1998 Patriot Thunder Hydronic heater questions and hot water tank

[Troy Rutten]

Hi Everyone I picked up up a 1998 Beaver Patriot late last fall from an estate sale and it had sat 5 years. motor and tranny seemed strong other things needed work and was priced according as they weren't sure if it was properly winterized.

I'm trying to get The Hurricane c045 working and will be giving it a 5 years service.

the whale F600 water heater was frozen and split so I need to replace it. Looking for opinions on the Kuuma 6 gallon water heater as they appear the same but are $200 cheaper?

Secondly once I get into the Hurricane if I find it needs a bit more work and parts what are your opinion about the Oasis models? ITR recommended the Oasis Zephyr but it only has 33,000 BTU compared to the Hurricane 45,000 BTU. However they said the Zephyr rating was more efficient? Jumping up to the 50,000 BTU model almost double the price so From$5000 to $9000 (canadian dollars)

Also the Zephyr has hot water on demand so would that eliminate the need to replace the hot water tank?

Thanks
Troy

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Troy
If the water heater tank was bad, I suspect you will find the heat exchanger bad also. I've heard positive comments re the Oasis exchange for the Hurricane but have no direct knowledge. As far as needed BTUs, there are a number of calculators on the web (search for needed BTUs, etc.) Much depends on the climate you'll be operating in so take that into account.
Steve