I'm breaking in my "new" Catalina 30 and have been going through all the systems. One thing I recently discovered is a problem with my fresh water system I was hoping someone might be able to help me with. Let me explain my setup; I'm not sure if it's "standard" C30 or not. I have two freshwater tanks: A 25-gallon tank under the v-berth, and an 18-gallon tank under the starboard settee. I also have a DC-powered pump located under the port settee. The hose from the forward tank T's into the hose from the aft tank about 3 feet downstream from the aft tank (near the fuel tank). This hose continues under the galley stove to the pump. The output of the pump is split with one hose going to the head sink and the other to the galley sink. So, here's my problem. When I'm using my system, the aft tank seems to drain completely dry before any water comes out of the forward tank. As soon as the aft tank is empty, the water coming out of either spigot (or both of they're both turned on) starts coughing and sputtering as if air is getting into the line somehow. This continues until the forward tank is empty. There are only two connections to the hose coming from the forward tank: one at the fitting and the one where it T's into the output hose from the aft tank. As far as I can tell, there is no leaking anywhere along the hose. I have two questions: 1) Is this, as I suspect, a symptom of air somehow getting into the line? 2) Or could this be a water pump that has exceeded its limitations. (I would estimate it's about 40 feet from the forward tank.) Thanks, Barry
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Close the valves
I had a similar issue, but on closer inspection I noticed each tank has a valve (don't know if that is the original set up, or if the PO solved the problem this way).When one tank is empty (spluttering sound!) I close its valve and no problems. I suspect the pump would otherwise take air from the empty tank as well as water from the other tank.
I had a similar issue, but on closer inspection I noticed each tank has a valve (don't know if that is the original set up, or if the PO solved the problem this way).When one tank is empty (spluttering sound!) I close its valve and no problems. I suspect the pump would otherwise take air from the empty tank as well as water from the other tank.
How about the hotwater heater
Is the hotwater heater still in the loop? Also check the vents and make sure that the hose is not kinked someware. The big tank should drain to the small tank. That small tank has to be vented and the inspection plate must be sealed. Rodger
Is the hotwater heater still in the loop? Also check the vents and make sure that the hose is not kinked someware. The big tank should drain to the small tank. That small tank has to be vented and the inspection plate must be sealed. Rodger
No Valve
Ed, We suspected that the air might be coming from the empty tank. In fact, I squeezed shut what I thought was the hose coming from the empty tank, but it didn't solve the problem. However after reading your email, I checked my tanks for valves. The forward tank does have a shutoff valve, but the saloon tank doesn't. I also discovered that I was squeezing on the hose from the foward tank--not the saloon tank, so air coming from the tank may still be the problem. I bought a little in-line valve today which I'm going to install downstream of the saloon tank. I'll try it out on our trip (we're leaving tomorrow for a week-long trip in the boat.) Thanks, Barry
Ed, We suspected that the air might be coming from the empty tank. In fact, I squeezed shut what I thought was the hose coming from the empty tank, but it didn't solve the problem. However after reading your email, I checked my tanks for valves. The forward tank does have a shutoff valve, but the saloon tank doesn't. I also discovered that I was squeezing on the hose from the foward tank--not the saloon tank, so air coming from the tank may still be the problem. I bought a little in-line valve today which I'm going to install downstream of the saloon tank. I'll try it out on our trip (we're leaving tomorrow for a week-long trip in the boat.) Thanks, Barry
valves again...
Barry, just one additional comment regarding these valves: with both tanks filled I close the valve on the one I am not (yet) using, and open the one I do use. When that one is empty I close that valve and open the other one. My sequence of usage is to use forward tank first (I prefer it not too full as I believe it influences sailing with all that weight up front, I also carry 30meters of anchor chain!), then the starboard tank. All works very well. Agree with Roger's comment re venting: in mine it vents through the stanchion (which is also the overflow).You may wish to check that one as well (just fill up the tanks and once full, water will pour out of the base of the stanchion). Have a good trip! Ed.
Barry, just one additional comment regarding these valves: with both tanks filled I close the valve on the one I am not (yet) using, and open the one I do use. When that one is empty I close that valve and open the other one. My sequence of usage is to use forward tank first (I prefer it not too full as I believe it influences sailing with all that weight up front, I also carry 30meters of anchor chain!), then the starboard tank. All works very well. Agree with Roger's comment re venting: in mine it vents through the stanchion (which is also the overflow).You may wish to check that one as well (just fill up the tanks and once full, water will pour out of the base of the stanchion). Have a good trip! Ed.
No Heater
Roger, We don't have a hot water heater (unfortunately). And, our big tank doesn't drain into the smaller one (although that would be the convenient); their hoses T prior to the pump. What do you mean by the inspection plate? The lid? Barry
Roger, We don't have a hot water heater (unfortunately). And, our big tank doesn't drain into the smaller one (although that would be the convenient); their hoses T prior to the pump. What do you mean by the inspection plate? The lid? Barry
My setup
My big tank goes into to my small tank so the small tank is always full until the water level drops to low in the big tank. the lid on the small tank is sealed with silicone so it won't leek (newer ones will work with the rubber gasket). Both tanks are vented so they will fill to overflow. I don't know if I have the standard set-up but it seems to work well. I think that you are getting air form the small tank. fair winds, Rodger
My big tank goes into to my small tank so the small tank is always full until the water level drops to low in the big tank. the lid on the small tank is sealed with silicone so it won't leek (newer ones will work with the rubber gasket). Both tanks are vented so they will fill to overflow. I don't know if I have the standard set-up but it seems to work well. I think that you are getting air form the small tank. fair winds, Rodger
Shutoff Valve Works!
Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I added a shutoff valve to my aft tank, and that solved the problem. Can't believe that 20 years worth of previous owners were willing to put up with the sputtering instead of putting in a $10 valve.... Ah, well...just one of many things. Barry
Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I added a shutoff valve to my aft tank, and that solved the problem. Can't believe that 20 years worth of previous owners were willing to put up with the sputtering instead of putting in a $10 valve.... Ah, well...just one of many things. Barry
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