heater is salt water

(chadly22) · (chadly22) **Join Date: Apr 2007** 04-09-2007, 11:26 PM

Has anyone who runs in salt water tried installing a heater. I've heard lots of complaints from people about their heater cores leaking. I'm assuming this is from rust. Should I even bother with the project for salt water use?

(deepcove) · (deepcove) **Join Date: Mar 2004** 04-09-2007, 11:47 PM

I have a heater and run in salt water, I have not had any issues in 4 years.

(chadly22) · (chadly22) **Join Date: Apr 2007** 04-10-2007, 12:16 AM

Deepcove, Do you have a fresh water cooling system?

(bob) · (bob) **Join Date: Feb 2001** 04-10-2007, 1:05 AM

Had one for 3 years and it finally ate itself and I flush with salt away religiously.

(jayc) · (jayc) **Join Date: Sep 2002** 04-10-2007, 4:18 AM

I ahve a heater in my current saltwater boat. 2 years now without issue.

eater cores are not that expensive so if you budget for replacing them every 4 years or so you should be ok.

Defo worth it though. Over here in the UK I use my heater pretty much any time the boat is out except on the warmest days.

(peter_c) · (peter_c) **Join Date: Sep 2001** 04-10-2007, 8:20 AM

The core is only around $30, so who cares? You burn more than that in fuel, in a few hours running the boat.

(chadly22) · (chadly22) **Join Date: Apr 2007** 04-10-2007, 9:34 AM

$30 is no issue. I thought it would be closer to $300. The entire kit from heatercraft is around $450 so I figured the heater core would be the most prominent part. Peter, which cores are $30?Has anyone tried using an old heater core from a car or truck?

(deepcove) · (deepcove) **Join Date: Mar 2004** 04-10-2007, 6:14 PM

Chad

Yes i have a closed cooling system

(greg2) · (greg2) **Join Date: May 2002** 04-10-2007, 8:42 PM

A buddy of mine's heater core froze and busted over the winter. We matched one up at the auto parts store and I believe it was for a 64 Ford Falcon. We put it in and it's worked great so far. We did have to pad up the sides a little.