Where to find replacement collapsable water tanks

[tink]

I have a 1995 Hunter 26. The collapsable water tanks have developed leaks and I would like to replace them but cannot find anything that says it is a direct replacement.
Does anyone have any idea where to get the original parts, or direct replacements? I have Googled alternatives, but I am concerned about retro-fit issues.

 

[Steve Dion]

I don't know why you would need a "direct replacement" of a flexible bladder tank, but there are several choices.

Plastimo
Nauta/Imtra
Vetus

 

[tink]

I prefer a direct replacement because the cap on the OEM container is also the valve and a 3/8 hose fitting combo. I simply don't want to change out everything if the OEM cap is different than the alternatives.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Don't know what you mean by

"cap on the OEM container is also the valve and a 3/8 hose fitting combo."

Valves and fittings are very inexpensive, so unless I'm missing something that shouldn't be a reason insist on a direct replacement. in many cases you can just swap the fittings to the new tank.

Bladder tanks are ok for water, but they only have an 15 year lifepsan...yours seem to have failed right on schedule. A top quality rigid plastic tank will last at least as long as the boat...and cost a LOT less than comparably priced bladders...and Ronco Plastics is your best source Ronco Plastics Marine Catalog
They make TOP quality water and waste tanks for a very reasonable price and have more than 400 shapes/sizes, over 100 of which are non-rectangular...and they install fittings in the sizes and locations specified by the customer when they make the tank.

However, if you're still determined to go with new bladders, Nauta and Vetus are the two mfrs who make most, if not all of 'em. Google 'em to find out what they have where to buy 'em.

 

[tink]

Great information. I appreciate it.

There are features of the OEM collapsible tanks that just fit my needs better at this time.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

For instance...??? If we knew what they are, we might be able to come up with something that'll fit your needs even better.

 

[tink]

First and foremost, money. I'm doing a lot of repairs and maintenance on the boat and an upgrade to the water system is on the "want" list. I'm still on the "need" list. I found 5 gallon collapsible water containers made by Coleman at Walmart today. The hose barb part of the spigot on the tank cap is exactly like what is on the OEM tank, so these are a direct swap to the existing hoses. Nice bonus, they also have molded-in handles, a feature missing from the OEM tanks. There were some cargo bags on the shelf right beside the water containers, so I got them to help protect the containers. I spent about $20.
I bored holes from the cabinets under the sinks into the storage lockers under the cabin seats and moved the water tanks into those compartments after laying down some no-skid mat down for protection. It is easier to stow/remove the tanks from these compartments (especially with the handles), and it frees-up space in the cabinets under the sinks.