Whale hot water heater tank or Isotemp?

[javajoe79]

Very similar dimensions even though the Whale unit isn't round so it takes up more space really. The whale unit is cheaper but claims more capacity. Otherwise they do the same and have the same options.

http://www.isotherm-parts.com/index...d=1991&zenid=1d3f253823706fb013f5dabf89b2f8e0

http://www.whalepumps.com/Marine/pr...r-Heater-23-ltr-6-US-Gal-Front-Heat-Exchanger


I was recommended on here to use the Isotemp but came across the Whale today. They seem to be a reputable company.

Any reviews?

 

[zelatore]

If the square shape works for your application there are many options available as that's a standard size in the marine world. Here's a sample:
http://www.westmarine.com/search?Ntt=water+heater

(you can often beat WM pricing, it's just an easy site to reference)

I've used most brands at one time or another, usually in the 6 or 11 gallon size. In a saltwater marine environment I generally see about 7-10 years out of them. Should last longer in a truck than on a boat since it's not exposed to salt nearly as much.

FWIW, there are 12v heating elements available but they aren't as powerful as a 120/240v and need a lot of battery power.

You can also get them with or w/o heat exchangers. A nice addition so you can have hot water without power. You can generally specify the location of the hook-ups as well as the mounting tabs (front/rear vs sides)

IsoTherm is nice, but not as common in the US. You can also get custom stuff made by Torrid if you've got the budget. I had to do that to replace a NLA QL unit a couple years ago.
http://marinewaterheaters.com/index.php

 

[javajoe79]

Definitely want 110v option with heat exchanger. I like how the whale is configurable with it's heat ex placement and it's a good bit cheaper than the isotherm unit with similar options and size. It will take up more space though. If the isotherm unit is better in some way I will go with that. Maybe one of them is better insulated? That is really the only advantage I can think of.

 

[javajoe79]

Just pulled the trigger on the Whale unit. $289 shipped

 

[Nitromethane43]

I believe the main difference is Isotemp uses a stainless steel water tank with stainless steel cover, and the Whale uses an aluminum one, with an option for aluminum, galvanized or stainless steel outside cover.

To extend the life of an aluminum tanked water heater just ensure that no chlorine is used to sanitize the tanks and pre-filter carbon or aerate any city water that is ran through your system.

 

[javajoe79]

Ok good info. I didn't realize it was an aluminum tank. That's ok I suppose. I can understand the price difference in the isotemp unit now as it has a 316ss tank.

 

[javajoe79]

I received the whale unit. It seems nice enough. However it does not come with a mixing valve. I really understand the cost difference now. Not a 316SS tank and no mixing valve. Otherwise it's pretty nice and should package well exactly where I want it to. It's lighter than the Isotemp unit too.