hot water heater

To my knowledge there are only two Laser's that have heat exchangers. Voila and Warbird. On the other hand, I see no reason one could not route the hot water return from the effluent end of the thermostat to the exhaust elbow, through a tank. Same as taking the coolant to a hot water tank on the way to the heat exchanger. I have given thought to the idea of hot water, but we only take one cruise of 2-3 weeks per year, and then a few 1-2 day overnighters, and have always made do so far. Still I often think of it. One of the problems with a proper hot water system is that one will then have to add a pressure sensitive diaphram pump to keep it full and all the plumbing to go with it. .......more weight and electric stuff.

One simple idea, if racing is not the prime interest, would be to have built a single water tank from foam and glass or csrbon fiber with a baffle dividing the tank. Through the baffle you place a small balancing line near the bottom such that the level on both sides would be equal. Say if the tank held 15 gallons, the baffle could be placed to give you 1/3 hot and 2/3 cold. Then run a copper heating coil inside the smaller side just above the bottom and then back out to the exhaust. Instead of using a pressure relief valve (more stuff), just run a tiny vent from simple plastic tubing out the top of the tank and lead it to anywhere. By this method one would simply place a second water pick-up line out from the hot water side of the tank and run it to a small valve under the sink and then to a "T" taking it to the hand/foot pump. You simply place the valve in a position for hot or cold water....or a mix. All simple with no mechanical and electrical stuff. It is a minimalist boat and this would be a minimalist solution.

I envy you with a Beta and straight shaft. I agree that would be a great package. On the other hand I love our Bukh my sail drive is fine, though we take very good care of it. Do you still have the sail drive? If so, do you want to sell it? We have an owner here with one that is in very bad shape on Sloop de Jour.

And to all that the Laser already sits down in the back probably 40-50mm off her lines unless weighted in the bow. I love that little Bukh. It is a great piece of engineering and so reliable. However my racing spirit conjures thoughts of exchanging the heavy diesel for a 4 cycle outboard power head adapted to the Bukh sail drive. I see that someone in Sweden makes such a thing. OMC made one decades ago, but it was problematic. Taking roughly 100 lbs out of the back would put her on her designed lines again. Just for chat.

The Farr 25 OD sports the system you refer to. I think phrf would hit us about 6 points which would be about 31 seconds per hour. Probably worth it. Changing to a lighter power head would cost nothing. Currently our ballast ratio is under 33% in as sailed configuration. I have a set of original drawings for Laser from Farr and they have drawn in both a tilting outboard in the same position, and a Volvo of some sort.

I sold the sail drive to the person who rebuilds them. I think Crinmar.

Here is video of the Farr 25 motor:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stQiqek24ro