What is the issue?
Pressurised water systems load up fresh water pipes. If a joint or pipe should fail and it occurred when the crew were engaged in a distracting activity, or the engine is running loud and masking the water pump's noise, the vessel’s entire fresh water tank could be pumped out without the crew even noticing.Why address this?
Freshwater is the most critical resource upon a yacht and every drop needs to be completely assured. Losing the main water tank in a long passage could lead to an unscheduled stop or develop into a highly dangerous situation.How to address this?
Implement a parallel manual foot pump system. Whilst on passage or in areas where water resources are difficult to acquire, turn off the automated pressurised system as a matter of policy.A manual foot pump may be inserted very simply, typically in the galley, and when you have to press the pump for each drop there is less wastage.
Parallel manual water pressure systemPhoto: Michael Harpur
This is a simple low-cost technique that will not place water resources at any risk. It also eliminates any resources required from the vessel's battery.
With thanks to:
Michael Harpur, Yacht Obsession.Installing the new Whale foot pump
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