plastimo collapsing water tanks

[jimmac99]

Thinking about upcoming Bahamian trip. Want to add a Plastimo water tank to my existing 20 gallon supply. Still not sure where one might best store the bag then how best to transfer the contents to existing sink water container. Do people use a portable water pump to shift water around? Siphoning and gravity seem out of the question. Any suggestions?

Thanks

Jim

[Chinook]

I installed a triangular plastimo collapsible tank on our boat, prior to heading for the Sea of Cortez. I was able to install it in the vee berth area. I removed the forward rectangular panel (it was screwed into place with 4 screws), which revealed a bunch of blocks of floatation Styrofoam. I took out several blocks of foam, and carved the lower layer down enough to provide a nice curved bed for the tank. I was able to find other places to stuff the blocks of removed floatation, so that I ended up with as much as I started with. I was able to squeeze in a water fill line in the extreme bow. I used a hole saw to install a deck fill in the bow, on the port side (it just barely fit). This water line connects directly with the fitting on the top front of the tank. I connected the tank outlet fitting to a water line which runs to my other tank, (a rigid 9 gallon Todd tank) which I had installed earlier. I separated the two tanks with a ball valve, so I can more easily keep track of how much water I have on board. The system on my X works with gravity, but just barely. Sometimes I have to remove the cover above the Plastimo and give the bladder a bit of a shove to get the flow started, but once it starts, it will come close to filling my 9 gallon tank. I have installed a simple electric pump, controlled by a switch and connected to the galley hand pump/faucet (upgraded from the original plastic rocker pump). I then close the valve, and can estimate how much remains in the Plastimo. The Plastimo is rated at 31 gallons, if I recall correctly. However, I checked on how much water I was able to fill it with, given my installation, and I came up with around 20 gallons. It has to do with how much space is available for the tank to bulge upward when it gets filled. With my space limitations, I only count on 20 gallons. It's a bit of a pain removing the tank for cleaning. I have to disconnect the 2 fittings, remove the tank, and then slide the bladder out of the exterior liner. It doesn't look possible, but can be done. Then I blast/brush/scrub the inside of the bladder to remove as much of the deposits as I can. Reinstalling it is equally difficult. The big problem involves reaching into very awkward positions to connect the screw cap fittings, which are sealed with "O" rings. On more than one occasion I didn't get a good seal and ended up with my extra drinking water sloshing around in the bilge .

I'm not sure about the vee berth configuration on the M, and whether my installation would work or not. Also, not sure where you would be running your connecting line to. In spite of the hassles, I still think it's the best possible way for me to increase my water supply capacity. With the nearly 30 gallon capacity we have, the two of us are good for at least 3 weeks before having to refill the tanks.

[Wind Chime]

Here is a previous thread I started discussing the issue of the plastic water taste in the Plastimo soft tanks.
I have since added a double filter system with plus additive that has really helped the problem.
http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/v ... t=plastimo

[kurz]

I put the 200l plastimo bladder under the rear bearth. As it is not high inough you cannot store 200l, but it is ok.
Then I go with a hose to the side bunk, have a electrical pumt there, then go with another hose to the sliding galey, on top a faucet that has includet an electrical swich. So the pump just works when the faucet is on (that helps to reduce leaking...)

To fill the bladder I have another hose that I put manually to the cockpit when filling.
Mabe one day I gets a definitiv Water inlet outside the hull, but its quite ok like thise.
Works fine.
Good to know that these plastimo bladders are good but you cannot trust to much. Be awere that they can leak anytime and put some "safety water" extra. The bladder is quite thin an I had already a whole in the bladder. So I take a repair set with me too.

[vkmaynard]

Our Plastimo leaked and flooded our boat. Notorious for leaks. Our tank split around the welded fittings.

Super stiff in cool to cold weather.

When we called the company/distributor they said they no longer carry that type/brand.

They now sell the Lalizas water tanks. BIG improvement. The vent is built in. You cut your own holes where you want and use the fittings provided. Our holes are now on TOP. We used the vent for filling. The vent can be fully closed also.

BIG improvement in construction. Vinylized fabric like a raft. Much more flexible and tougher.

Part# 31323 for rectangular 100L (like the 27 gal Plastimo). Cost $74.28 plus shipping. Call 866-383-1888

We use a carbon water filter on the drinking side. Bypassed for the showers.

Victor

[jimmac99]

Victor,
Thanks for passing on that information about the Lalizas tanks. That seems to be the best solution for my situation. I very much appreciate Chinooks' suggestion but given my fundamental lack of engineering skills installing a Lalizas tank under the V berth seems a task more in line with my abilites.

Thanks for all the help

jim of jimmac99

[Terry]

I would caution against installing any water bladders in the bow of an M due to the fact that the M already has a bow heavy attitude, adding more water weight would only exacerbate the problem. I have my 120 litre Plastimo under the aft berth, you can fit two under there, one on each side of the center line. You don't have to fill them full. We use the bladder water for wash and cleaning water and carry bottled water for drinking. You can install an electric pump to send water through the faucet, very simple and easy to do. Most RV supply centers carry all parts needed.

[Russ]

I would caution against installing any water bladders in the bow of an M due to the fact that the M already has a bow heavy attitude, adding more water weight would only exacerbate the problem. I have my 120 litre Plastimo under the aft berth, you can fit two under there, one on each side of the center line. You don't have to fill them full. We use the bladder water for wash and cleaning water and carry bottled water for drinking. You can install an electric pump to send water through the faucet, very simple and easy to do. Most RV supply centers carry all parts needed.

Our boat has a 70hp Suzuki, 2 x12 gal fuel tanks and my fat arse in the cockpit. She sits low in the aft. That's why I put my water tanks in the v-berth.
Pressure pumps are so easy to install to a standard faucet. Mine draws from a 5 gal water jug.

--Russ

[Mac26Mpaul]

I have a plastimo 50 litre bladder which is stored underneath the galley unit and has an electric pump to the tap. The bladder is currently sitting on the pavers in the sun in the backyard with a mixture of vinegar and water in it and will soon be scrubbed out (broomstick with a rag tied onto it) to get rid of the mould.

We too just use the sink water for washing and have 10 and 15l water bottles onboard for drinking.

[Sea Wind]

I have a flexible tank under the forward dinette settee. It is connected to an electric pump and a water filter. All the work was done by PO. As many on the forum, it is not used for drinking, we either buy a case of bottled water or freeze gallons of water and use it for cooling at first and then having cold water.
Well, I went to the boat over the weekend and found out that I forgot to empty the water. Luckily, the tank was less than half full so the ice had plenty of space to expand, but the water filter case broke.

You could have a pvc Y-valve before the water pump for the two different water tanks.