[MKOB] RIMS systems

[Russ Clayton]

I've been thinking a lot lately about moving my brewing from my kitchen 
... into either my garage or screened in back porch.  And I really like 
the idea of a RIMS system.  However, I am not electrically inclined and 
I am far from being an engineer.  I was wondering wether anyone has had 
good luck with using heating elements out of water heaters as the basis 
for their brewing.  And if so, what I can expect to pay to put one of 
these together.

I am not into anything extremely fancy, I would just like to have the 
controls to electrically boil my water, and keep it at the proper 
temperature.  I would still be using my cooler mash tun etc.

Any educated thoughts or experiences?

~r~