Hot water & foot pump?

[stormalong]

Originally Posted by ottow

As pointed out by someone earlier in this thread, a foot pump is not 100% leak-proof, so if the calorifier is higher than the water tank, it can drain back into the water tank thru the pump.
This would be bad for efficiency, bad for any electric heating element which may become uncovered and bad in general for the water tank which potentially will end up luke-warm, thus promoting growth there.

If that is a concern put a check valve right after the footpump.

[wingssail]

We decided to have a pressure water system when we put this boat together many years ago. We wanted the boat to be as convenient as living ashore so as to disincline us from wanting to move ashore! And we built systems which worked as well at anchor as at the dock, for a similar reason.

Our hot water comes from a propane fueled instant water heater, and has from day one. It is mounted just on the other side of a bulkhead from the galley sink, and also close to the shower. Very little water is lost waiting for the hot to get to the faucet.

We have a foot pump which supplies a separate fresh water faucet in the galley, but rarely use it.

The most effective water saver for us (other than conscientiousness) is pressure salt water. We have a separate system which pumps sea water throughout the boat, to the galley, shower, and deck fittings (yes, another set of faucets). So, in water conservation mode we use sea water to wash and fresh to rinse.

The benefits to us of the pressure water system and the propane instant hot water are convenience and the fact that hot water is available even when away from the dock and without having run the engine recently, plus no heavy and bulky hot water tank.

For some this would be offset by the risks of using propane, but we are comfortable with that, and our propane system has been trouble free for 33 years (excepting a couple of solenoid and califont replacements).

When on a cruise we consume about 5 gallons of water per day including showers. With a small water maker we can extend our tankage to last 30 days, or more if needed. We carry no jugs on deck.

[Poche]

If you need some hot water just boil a pan on a stove. Unless you want a floating palace with hot showers. Go sailing.

[sailorxyz]

Originally Posted by ottow

As pointed out by someone earlier in this thread, a foot pump is not 100% leak-proof, so if the calorifier is higher than the water tank, it can drain back into the water tank thru the pump.
This would be bad for efficiency, bad for any electric heating element which may become uncovered and bad in general for the water tank which potentially will end up luke-warm, thus promoting growth there.

That problem can be stopped by installing a check valve.

[wingssail]

Originally Posted by Poche

If you need some hot water just boil a pan on a stove. Unless you want a floating palace with hot showers. Go sailing.

YES! A floating palace with hot showers, that's us!

And, it does go sailing! (often in first)