Victoria Shadow Association Members' Forum

Sue_Doyle

Resigned

Registered: 2006-02-28

Posts: 10

Water tanks

I inherited Plastimo flexible water tanks on Que Sera. I have found that they develop splits at the weld before too long. I am fed up with trying to repair or buy new. I have been looking at having Tec Tanks make some rigid ones for me but I will have to cut the divider under the saloon bunks to get in anything like a similar size. 100lt and 150 lt respectively. Anyone have any other solutions. Where are the water tanks on other Victoria 30s.?

Beverley_Dewath

Guest

Re: Water tanks

We only have a flexible tank under the quarter berth on VICTORIA.  I would be very interested to know if you come up with an alternative solution.

Jeremy_Fox

Guest

Re: Water tanks

The solution I found is also one of the best kept secrets!
Griffon Hoverwork Ltd (http://www.griffonhoverwork.com/) which manufactures hovercraft will make you a bespoke semi-flexible water tank with all fittings.  They even include - for a small additional price - a  water conditioning unit which, once installed, keeps the water fresh and uses no consumables. You need to make an accurate drawing of the tank and locate the fittings where you want them. Mine fits beneath the stern locker, starboard side and holds 200 litres.  The material used is very strong and the quality superb.

Last edited by Jeremy_Fox (2012-11-24 22:37:27)

Sue_Doyle

Resigned

Registered: 2006-02-28

Posts: 10

Re: Water tanks

That's really interesting Jeremy. I shall follow it up.
I continue to talk to members of my Sailing club and learnt today that I may have caused some of the problem by starting to use Milton as an annual rinse to keep them clean.One said that despite being safe for babies bottles it's not good for plastic. I learned also that Vetus do stronger flexible tanks.
One way or another I can see light at the end of the tunnel without cutting up the boat!
Thanks

Ian_Johnston

Member

Registered: 2009-11-01

Posts: 62

Re: Water tanks

Many years ago I had a flexible tank made for my Westerly Jouster by a hovercraft company. It was extremely well made and gave no problems over the next twenty five years. For tank cleaning I use Puriclean. It's a powder: you tip it in, leave it for a bit and then rinse out the system thoroughly. I reckon that four or five complete flushes is about right. On Jumblie I pull the supply pipe off the galley pump and use the opportunity to give the bilge a clean-out too.

Sometime soon I want to reinstate the second fresh water tank on Jumblie (the filler and holes for pipework are all there) because the existing 150l really isn't enough for trips on the wild side of the Mull of Kintyre, particularly for a marina dodger such as myself. The choice appears to be Plastimo at £80-ish, Vetus at £300-ish or custome made. I'll probably go for Plastimo, but give the locker a nice soft lining to protect it.

Leon_Ferguson

Member

Registered: 2004-03-18

Posts: 58

Re: Water tanks

Sue, I  also got fed up of replacing Plastimo tanks and finally got a tank made from these people.

http://www.hovercraftconsultants.co.uk/ … or=&PT_ID=

I just sent them my old Plastimo tank and got them to copy it, just changing the hole position slightly.  I did have a leak again, but not due to the tank but where the hose attached to it.  I needed a new washer and used a leather one.  The problem is that the original was designed with the in and out hoses attached under the tank which I think makes them more subject to movement.  I can't see how it would function if the out hose was on top.  If I was planning serious cruising I think I'd go for a rigid tank.

Sue_Doyle

Resigned

Registered: 2006-02-28

Posts: 10

Re: Water tanks

Two new water tanks from Griffon Hovercraft now fitted and working. So hard to get the hoses on. I had the fittings put in the same place as my previous ones which in retrospect was a mistake. I should have put them nearer the inner bulkhead. However they don't leak so far! Thanks for the advice.