hot water tank woes/possible alternative?

[Jo-Ski]

Hi, folks--

Well, the hot water tank in our trusty ol' '83 FC 35' RB gave out last weekend--just as we happened to be attending the wonderful PNW BB rally at Tokeland, WA(thanks, gang--the hot water tank thing dampened our spirits a bit, but it was still so great to be with you all!).

As has been the experience of anyone we've talked to who has had to go through trying to replace the tank, just getting the tank out is proving to be a bear (it's as though the tank was installed and then the walls built around it at the factory). Stew is also dreading that getting a new unit back in is going to be a nerve-wracking challenge as well.

Anyway, we've a question for the group: has anyone replaced their hot water tanks with one of these smaller, "on-demand" hot water units? Stew thought that might be one interesting alternate solution to actually replacing the tank itself.

Would love to hear of anyone's experience. All advice from any of you experts is greatly appreciated!

Many thanks in advance!

Jo-ski and Stew

"The Bird Abides"

'83 FC 35' RB

Blaine, WA