Raritan Engineering Water Heaters

Raritan Engineering Marine Water Heaters: Built for Life on the Water

Raritan Engineering has been a trusted name in marine comfort since 1958, and their approach to marine water heaters reflects the same engineering discipline that has made them a go-to brand for serious boaters worldwide. While residential water heaters are designed for stable, landlocked environments, Raritan's heaters are purpose-built to endure the relentless demands of saltwater exposure, constant motion, and the spatial constraints of onboard living.

The 1700 Series: Raritan's Flagship Marine Water Heater

The centerpiece of Raritan's water heater lineup is the 1700 Series, a marine-specific unit engineered from the ground up for reliability and efficiency afloat. Unlike generic units, the 1700 Series features a glass-lined steel tank surrounded by solid, CFC-free foam insulation—a combination that resists corrosion in demanding marine conditions while retaining heat longer than traditional fiberglass insulation alternatives. A polymer exterior jacket adds another layer of protection against the moisture and salt spray inherent to the marine environment.

One of the most compelling aspects of the 1700 Series is its dual-source heating capability. When docked at a marina, the unit's electric heating element—available in 120V or 240V configurations—handles the job efficiently. When underway, an optional engine heat exchanger routes hot engine coolant through an internal coil to heat onboard water using thermal energy that would otherwise go to waste. This dual-source design means you're never without hot water, whether at the dock or miles offshore.

The 1700 Series is available in 6-, 12-, and 20-gallon sizes, making it suitable for everything from compact daysailers to larger cruising yachts and liveaboard vessels. Installation is thoughtfully streamlined: all inlet, outlet, and relief valve connections are located on a single side, and the unit connects directly to standard ¾" NPT pressure water systems—making retrofits straightforward in most onboard plumbing setups. The compact footprint is a genuine advantage in tight engine rooms and bilge spaces where every cubic inch counts.

Why Raritan Engineering Stands Apart

What sets Raritan apart isn't just product design—it's the brand's deep marine DNA. Raritan is a family-owned, U.S.-based manufacturer that assembles its products in Millville, NJ, with an employee base that averages over 22 years of tenure. That institutional knowledge translates directly into products that solve real-world boating problems. Every component of the 1700 Series—from the thermostat to the heating element—is selected and tested for performance and longevity in the marine environment. All models include adjustable thermostats and feature both ignition and thermal overload protection for added safety aboard.

For boaters who prioritize energy conservation, the built-in heat exchanger option makes the 1700 Series particularly attractive: it captures waste heat from the engine's cooling system to warm your water while underway, reducing reliance on shore power or battery reserves. It's the kind of practical, integrated thinking that has made Raritan a preferred choice for sailors and powerboaters alike for decades.

Shop Raritan Engineering Water Heaters

Whether you're upgrading an aging unit or outfitting a new vessel, Raritan's 1700 Series offers a proven, marine-grade solution for reliable hot water on board. Explore the full selection of Raritan Engineering water heaters to find the right size and configuration for your vessel, or browse the complete Raritan Engineering brand page to discover their broader lineup of marine comfort and sanitation products.