Water storage and replacement stoves..
Nov
26
Written by:
11/26/2009 4:21 PM
It is during the long winter months that I usually start thinking about what can be improved, repaired or replaced on my boat for the coming season.
While I was in the Med water was a constant cruising issue. Firstly, the summer months could be very hot and with two persons on board we’d need to drink at least two litres each per day and often four. Add to that the need to shower off the salt water, cook and wash the Flicka water tank starts to become a very modest supply. We usually got around this problem by carrying one or more separate containers and lots of 2 litre bottles stuffed into every spare space. This worked for us but was a constant annoyance and made the process of filling up very time consuming. A friend of mine sent me a link to a product that provide a clever solution.
Waterborn v-berth flexible water tank
This is a flexible plastic tank that lives under the V berth and converts the bed into a water-bed/water tank! I really like the idea on many levels. It adds to the comfort of the bed. Is simple to install. The weight is spread evenly (there are baffles to hold the water in place) and when empty it takes up no space at all. It is certainly something I would have considered if I’d kept my boat in a place where cruising is hot. Flicka owners might want to consider it. However, there is nothing on the web site about filling and emptying it. If there was a pipe that could be run outside it would be easy. I guess I’ll have to email the maker. The other problem is getting access to the lockers beneath the v berth. There is nearly always something down there I need at some point. And the idea of getting under a heavy water bed is not ideal..
Another thing I need to think about this winter in the alcohol stove. Mine is very tatty and could do with replacement. Origo have stopped making the 4000 and now only make a flush fit dual electric/alcohol stove which is very pricey. Luckily though another company have spotted a niche and created a like for like replacement.
Contoure Cookmate 4200 Recessed Alcohol Stove: replaces Origo 4000
I think one of these would really cheer up the Caraway galley. Problem is that they are a US company so I have had to email them to ask who their UK supplier might be. You can buy them at Swego.com so I will email them too.