Best Practices for Using 2 Water Tanks on 320

[kwilson1033]

I just bought a 1993 320 and have never had a boat with so many features. One of the more notable is the two water tanks system. I am getting ready to leave on a three week journey and was wondering if anyone could share some insights, observations and/or best practices in using the two tank system. Thanks.

Ken

There are several other systems that I have never dealt with, the refrig and electrical system to name a few, so I am sure you will see my name on future posts.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Use one at a time rather than leaving the manifold valves between the two of them open all the time. Why? Then you'll know when one tank is empty. In many cases leaving both valves open will cause the pump to shudder. I use the larger one normally and the smaller one for backup.

 

[Cherie320]

What Stu said. The 320 folks recommend you normally keep the bow tank empty for day sails. That keeps the bow light for better performance. For a multi week trip, you'll want to fill both tanks. Take care not to fill your aft water tank with diesel. The fills are close together. If the boat has not been used on a regular basis or if the tank condition is suspect, there is a tank sanitization procedure in the owner's manual. The 94 may be different from other years, but I believe that the bow tank will drain back into the aft tank if all the valves are open. Therefore, you should only have one tank open at any point in time. Also, some of the tank cleanout covers leak at the O-ring when the tanks are full. The tank valves are thought by some to be located in a difficult place to access. There is a write up for relocating them to the area under the sink on the 320 Int Site. Suggest you join and research the forum as well as the web site. And don't overlook the other Catalina sites. A lot of information is transferable. Enjoy your new boat. Pat

 

[JBerger]

Make sure to clean the pump strainer regularly. Suggest you move the valves back and forth periodically to prevent them from freezing up. I sail a Catalina 320, and enjoy every minute on it.

 

[Big Windy]

The forward tank is 25 gallons and the aft tank is 20 gallons. Open the forward tank and use it first, keeping the aft tank closed. Then, when you start using the aft tank, you can refill the forward tank.