45 Gallon Portable Water Tank

[PMC]

Conserving water on the boat has proven to be a "challenge" for for my family. Our previous boat we had a 28 gallon tank that we'd blow through in 1 day. On this boat we have 110 gallons, and we empty that in 2 days. You do the math, I'm not about to figure the why.....what I know is that to keep everybody happy I need clean water.

I think what I really want to setup is a water maker, but I really only need if for 1 trip a year. At this point justifying the costs is tough. Plan B is this portable water tank. Its 45 gallons, and has worked pretty good so far. We use this hooked up with a garden hose and a small 12V pump. The material is durable enough, can can roll compact when empty and fits the mold of the dinghy perfect

 

[endless seas]

Where do you stow the dinghy?
If its on the platform with the water bladder you may be asking for trouble.Our 450 was rated for 800lbs.

 

[N3716E]

That's not even another days worth of water at your family's usage rate. Is that really going to make a difference on that one trip per year?

 

[h_gerry]

Paul, as Endless Seas said, you may want to watch the weight. That water bladder will weigh at least 375 lbs. when full. Make sure your davits and platform can handle the weight.

 

[PMC]

Where do you stow the dinghy?
If its on the platform with the water bladder you may be asking for trouble.Our 450 was rated for 800lbs.

I dont keep the dink on the platform, nor did I travel with water as shown. The anchor site is next to a marina, and I've used the dinghy to transport water. Last year a buddy of mine brought his wave runner and we towed it. This picture was my test fit.....

That's not even another days worth of water at your family's usage rate. Is that really going to make a difference on that one trip per year?

We have done this trip every year (3 days), and the extra water is enough.

 

[AFD]

Where did you get the bladder? Who makes it?
I think that a water maker is a better long term idea if you plan to use your boat more and more but otherwise the bladder seems like a great couple of times a year solution. I like it.

 

[PMC]

I found this on a camping site, here is the link

http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/portable-rv-fresh-water-tank-45-gallon/1605

 

[Billfletcher]

I like your water bladder.

We also have a 100 gal tank. With 4 aboard for a multi day, that will last us a good 3 to 4 days, but I am Captain Bligh in regards to water usage and my kids, who are now older, get the daily speech about how dad had to take sea showers when he was their age.

I will also bring another 10 , 1 gal containers of bottled water which helps.

 

[tc410]

....The anchor site is next to a marina, and I've used the dinghy to transport .....

I suppose the obvious question would be why don't you just run the boat to the marina "next to the anchor site" and refill with water after day two and before day three? It doesn't sound like its a 20 mile run - maybe an hour task at most?

 

[PMC]

Right, I get the questions. The breakdown and setup is a lot of work. I'm in a raftup, between several boats, anchor deployed, water toys out......

 

[Air O'Nautical]

Can't move the boat due to loosing your spot or mooring....I understand.

My idea......

I found that five 18gal. RubberMade totes with snap on lids fit in my dink along with a few 5gal. camping jugs enable me to refill my 100gal. tank easily and inexpensively.
A new bilge pump plugged into the boats 12volt outlet with a long plastic tube works great as a transfer pump. Just pop off the top, drop in the pump and dump the camping jugs into the tote as it empties then, move on to the next tote....all while sittin in the dink enjoying a cold one.
The totes nest for storage in the ER.

Works so well..I don't mind my girls long showers and look forward to my "water barge" trips to the dock ever other or 3rd day