I was wondering if anyone has ever connected a water filter system to the freshwater storage tank downstream of the pump on a Hunter 380. Is the 12V water pump strong enough to push water through a filter system and still supply all of the taps onboard like the shower, or should I install a seperate pump and tap just for purified drinking water. Thanks for the help! Scott
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Recommission your fresh water system instead
Like every other system on a boat, fresh water systems require annual maintenance to keep water smelling and tasting good. Unless you're using well water, purifying it isn't the issue--it's already been purified when it goes into the tank. It's the molds and fungi that thrive in damp dark places that cause onboard water to smell and taste funky...and a filter just after the pump won't help that a bit--in fact, since it will remove whatever chlorine is in the water, it'll only encourage the growth of "critters" in the plumbing. There have been many discussions here about how to maintain fresh water system, and I've posted directions for annual recommissioning several times. You'll find 'em all if you search the archives.
Like every other system on a boat, fresh water systems require annual maintenance to keep water smelling and tasting good. Unless you're using well water, purifying it isn't the issue--it's already been purified when it goes into the tank. It's the molds and fungi that thrive in damp dark places that cause onboard water to smell and taste funky...and a filter just after the pump won't help that a bit--in fact, since it will remove whatever chlorine is in the water, it'll only encourage the growth of "critters" in the plumbing. There have been many discussions here about how to maintain fresh water system, and I've posted directions for annual recommissioning several times. You'll find 'em all if you search the archives.
Seagull filter
I have installed the Seagull water purification system on both of my boats, the latest on the H380. I bought the system (from General Ecology) with its own faucet. It connects to the cold water line under the galley sink. The water coming through this system has none of the tank or chlorine taste. It's a great system. Check it out online, http://www.generalecology.com/, or at the boat shows.
I have installed the Seagull water purification system on both of my boats, the latest on the H380. I bought the system (from General Ecology) with its own faucet. It connects to the cold water line under the galley sink. The water coming through this system has none of the tank or chlorine taste. It's a great system. Check it out online, http://www.generalecology.com/, or at the boat shows.
Filter the Water
Here is where Peggy and I disagree. I don't commission my water tank on my H35.5 because I never decommission it. I use it 365 days a year. I fill it full just before the marina turns the water off in late November and it lasts until they turn it back on in March or April. I use the Ecology filter in the system right after the water pump along with an accumulator tank. The ultrafine filter is good for 0.4 microns which takes care of the critters and smell. I run the water a few minutes after I first arrive at the boat in order to flush out the lines. I have been changing the filter every spring. Here is the picture of the system under the port settee.
Here is where Peggy and I disagree. I don't commission my water tank on my H35.5 because I never decommission it. I use it 365 days a year. I fill it full just before the marina turns the water off in late November and it lasts until they turn it back on in March or April. I use the Ecology filter in the system right after the water pump along with an accumulator tank. The ultrafine filter is good for 0.4 microns which takes care of the critters and smell. I run the water a few minutes after I first arrive at the boat in order to flush out the lines. I have been changing the filter every spring. Here is the picture of the system under the port settee.
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Best drink on the Bay!
We also put the Seagull water purifier on our 340 this year and its one of the best things we added to the boat. Now we have wonderful fresh drinking water where ever we are (marina or tank). The water pressure is not a problem.
We also put the Seagull water purifier on our 340 this year and its one of the best things we added to the boat. Now we have wonderful fresh drinking water where ever we are (marina or tank). The water pressure is not a problem.
If you do not a filter already do not waste your..
money. Seagull/envi(?) is a waste of your money ($600-800) for a stainless steel system. If you are starting with treated water (well or city water) get a pair of filters from Home Depot or Lowes. Filter all the water that goes in your tanks. The first filter should be in the 20-30 micron range to remove sediment that collect in the distribution lines followed by an activated carbon filter - this will get it down to 1 micron and will remove any organic material that is in the water. Then follow with chlorination 2-3 drops per gallon of clorox, this will kill all the bugs that remain in the water. Do not over chlorinate, to much chlorine is bad for you. I have a swiming pool test kit (the drop test not the strips) to test the water periodically. If you can smell the cholrine in the water you have added to much. I have added a separate activated carbon filter and faucet for drinking & cooking water after the pump. Total cost less than $100. Change the filters once or twiece a year and you will be fine. Do not store your wet filters inside the filter housing, I also let my filters dry out after use and store the in a well ventilated place. I hope that this help, Matias
money. Seagull/envi(?) is a waste of your money ($600-800) for a stainless steel system. If you are starting with treated water (well or city water) get a pair of filters from Home Depot or Lowes. Filter all the water that goes in your tanks. The first filter should be in the 20-30 micron range to remove sediment that collect in the distribution lines followed by an activated carbon filter - this will get it down to 1 micron and will remove any organic material that is in the water. Then follow with chlorination 2-3 drops per gallon of clorox, this will kill all the bugs that remain in the water. Do not over chlorinate, to much chlorine is bad for you. I have a swiming pool test kit (the drop test not the strips) to test the water periodically. If you can smell the cholrine in the water you have added to much. I have added a separate activated carbon filter and faucet for drinking & cooking water after the pump. Total cost less than $100. Change the filters once or twiece a year and you will be fine. Do not store your wet filters inside the filter housing, I also let my filters dry out after use and store the in a well ventilated place. I hope that this help, Matias
Jim, just for fun sometime...
Disconnect a hose in your fresh water system and take a good look at the inside of it. I think it'll make a believer of you.
Disconnect a hose in your fresh water system and take a good look at the inside of it. I think it'll make a believer of you.
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