That is my Question: To Fill or Not To Fill?

[rardiH36]

When I took delivery of my 1980 Hunter 36 10 months ago, the fresh water tanks were empty except for a few residual drops. One tank each about midships both port and starboard. Your opinions: Any +'s or -'s to filling the tanks or leaving them empty? For sailing performance? For plumbing longevity? To prevent (or not) nasty molds/bacteria from growing in the tanks?I have not filled the tanks since the purchase. Total fresh water capacity per the Hunter spec is 80 gallons. I've had probably about 50 afternoons of sailing on San Francisco Bay in this empty condition. The boat I think performs well. I keep a couple of large jugs of fresh water on board in case of need. The fresh water pump and plumbing did pass muster when my marine purchase surveyor put just enough water in the tanks to test the system.The boat is used for day sailing only. At some point, I'll go on an outing of a few days' duration. But until then the tanks aren't needed for domestic puroposes. Thanks.

 

[Terry Cox]

We purchased our current boat in 2002...

and since then have kept the tanks full or close to at all times. I alternate the tanks so as to keep fresher water on hand. We cruise our boat year around and plan on another two month cruise this summer; our fourth. Our water always tastes fresh and clean since I commissioned the system per Peggie's advice when we took ownership. The system gets considerable use during the year. I figure the best way to get longevity is to use it regularly. OTOH, if I were into racing weight would be a consideration, in which case a lighter boat should go faster.Terry

 

[s sauer]

Day Sail - Water Tanks

We haven't been doing any overnighters in the last couple years so I've completely drained the water system and left it dry. Blow out the lines and drain out the hot water tank as well then leave the lines disconnected at the pump and at the water heater.You could fill the tanks and add clorine to keep down algae or the rotten egg smell, but why bother if you don't need that much water and won't be using it.If we did decide to use the water system, I'd assume we'd need to run a shock treatment of bleach/ water thru the tank and lines and then rinse out and refill the system.