Portable Water Bladder aka Pillow Tanks

[Shoyrtt]

I was talking with a boating friend this weekend who mentioned that as an alternative to an expensive and maintenance intensive watermaker, that he used a pair of 45 gallon portable water bladders to extend his water capacity. Also known as a "pillow tank" he said when his main tank was running low, he would siphon the portable tank water from the bow to the main tank inlet.

I was hoping to get some input from the CSR community on this alternative to a watermaker. Here are the tanks my buddy uses from Camping World.
https://www.campingworld.com/portable-rv-fresh-water-tank-45-gallon-1605.html

 

[liv2ryde100]

sounds like a great idea

 

[PlayDate]

(45 gallons x 8.43 pounds)x 2= 758 pounds.

 

[Pirate Lady]

With careful use, we could make a 28 gal tank last 4 days anchored out with 2 lil kids including showers. For longer we would take a 5 gal blue jug too. Sounds like your buddy needs consume more beer, less water.

 

[Pirate Lady]

All kidding aside, I learned from some long distance sailor cruisers. Family of 4 can easily get by on 5 - 6 gals a day. Including bathing. Its not the Hilton, its a boat.

 

[liv2ryde100]

I like using my boat like it’s the Hilton so while two of those may be pushing it I’m in for one. Two or three nights on the hook is enough anyway

 

[Pirate Lady]

So if 2 or 3 nights on the hook is your limit, why do you need extended water capacity?

 

[liv2ryde100]

So I can take two showers a day lol

 

[The Bill Collector]

(45 gallons x 8.43 pounds)x 2= 758 pounds.

is this amount of weight safe on the bow of your boat ???

 

[Shoyrtt]

is this amount of weight safe on the bow of your boat ???

My friend has a 40' Meridian sedan bridge and didn't have an issue. I know a lot of people with my boat that have a center console RIB dinghy with a heavy outboard engine that they transport on the bow without any problems. I am going to start with just one, 45-50 gallon bladder and only use it as needed. Also the 450EB has a nice area on the bow where the bladder should fit in the bulwark area, just in front of the bow seat. (see below in red)

 

[Pirate Lady]

So I can take two showers a day lol

When the wife wants a shower i just turn off the pump switch and tell her we’re out of water. Then when i want one and she asks i tell her i filled the tank. She really dont know how it all works.