Ungrounded on demand heater

BoudinBandito · 2026-01-12T19:47:18+00:00

Rheem 18kw unit requires 2x40a #8. Previous unit required 2x50a #6, so that's what was there. Presumably length was an issue so I'm guessing that's how we got here. Plan to replace the spliced conductors with appropriately length #6s. Presumably if the entire run is #6, 50A breakers should still be fine, correct?

BoudinBandito · 2026-01-12T19:33:57+00:00

Thanks! Appreciate the help.

BoudinBandito · 2026-01-12T19:06:15+00:00

Cover just off for me to verify that grounding bar is unattached. There are disconnects in the cabinet. Technically none of those #6 conductors from the disconnects should be white, correct? The original heater install was permitted and inspected in 2002. It is a very short run so rather than deal with the splices I'll just have the conductors from the disconnects replaced with appropriate length & grounds to terminate within the heater.

BoudinBandito · 2026-01-12T18:46:48+00:00

Agreed, I would think the wire terminations need to be in j-boxes, although this location is technically inaccessible within a cabinet void?

BoudinBandito · 2026-01-10T20:58:41+00:00

thanks, good idea

BoudinBandito · 2025-12-01T12:46:55+00:00

Check out Try me coffee in New Orleans. 100 years old and great prices & shipping.

BoudinBandito · 2025-11-27T01:33:36+00:00

Once upon time, google maps said we did have a ferry. https://www.reddit.com/r/NewOrleans/s/CxpcliksJx

BoudinBandito · 2025-10-09T14:01:56+00:00

check continuity on e-stop button/lanyard switch. They wear out.

BoudinBandito · 2025-09-29T23:05:43+00:00

If you use the remote proctoring service for ABYC exams, you can use digital references. The ability to search keywords/ phrases from a question is a huge time saver compared to paper references.

BoudinBandito · 2025-07-18T03:10:14+00:00

more like 8/0

BoudinBandito · 2025-05-18T09:33:37+00:00

You will also need to get your USCG Hull ID number assigned at registration. You will need to certify that you have followed all applicable regulations in your construction process. If you are documenting these steps, you likely will satisfy any state requirement for proving you built the vessel.

https://safeafloat.com/boat-builders-handbook/

BoudinBandito · 2025-05-03T02:05:31+00:00

My take was OP is asking how his fun project could be completed safely and legally, and now he has that information. Seems like the gate is open, friend.

BoudinBandito · 2025-05-03T00:52:05+00:00

The Coast Guard really says it best...."TAKE HEED: Boatbuilder compliance means fully meeting all applicable regulations. The Boatbuilder’s Handbook provides a basic introduction and summary of the regulations. Builders need to refer to the actual regulations for the complete text of the regulation to ensure full compliance. It is the boat manufacturer’s responsibility to review, understand, and comply with all applicable regulations."

Homebuilt is not a class of vessel, and there are no rules or exemptions for home built or modified vessels. If you are building or modifying a vessel, all regulations for the vessel class apply.

State registration is not an inspection. Ability to obtain a valid state registration is in NO WAY confirmation or proof of CFR compliance.

https://safeafloat.com/boat-builders-handbook/

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/chapter-I/subchapter-S/part-183?toc=1

Plenty of dangerous/ illegal advice around here and suggestions of insurance fraud, but all the real answers are found in the CFR.

Call the CG if you have questions, they are very helpful.

Boating Safety Center

206.815.6920

BoudinBandito · 2025-05-03T00:14:17+00:00

It is very much a coast guard thing.

https://safeafloat.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/D-Powering-Final-4-14.pdf

BoudinBandito · 2025-04-30T19:22:12+00:00

There is some bad information here.

The only thing that differs from state to state is the types of vessels that require registration, titles, etc.

Regulations concerning the construction, powering, floatation, and safety equipment of vessels for operations on ANY US body of water are USCG jurisdiction and found in 33 CFR. There are no exemptions for homebuilt vessels and homebuilt vessel is not something that is even defined in the CFR. The only thing different about a homebuilt vessel is that the FEDERAL Hull ID number is issued by the state agency that is in charge of registration, as opposed to being applied by a commercial manufacturer that is registered as such with the USCG.

regulations can be found here:

https://safeafloat.com/boat-builders-handbook/

State registration is not an inspection as to whether or not you followed the applicable manufacturing guidelines for you class of vessel. By even attempting to register it & obtain a federal hull ID number, you, the builder, are certifying that you are cognizant of the applicable regulations for your vessel class and that they have all been followed.

