We set up the water supply and sewerage of the yacht
Denis Korablev
  • 01.11.2021
  • 1,165

We set up the water supply and sewerage of the yacht

Surprisingly, small boats require regular water supply, although there is plenty of water overboard. Lack of water on a yacht, especially if it is taken from yacht rental with the expectation of a relaxing pastime, can spoil the mood for a long time, and a good rest will not work ...

Water is required on the vessel:

  • to provide the crew and passengers with fresh water;
  • for cleaning and flushing toilets;
  • for engine cooling.

In addition, a system is needed that removes water from the hold. You may need it!

How does the water from the tank get to the tap?

On small vessels, free space is limited, therefore, elastic tanks are usually used for water. They are easy to install, even in tight spaces. Plastic tanks are strong and cute but quite expensive. The price of a 100 liter tank is comparable to the price of a huge 200 liter refrigerator! Some shipyards include welded tanks as an option, which is welcomed by buyers as there are significant savings.

First, the tank is filled with a hose from the deck filler neck. Water enters the faucet from the tank using a foot pump, which is often allocated near the sink, and an electric pump (gear or diaphragm). The pumps create pressure in the water supply system. Electric pumps can be forced or automatic. It is more familiar to turn it on forcibly: you just have to switch the toggle switch, turn the tap - the water has gone. The automatic pump will shut itself off as soon as the specified pressure level is exceeded.

Hydrophores are popular - pumps connected to a pressure tank with a rubber diaphragm inside. Ensuring an uninterrupted supply of water, the pressure tank maintains a certain pressure in the water supply system, so the pump motor does not need to run every time the water is turned on. This guarantees energy savings, minimal noise and constant water flow. The cost of a simple hydrophore is about $ 500, with a tank volume of eight liters.

And if you need hot water?

A cold shower is good only in hot weather, and in cloudy weather, it is unlikely to bring pleasure. And I don’t want to wash the dishes with cold water. Boilers help out (a type of water heaters) for 20-30 liters. From the hydrophore, water enters the boiler, which heats up from the second circuit, where it circulates, cooling the running engine.

Yacht boilers usually contain an electric water heating function. This requires a voltage of 220 V. Then you need to purchase an inverter so that the heating elements work in the parking lot. Small Inverter can be purchased for $ 500. Water enters the taps and then leaves through shower heads or sinks. The price of yacht cranes (mixers) significantly exceeds the price of similar "ground" ones.

We advise you to pay attention to the shower box used on yacht decks and bathing platforms. It includes:

  • hose;
  • hot / cold water mixer;
  • shower head with dosing valve.

The price of the shower box is quite affordable - $ 100.

Gray waters - what is it?

On yachts, the length of which does not exceed nine meters, the used water is removed overboard directly through the scupper. After the team members have received water procedures, soapy water is sent in the same direction with the help of a pump. In accordance with the requirements of certain countries, "gray water" must be collected in specialized tanks and pumped only at the parking lot into the sewerage of the marina, of course, after paying in advance.

Owners of yachts who have latrines on board should also solve the same problem. The easiest way is to install chemical dry closets such as Dometic or Porta Potti. After filling the lower tank, you can detach it from the upper one and drain the contents in a secluded place.

Small boats with pumping (manual or electric) toilets are divided into two types. For some, pumping and flushing with seawater is provided (where, as a result, everything is washed off); others have a septic tank installed in the sewer system. The tank has a neck for disposal of waste into the sewer system of marinas or specialized floating collectors. An additional option is a pump that facilitates the removal of faeces into the sea. Often the pump comes complete with a macerator, which grinds and turns the waste into a homogeneous consistency. In this case, a smaller pump is required. The cost of a complete unit (with a tank, a pump and a macerator) ranges from 2000-3000 dollars.

Is it worth saving?

Dealers in the sale of small boats provide various configurations. You can choose for every taste and wallet!

The price of a yacht with sewerage and a well-functioning water supply system is much more expensive than without it. Some people think they can do the installation of a water system on a boat by themselves. After reviewing the price lists of companies selling the relevant equipment, and making simple calculations, the future owners conclude that it will cost much less. Experts 2yachts point out that the main components of the system will need to be purchased additionally: fittings, hoses, kingstones, electrical wiring, etc. Do not forget that the work of a plumber or an "experienced" installation person will also need to be paid for.

In addition, there is a risk of voiding the warranty on the case when a "knowledgeable" person starts drilling holes for the Kingston. You should think hard and calculate once more how much such savings will cost.