Washing machines

[Pizzazz]

Originally Posted by WindwardPrinces

OK, now you've piqued my curiosity.

How does a washer fit in that size boat? Just wondering, as I'd love to have one in my next boat, and I didn't know it was possible.

I think I have posted pictures before. In my case, I am using the LG Sidekick which has a horizontal drum size of approx. 22" x 12" with a silent motor built below the drum. Disassemble, get rid of all heavy supporting elements, secure the plastic enclosure under the settee, re-assemble, connect water, move the control panel to a convenient location, disable safety switches.

Key benefits for me:
- Silent, fully automatic operation.
- Build it discharge pump (goes directly overboard)
- Does not take valuable space, have a look at the pictures

Prior to the LG Sidekick, I experimented with a single bin plastic washing machine (does not wash well, does not spin well to extract the soapy water), then tried the Haier 1.0 cu ft. automatic washing machine (too tall, it fit nicely in the v-berth cutout with some disassembly) but was too noisy and the v-berth cutout is valuable space on my boat), then tried a dual bin washing machine (better than single bin but too much effort moving the clothes). Thus, I believe I have come up with the optimal solution.

Another factor is selecting a washing machine is spin speed. It is important both for removing dampness and for removing detergent. I calculate the following lateral acceleration and estimated residual dampness:

Haier 1.0 cu ft machine, 700 rpm, 11" drum = 70g, 75-80% dampness
LG Sidekick 1.0 cu ft drum, 700 rpm, 21" drum = 150g, 55% dampness
Splendide 1.5 cu ft vertical drum, 1200 rpm, 13" drum 260g, 45% dampness

Panda 1800 rpm spinner, 7" drum = 250g, 45-50% dampness
Panda 3600 rpm spinner, 7" drum = 1,300g, 35-40% dampness

Take these factors into account when comparing washing machine effectiveness. Another factor is overall weight. The Splendide is 150 lb, the Sidekick is much lighter after the supporting metal elements are removed.

[WindwardPrinces]

Originally Posted by Pizzazz

I think I have posted pictures before. In my case, I am using the LG Sidekick which has a horizontal drum size of approx. 22" x 12" with a silent motor built below the drum. Disassemble, get rid of all heavy supporting elements, secure the plastic enclosure under the settee, re-assemble, connect water, move the control panel to a convenient location, disable safety switches.

Key benefits for me:
- Silent, fully automatic operation.
- Build it discharge pump (goes directly overboard)
- Does not take valuable space, have a look at the pictures

Prior to the LG Sidekick, I experimented with a single bin plastic washing machine (does not wash well, does not spin well to extract the soapy water), then tried the Haier 1.0 cu ft. automatic washing machine (too tall, it fit nicely in the v-berth cutout with some disassembly) but was too noisy and the v-berth cutout is valuable space on my boat), then tried a dual bin washing machine (better than single bin but too much effort moving the clothes). Thus, I believe I have come up with the optimal solution.

Another factor is selecting a washing machine is spin speed. It is important both for removing dampness and for removing detergent. I calculate the following lateral acceleration and estimated residual dampness:

Haier 1.0 cu ft machine, 700 rpm, 11" drum = 70g, 75-80% dampness
LG Sidekick 1.0 cu ft drum, 700 rpm, 21" drum = 150g, 55% dampness
Splendide 1.5 cu ft vertical drum, 1200 rpm, 13" drum 260g, 45% dampness

Panda 1800 rpm spinner, 7" drum = 250g, 45-50% dampness
Panda 3600 rpm spinner, 7" drum = 1,300g, 35-40% dampness

Take these factors into account when comparing washing machine effectiveness. Another factor is overall weight. The Splendide is 150 lb, the Sidekick is much lighter after the supporting metal elements are removed.

Wow, thanks for sharing.
Good job on the project. That's a good way of doing it.

[Zanshin]

I've got a Brandt toploader washer/drier combination aboard

The real luxury is not washing clothes but drying them. Clothes dried in the sun on the lifelines, particularly in the tropics, have a distinct smell which isn't always a nice one; but drying them in the machine gives them a crisp and clean smell which is worth every penny spent on a washing machine.
Since drying takes a lot of energy, I'll often use the lifeline method to let the freshly washed items dry out a bit and then give them the final application in the washer/drier.
Since I've got normal AGM batteries aboard, charging them from 90% to 100% takes a long time at a low generator/engine load. This is the perfect time for me to make water or dry clothes as it puts a load on the generator that otherwise would just be idling along while putting just a few amps into the battery bank.

[Pizzazz]

Another way to dry them is to hang them in the head and blow hot air from a forced air diesel heater, vent through the hatch. Pretty efficient and you do get the fresh air smell, assuming the head does not smell (fresh water flush, PVC pipes instead of hoses, etc.).

[admiralslater]

We just purchased a used baby nova 600 . We looked at all sorts of options but they just did not work on our 03 Outremer. We would have paid full pop for a new one but serendipity lead us to what we have . I will report later .
Laundry is on of the things not discussed much in the things you need to cruise list , but it is something that should be considered seriously.

[chrisr]

thanks all...appreciate the input

as we cannot fit any domestic washers (due to must fit under a shelf) here in the land of Oz, seeing only 3 possibilities ;

camec 4kg front loader (intended for RV)
daewoo 2 (3?)kg front loader
generic 5kg twin tub ex ebay

the first 2 are over A$1000 whereas the last is around A$100. obviously you get what you pay for however think we'll get the twin tub and see how it goes. for the price, if it's a dud there's nothing much lost - and it gives us a better idea of the ins & outs of having the washing machine onboard

happy sailing !

[livbysea]

Has anyone used a "non" marine - compact washer? DO they rot out/break down faster than those designed for marine applications? Welcome advice!

[Simi 60]

Originally Posted by livbysea

Has anyone used a "non" marine - compact washer? DO they rot out/break down faster than those designed for marine applications? Welcome advice!

10 years on our non marine Simpson front loader.

[livbysea]

thanks - very helpful!!

[admiralslater]

Originally Posted by Simi 60

10 years on our non marine Simpson front loader.

I think a lot of people or pushed to marine style due to size constraints. I know we were . Baby Nova before you ask

[chrisr]

Originally Posted by livbysea

Has anyone used a "non" marine - compact washer? DO they rot out/break down faster than those designed for marine applications? Welcome advice!

hi livby

we have recently taken delivery of a super cheapie off ebay - 5kg twin tub for A$109 delivered !

initially very suspicious but so far it looks reliable and washes really well

of course you only get what you pay for, but if it lasts a year we'll be in front and happy campers...

cheers,

[livbysea]

Originally Posted by admiralslater

I think a lot of people or pushed to marine style due to size constraints. I know we were . Baby Nova before you ask

thanks - what is baby nova?

[livbysea]

Originally Posted by chrisr

hi livby

we have recently taken delivery of a super cheapie off ebay - 5kg twin tub for A$109 delivered !

initially very suspicious but so far it looks reliable and washes really well

of course you only get what you pay for, but if it lasts a year we'll be in front and happy campers...

cheers,

thanks - that certainly sounds like a deal!

[TheRailRoader]

Originally Posted by livbysea

thanks - what is baby nova?

https://www.marinechandlery.com/soba-babynova-automatic-washing-machine

RR

[mikedefieslife]

Originally Posted by MikeFergie

On my Leopard 40
https://daewooelectronics.com.au/pro...d-washer-mini/
Attachment 195120

Hi Mike,

I've recently bought a mini too. I'm curious where does yours drain to? As I understand it they are gravity drain only, and mounted low in a hull doesn't leave much space for any drainage above the waterline.