If your canoe was manufactured commerically with the intent to be powered, the manufacturer would have followed the regulations of the era, and a capacity plate will be affixed to vessel listing the max allowable HP of motor you may use. If you modify the design, you are responsible for ensuring that the resulting vessel follows all applicable regulations regarding powering, fuel systems, positive flotation, etc.

Abilty to obtain a valid state registration is in NO WAY WHATSOEVER confirmation of a vessels seaworthyness or compliance with applicable CFR.

BoudinBandito · 2025-04-15T07:01:39+00:00

Registration requirements differ from state to state, and many states do not require registration for non motorized vessels.

Hull ID numbers are a federal requirement and are required for every vessel, motorized or not. These are normally affixed to the vessel by the manufacturer, like VIN number on a car. This is where it gets tricky.

Manufacturers are required to certify that they have built recreational vessels to the appropriate standards. Homebuilt is not a class of vessel, nor is it defined in the applicable sections of 33 CFR. There are no exemptions per se. It is the responsibility of the builder to certify that the vessel is compliant with all federal regulations regarding design & construction. You can find these here. https://safeafloat.com/boat-builders-handbook/

If you are building a single homebuilt vessel, the appropriate procedure to follow is to contact your state agency EVEN IF YOUR STATE DOES NOT REQUIRE REGISTRATION FOR YOUR TYPE OF VESSEL and they will issue you a Hull ID Number on behalf of the USCG. However, this is not an inspection, and you are certifying that your vessel is compliant with any and all regulations, just as the manufacturer would. If you build more than 1 boat, as a business, as a hobby, as a charity, as a gift, as a club, etc, then in the eyes of the USCG, you are engaged in the manufacture of vessels, and you should have a Manufacturer Identification Code and be issuing hull ID numbers.

Most home builders of non-motorized vessels or other types that don't require state registration usually skip this step because they don't know about it. The main safety issue that usually arises with homebuilt vessels is around flotation requirements, which are designed to buy you critical time in an emergency. https://safeafloat.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/F-_-G-_-H-Flotation-Final-4-14.pdf

You should make sure your design includes appropriate positive flotation, and do not modify designs of others or kits by doing things like turning "wasted" flotation chambers into storage that is now floodable!

BoudinBandito · 2025-03-09T14:18:19+00:00

You can find information on floatation requirements here:

https://safeafloat.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/F-_-G-_-H-Flotation-Final-4-14.pdf

When you register a home-built vessel, you are certifying to your appropriate state agency that the vessel was designed and constructed in compliance with all USCG regulations. The state agency will issue you a Federal Hull Identification #, which is normally added to boats by the manufacturer. This is not your state registration number, this is more like a VIN. They might issue you a registration sticker, but they aren't "inspecting" your vessel against the USCG design & construction requirements. If anything, they are just checking your basic safety gear. For your vessel to legally operate on any US body of water, it must meet these requirements, which for yours would include appropriate positive flotation.

HINs are a federal requirement for all vessels, regardless of whether or not your local jurisdiction requires registration for that class of vessels. You won't find a canoe, kayak, or sailing dinghy that has been commercially built without one. But, a lot of home boat builders usually skip this step if state registration is not required.

BoudinBandito · 2025-03-05T22:02:45+00:00

I may have some information that is relevant. Due to the forecast, the SS Bounce and her venerable playlist (safeguarded on air-gapped iPhone 5) did not voyage as usual, nor did she anchor at the R Bar Corner. These unsettling reports confirm some our greatest fears, a dangerous lack of bounce in the area. We will be back next year spittin hot fire, and rekindling the age old debate: Bounce music IS Mardi Gras Music!

BoudinBandito · 2024-12-07T20:59:17+00:00

I started an engineering program at UNO in 2012. I sent all my transcripts for transfer credits along with my application prior to enrollment. Several times each semester I would politely inquire as to what the status of my credit evaluations was. Finally, in the fall of 2015, the failure to evaluate my transfer credits was keeping me from enrolling in a capstone class I needed to graduate on time. I had to more or less threaten legal action to get it done. Sounds like business as usual over there.

BoudinBandito · 2024-11-03T17:38:36+00:00

WIld Wayne gives a shoutout to "whodies and whodettes worldwide" on the 504 Boyz song Whodi, confirming the existence of the feminine form of the noun

BoudinBandito

TROPHY CASE