Water Tanks... Flexible or Hard

[Steve]

Thought I would ask this question, as I am in the market for getting a new one. What are the benefits/drawbacks of using flexible tanks for drinking water (a la Plastimo) vs fixed, rigid tanks (a la Todd)? I think you get more bang for the buck with flexible, but I am not really that well-versed nor experienced with using flexible tanks. I am putting this in the storage area below the V-berth located evenly, on the bow (not to either side). Thanks for your comments.Steve

 

[Brent]

Check this previous response

Hey Steve,I know very little about holding tanks myself but this seems a good response to your question. Solid seems better, but flexible work for water only.http://www.sailboatowners.com/forums/pview.tpl?SKU=2003279110337.77&forumabr=as&fno=99

 

[Steve Dion]

Short lived.

Steve:I replaced a flexible tank on my Hunter 25 after a few years. They do not seem to last very long (cheaper when new). A good quality poly tank may outlast the boat. The Plastimo is a very inexpensive tank. One of the problems with the flexible units is that they move around and abrade easily as they move around. This is probably not much of a problem on a smooth gelcoat surface, but many times the lazarettes are not that smooth.The other thing you may want to check out is how they will withstand bleach when you need to treat your water system (I have no idea about this fact). It is almost always less expensive to do a job once!

 

[Jim]

water tanks

Replaced my stock water bladder with a solid tank in my h25 some years ago. Easy to keep clean, easy to drain, accepted a pump where the bladder would'nt. I think they are longer lived, easy to maintain, more flexible for variations in water delivery systems. For what it's worth, Jim

 

[tom]

Future use

We have a pearson 323 with two 18 gallon tanks. This is plenty of water for weekend use. But in the future we plan to go to the Bahamas. We like you are considering an extra tank in the bow area. My thought is that a hard tank would always be there taking up space. But a flexible tank could be rolled up when not needed. The other option we are considering is to put 20-30 gallons of bottled water for drinking only. It would also be a safety factor in that a leak in a large storage tank could leave one thirsty. We usually drink bottled water anyway using the tank water for cleaning.

 

[J.Hrab]

Bottled water is best in the Bahamas

I placed large, medium, small bottles of water in all possible places, along with beer andsoft drinks.Water was always good, no fear of leaks orcontamination. Beer is twice the price in theBahamas, so this is at least one good reason.When you do not need the water, you have goodclean space.Cheers,Jean Hrab