Water Heater: Leave it On or Off?

[HBSteve]

If a boat is in a slip and connected to shore power, is there a danger with leaving the water heater on during the week? I've heard it isn't good for the heater to be turned on and off frequently. But is there danger with the heater on an unattended boat for a few days?

 

[fishbust]

Steve, I would shut it off.
One less live circuit that could cause electrical issues in your absence, for no good reason.
Also, a leak/drain issue would burn up the coil.
It only takes an hour running to heat the water super hot, so unless someone needs a shower right away upon arrival at the boat, why run it continuously? No issue with using it intermittently.

 

[DennisG01]

Agree. Leave it off when you leave. Also make sure you turn your water supply off at the dock. The last thing you want is to spring a leak inside the boat when you're not there. I'm not sure how the advice regarding "it's bad to turn the HWH on/off" came about, but I don't see how that makes sense. All you're doing is cutting power.

 

[HBSteve]

Got it. We appreciate your feedback.....Thank you.