for a good price and it was close to my home. I didnt know that much about Regal's and you dont really see that many of this age around even on the internet. I am sure I will have more questions as the weather warms up and I update more of the boat.<br /><br />Thanks again

 

[RegalBoater]

Re: Water Heaters Through Engine

I meant thanks for the info Mike, another Regal Boater<br />oops

 

[Mikedg]

Re: Water Heaters Through Engine

Regal Boater:<br /><br />Ask away any time and if it is something specific, post a picture and I'll see if matches anything from my old 233 to help out. If you have any other questions on your boat if you can't find help here, I've always found Regal customer service quite helpful.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Water Heaters Through Engine

Hi Regalboater,I am on my third Regal and could not be happier.I had a 20ft and a 255xl Ambassador which is a larger version of the 233 in the photo and currently have a 280 Commodore.Never any problems,high Quality and good parts availability.I would highly recommend the boat!!!The gelcoat with darker colors tend to fade but your color should be fine.The hotwater heater sounds like the ones i have had and work fine.Usually the only difference is the size,shape and capacity.Good luck and keep us posted.If you need parts try 1800US REGAL.Charlie

 

[RegalBoater]

Re: Water Heaters Through Engine

Cool thanks Charlie and Mike again,<br /> Its great to hear positive things about these boats. Once I get into fixin up this thing I will have more questions. <br /> I just thought of one. One of the Portlight frames is busted. I havent found anyone that makes ones that will fit. I might just make one out of some plastic sheets, any ideas?<br /><br />thanks

 

[Mikedg]

Re: Water Heaters Through Engine

Regal Boater:<br /><br />Does the port light have any identity marks on it for manufacturer or size? There are quite a few different brands out there. If not, get an accurate measurement and do a search on the net for suppliers and forward your specs to them. <br /><br />Here's a link to one supplier:<br />www.becksonmarine.com<br /><br />If all else fails, contact Regal customer service by e-mail and they should be able to tell you who manufactured the port.

 

[RegalBoater]

Re: Water Heaters Through Engine

Cool deal,,<br /> Yea I looked for a manuf. name or number on them and all I found was a "Gray Enterprises, Tampa FL" on the inside of the window. I did some searching and didnt come up with anything. I figured it to be like a plastic subcontractor or something since regals are made out in FL. <br /><br />I did check out the link you provided,, Thanks a bunch,, I think that I will give them the specs. and see what they can provide.<br /><br />I am going to take some more pics of some little things I have been wondering about as well to show. <br />Hey thanks for all your help, and help you will be providing