Public Discussion Forum

Hello fellow boaters. My 22 year old Torrid hot water heater started bleeding rusty water and I need to find a replacement. It's a 20 gallon, 120VAC, 1500 watt version. I'd like to replace it with the same model. I contacted Jeff at Torrid and he said they are out of stock and recommended I check with Fisheries Supply and Environmental Marine but both do not have that model. Nobody can give me a date when one will be available.

Many of you live near Torrid. What is the story with them? Are they still in business? Any other recommendations?

Thanks,

Richard Nye

Untethered, 57-22

https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/MV_Untethered/

Hello Richard,

Mine just started dripping a few days ago. It is 20yrs old. So, I'm in the market for a new one as well. Maybe we can get a twofer deal?

I looked at the Kuuma 20gal and it looks interesting, but I know nothing about that brand.

On 57-26, the gap between the hydraulic tank and the starboard fuel tank is 1/2" less than the diameter of the Torrid tank behind it. Of course! I presume I could crush the tank to remove it, but I'd still have to remove the hydraulic tank to install the new water tank. There is no easy day...

I'm going to try to defer this repair until I return from Alaska in October. Until then, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

While I'm at it, does anyone know of a similar sized hot water tank that has two heat exchangers in it? One for the engine loop and another for the hydronic loop - that would be ideal.

Safe Adventuring,

Peter C. Adams

m/v Blue Redd 5726

Mark,

I took a ferry to Bainbridge Island about 10 years ago. What a beautiful place. I could see myself there with my Selene in my front yard.

I know you lived there, and I know Torrid is also there. I thought you might have some inside knowledge of what is going on with Torrid. I spent my career in making manufacturing organizations more effective (safer, better quality, lower backorders, better productivity, etc.) and can imagine some of the problems they are experiencing running a small manufacturing company.

I'll keep trying to contact Jeff, and maybe the few Selenes with end of life HW heaters can band together and work out a deal, or at least move up on the priority list.

Richard Nye

Untethered, 57-22

https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/MV_Untethered/

We replaced our Torrid water heater, identical to as-described by Richard, in May. We experienced the same issues, not available anywhere and Torrid was out of stock. The people at Environmental Services did estimate getting a shipment in six weeks, and at least one of that model heater was NOT already sold - so we got our name put on that heater. The shipment did arrive, we paid for the heater, and a week later had it in our hands.

The new model did not exactly match the old one in that the engine coolant line in/out was a single fitting for two hoses located low on the heater while the new unit had two fittings, one at the bottom of heater and the other 2/3 of the way up the heater. This placed the upper fitting *above* the Cummins coolant cap, creating an air bubble in the coolant line. To correct this we installed a 1 gallon coolant expansion tank obtained from Sure Marine Services (good shop in Seattle), moved the Cummins 15 PSI coolant cap to the new expansion tank, and placed a 20 PSI coolant cap on the Cummins.

Torrid is still there, good people, but clearly a small niche shop and they (and/or their suppliers) have difficultly keeping up with demand.

rob

Roadrunner

2007 Selene 49 deep hull 48-029

Hi Rob,

I did notice that the hot/cold coolant fittings on the new HW heaters were different the the combined fitting on my existing HW heater. I didn't anticipate the bubble issue you explained. I'll have to do some cleaver measurements to see if I will have the same issue. I was hoping for plug and play, but that never seems to work out on a boat.

Richard Nye

Untethered, 57-22

https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/MV_Untethered/

Dear Richard,

I'm sad for your troubles!

I'm fishing around for options myself and last August at the Cannes Boat Show, I met with several hot water venders and got some excellent info/options/prices.

I'll be back at the boat in mid-to-late August and can share that info with you?

~Lucky Chucky

Hello Mark, Richard and Peter:

Interesting! My Torrid water heater on 5728 stopped making hot water 2 weeks ago. It draws current but doesn't heat the water. I'm hoping it's just the heating element. Or maybe it's the manufacturer's planned obsolescence?

I called Torrid about 10 days ago, a person answered the phone and said he would pass my message " to his boss ". After not receiving a return call in a week, I called again. This time I received an answering machine with a message they're busy on the shop floor building new Torrids and will call back as soon as they can. No response yet.

I'm hoping all is well as they make a great product!

Alex on Wild Blue