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j2matthews Posts: 3
8 days ago
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Our boat Grayce,1989, Niagara 42 #20. Reaching out for ideas re: the pressure water system. The plumbing is pex pipe with various appropriate connectors & fittings. Specifically we are looking to streamline/simplify the section between the water tanks and accumulator tank. (Note we are able to access our two water tanks, manually clean, and leave empty/dry for the winter haul out season). We currently have a collection of twist fittings that allow the system to be opened to winterize the pressure side without involving the 2 water tanks, a plus. However, the twist fitting section is cumbersome. Our goal would be to have a system that would allow for draining and winterization without breaking the connection as has been done for years. We are thinking of using a T connector and a 1/4 valve arrangement. We would welcome any input and creative solutions. Regrettably, no pictures as the boat is in a different location.
Jim/Joanne Matthews
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Dick Posts: 434
7 days ago
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j2matthews wrote:
Our boat Grayce,1989, Niagara 42 #20. Reaching out for ideas re: the pressure water system. The plumbing is pex pipe with various appropriate connectors & fittings. Specifically we are looking to streamline/simplify the section between the water tanks and accumulator tank. (Note we are able to access our two water tanks, manually clean, and leave empty/dry for the winter haul out season). We currently have a collection of twist fittings that allow the system to be opened to winterize the pressure side without involving the 2 water tanks, a plus. However, the twist fitting section is cumbersome. Our goal would be to have a system that would allow for draining and winterization without breaking the connection as has been done for years. We are thinking of using a T connector and a 1/4 valve arrangement. We would welcome any input and creative solutions. Regrettably, no pictures as the boat is in a different location.
Jim/Joanne Matthews
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Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
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Dick Posts: 434
7 days ago
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Hi Jim & Joanne,
Pex is, in many ways, a good way to direct water around a boat, RV etc.: certainly as a backbone. But, it does not lend itself easy manipulation. For example: on my RV where the plumbing is pex, there is one area where the designers knew that the owner would need to access regularly to winterize. So rather than use pex, the builder T’d in a piece of hose with a ¼ turn on/off valve whose flexibility allowed it to get into anti-freeze bottles. Many pex installs have hose where a bit of flexibility is wished for.
On Alchemy, hose connections, both putting on and taking off, are easy using a heat gun.
So, with 2 connection hose changes I isolate my water heater while retaining pressure integrity and allow it to drain.
Both tanks have T’s which allow them to drain into the bilge.
I then take the hose off the domestic water distribution manifold going to the pump and plop it into the anti-freeze bottle and run water at the sinks and shower until pink shows.
A variation on this should work for you, but will likely entail using a piece or 2 of hose.
Come back with questions.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
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Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
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j2matthews Posts: 3
5 days ago
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Good morning Dick,
Thank you for getting back to us so quickly and helping with ideas for a solution to construct a more user friendly system. You might remember a few years ago you helped us with some design/size parameters for our asymmetrical spinnaker. I believe you also introduced us to Chris Wentz at Z Sails for that and other subsequent projects.....all much appreciated.
We like your recommendations for some flexible water line, t-fitting and a ball valve between the tanks and the pressure side of the fresh water system. This will be easier to operate at winterizing time and also be easier for someone other than us to figure out. We are able to access the tops of the water tanks, dry them out completely and drain the supply lines.....no antifreeze in the tanks. A more flexible supply line with a valve will simplify winterizing without breaking the supply lines open.
We store Grayce at New England Boatworks in the winter season. Southern New England affords nice cruising in June and then we head for Maine usually until early/mid September. Summertime on the Maine coast is wonderful.
Where are you and Alchemy these days....you also mentioned an RV?
Cheers,
Jim and Joanne Matthews
S/V Grayce Niagara 42 #20
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Dick Posts: 434
4 days ago
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j2matthews wrote:
Good morning Dick,
Thank you for getting back to us so quickly and helping with ideas for a solution to construct a more user friendly system. You might remember a few years ago you helped us with some design/size parameters for our asymmetrical spinnaker. I believe you also introduced us to Chris Wentz at Z Sails for that and other subsequent projects.....all much appreciated.
We like your recommendations for some flexible water line, t-fitting and a ball valve between the tanks and the pressure side of the fresh water system. This will be easier to operate at winterizing time and also be easier for someone other than us to figure out. We are able to access the tops of the water tanks, dry them out completely and drain the supply lines.....no antifreeze in the tanks. A more flexible supply line with a valve will simplify winterizing without breaking the supply lines open.
We store Grayce at New England Boatworks in the winter season. Southern New England affords nice cruising in June and then we head for Maine usually until early/mid September. Summertime on the Maine coast is wonderful.
Where are you and Alchemy these days....you also mentioned an RV?
Cheers,
Jim and Joanne Matthews
S/V Grayce Niagara 42 #20
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Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
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Dick Posts: 434
4 days ago
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Hi Jim and Joanne,
Glad my thoughts were helpful and pleased to hear about the asym. Sad news you may have already heard: Chris Wentz passed away a while back, but Z Sails is still in good hands and should still have the plans for Alchemy’s “offshore asym” to work from.
We expect to wind up a few seasons in the Great Lakes this year and head back to the CA and US East Coast next season.
We remain “homeless”—and committed to that state splitting our year, very roughly, between sailing, RVing (mostly taking us hiking the SW deserts and mountains) and visiting children and grandchildren.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
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Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
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j2matthews Posts: 3
1 days ago
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Good morning Dick......thanks for the update on your travels and whereabouts. There is a lot to be said for being able to roam around and go where your hearts desire for however long you choose. Our land base for many years has been Pensacola FL .....something new may be not too far off. A bit more exploring without the drag of a home and maintenance and so on.
Yes, sadly we heard of Chris Wentz passing away. So glad we got to work with him on the sails for Grayce that we continue to enjoy. His insights, experience and knowledge were impressive.
Thanks again for your thoughts on our water project. We enjoy keeping our older boat in good working order and looking smart. After a few projects at commissioning this year we will be off on another season of northeast cruising and gathering with our friends who are out doing the same.
Cheers....Jim and Joanne
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Dick Posts: 434
2 hours ago
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j2matthews wrote:
Good morning Dick......thanks for the update on your travels and whereabouts. There is a lot to be said for being able to roam around and go where your hearts desire for however long you choose. Our land base for many years has been Pensacola FL .....something new may be not too far off. A bit more exploring without the drag of a home and maintenance and so on.
Yes, sadly we heard of Chris Wentz passing away. So glad we got to work with him on the sails for Grayce that we continue to enjoy. His insights, experience and knowledge were impressive.
Thanks again for your thoughts on our water project. We enjoy keeping our older boat in good working order and looking smart. After a few projects at commissioning this year we will be off on another season of northeast cruising and gathering with our friends who are out doing the same.
Cheers....Jim and Joanne
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Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
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Dick Posts: 434
2 hours ago
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Hi Jim & Joanne,
We get to Pensacola every few years, so do not be surprised to get a phone call. I would be fun to have a meal together.
My best, Dick
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Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy
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