water tender

[RichCarter]

I just returned from a long vacation. I cruised the south coat of new england for almost 5 weeks. During this time, I stayed on a hook and had no access to shore facilities. Normally, water consumption becomes a problem when I cruise. Getting the boat into a dock that has water can be problematic. This year, I had no need to bring the boat in and had all the water I could use.

I met some folks last year who distribute a product that is used to resupply your boat’s water tanks. It consists of a water bag, pump, hoses, and storage bag. With this, you can bring your dinghy into the dock and fill up the water bag. Then tie up to your boat and pump the contents of the bag into your water tank. Being a cheap SOB, I decided that I like the idea, but could put the parts together myself. I already had a cheap water transfer pump, so all I needed was a flexible water tank. I purchased a 26gal plastimo water tank from Marisafe for about $100. The bag fits nicely in the bottom of the dinghy. About once each day, I made a trip to the nearest marina and filled up the bag. Then I transferred the water to one of my tanks. I don’t normally use that much water in a day, so I had more than enough water.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=9576
http://www.marisafe.com/Store/viewItemSpecs.asp?ID=453010057&CID=45300000&FLT=453010058

The only small complication is that the water tank has two fittings, only one of which is needed. I blocked off one of the fittings by inserting a round piece of rubber gasket cut to the appropriate size. A 25′ coiled water hose and valve were needed too. I have a 12v battery in my dinghy, so the power connection was easy.

BTW, I replaced my Raritan water heater last year with a larger Force-10 unit. The new unit must be better insulated because water stayed hot in the tank for a lot longer period of time.

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Rich Carter

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