Freshwater tank question??

[Blown Away]

I discovered a pinhole on the top of my freshwater tank today in the 23 and pulled it out to replace it. Was wondering if the 50 liter tank was the original size tank that came with the boat or if it may have been previously replaced with a different size tank?? Thanks

[Bob23]

Hmm. Good question. What year is your boat? Mine is a vintage 1985 and still has the original bladder, although I don't use it. Not sure if they ever came with a hard tank but then again, I'm known for not knowing everything!

[Bristol14]

My '87 has the original bladder also. Took it out last fall thinking I'd try to clean and start to use it, but not sure it's useable. Not sure of the size, but will look tomorrow.

[Blown Away]

Hi Bob, Thanks for the reply. My boat is a vintage 1984. I found a triangular 100 liter flex tank online that will fit the space for around 70 bucks. Heck of a price for that size tank but certainly not planning on filling up. If my calculations are correct that tank would add an extra 110# to the bow if full compared to the old tank. The only reason I haven't just eliminated it is because I use it for the deck shower to spray the salt off of the grandkids on overnight anchorages. This past summer I thought the tank was just sweating keeping the locker damp so I emptied it with plans on insulating it and discovered the pinhole in the top forward crease of the tank. After removing it I also discovered a bit of rot damage on the bulkhead so today I got it cleaned up and prepped to epoxy in a couple of layers of cloth before installing the new tank. Sitting here itching the fiberglass stuck in my arms but very thankful it wasn't a waste tank for the head! The joys of owning boats! 

[Blown Away]

My '87 has the original bladder also. Took it out last fall thinking I'd try to clean and start to use it, but not sure it's useable. Not sure of the size, but will look tomorrow.

Thanks! Would greatly appreciate it!!

[Blown Away]

Bristol, This is the link for the bladder I found online if you decide to replace your old one. You may want to also check the supply lines to your fixtures. I replaced my lines last spring. They were disgusting to say the least! Surprisingly the tank was clean when I dumped it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005TH5USQ/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I9QSXIHRS4BL0&colid=29UQ2QOVFR1UO&psc=0

[Jeff S]

I found it interesting that the original C23, the MKlll, and the current MKlV do not mention water tank at all or the capacity.  Sailboatdata.com states that the MKll beginning in 1979 had a 14 Gallon (approx 53 ltr) water tank.   Found a listing of a used 1980 that confirms the 14G capacity.

[brackish]

My 23IV has a hard polymer rectangular tank located under the V-berth,  just forward of the mast support bulkhead, starboard side. Probably weight offset for the port mounted motor.  I have the capacity of 11 gallons in my mind but have no idea where that figure came from.  Maybe in the manual.

I've never run it dry although my longest cruise has been four nights.  And I don't drink the water from that tank, I have a 2.5 gallon potable water tank that has a spigot that mounts on a tray in the bulkhead cut out on the starboard side.   Plus frozen water bottles as part of the ice box cooling.  Even with pressure water added, and a cockpit accessible washdown hose I've always had plenty of water.

[Bristol14]

My old water bladder was made by Nauta and holds 50 liters or just over 13 gallons.

Thx for the link for a v-shaped replacement. I also saw that there is a smaller rectangular shaped bladder for 30 bucks less. I kind of like the idea of adding some weight forward to offset passengers and my outboard, even if I rarely use it.

By the way, the water line needs replacement as suggested. It used to be a clear tube, but hardly looks that way now.

Thx.

[Cruzin]

I found a 31 gallon v-shaped freshwater tank on Defender.com for I think $115. I am planning to install it in the v-berth where I currently have a very small rigid tank. This tank seems like a great deal but pretty big capacity. I think i should fill it with wine!

Dale

[Blown Away]

Bristol, I also like the option of being able to control bow weight. I've been pondering a design idea of a center line A frame hinging type motor mount that would put the outboard directly behind the rudder. Haven't done any calculations yet but anticipating a little more squat on the stern so adjustable ballast on the bow would be a plus.

My old bladder was a 50L Nauta also so I think for future reference it's safe to say that this was probably the spec bladder at that time. Thanks for checking!

BTW how is your refinishing project going?

Karl 

[Blown Away]

Dale, Thanks for the info

[Bristol14]

Karl, I've made some progress refinishing the interior teak I removed. I posted pix but they don't do justice to how well the new finish looks. The Howard's product worked great. I used both the Restore-a-finish and their Teak wax.

Unfortunately the warm weather in Boston was mostly fog around my Buzzards Bay location so the temps stayed pretty cool. I'm chomping at the bit to unwrap my boat and work in the cabin, but I'll wait a few weeks.

Thx for asking.

[Bob23]

While I don't use the bladder anymore (too yucky) I do carry my freshwater supply in a 5 gallon container places in the space where the porta potty is designed to go. I find my 23 likes a bit of bow weight added...seems to help her point just a tad higher.

[Potcake boy]

I purchased a blue 7 gallon water jug from the camping section at Walmart. I installed a 12 volt pump and shower head which I connect by way of inserting the hose into the opening in the lid for the spout. I use this in my cockpit for dish washing, and connect my sun shower to the hose for a hot shower at the end of the day. I use the smallest flow rate pump to conserve water. Easy to empty after a trip and dries out preventing the formation of those ugly things that grow in stagnant water. I use my main tank to refill the sun shower when needed (like when my wife washes her hair). If you press the lever on the shower head in short bursts it will get 4 showers from the 5 gallon sun shower. Or you can wash and rinse with saltwater then a final rinse with the sun shower. The water jug is placed in the cockpit locker and the shower is located on the outside of the locker. If you connect a long enough hose you can locate the water jug on either side to achieve the best boat balance. With 25 gallon water tank capacity, 7 gallon portable, 5 gallon sun shower and 6 gallons of bottled water, we have a total water supply of 43 gallons. So that can last the two of us a week to 10 days easily.