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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Electric faucets?

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weluvlife
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166 Posts

Initially Posted - 09/09/2003 : 21:14:50

Hello,

I'd like to replace my two faucets with an electric variety. I'd love to read of your experiences and suggestions.

Thanks,

Mark Eichman
Lake Don Pedro,CA
'86 c25 TR, SK

Edited by - on

Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 09/09/2003 : 23:12:45

I replaced my galley faucet (Whaler) with a Jabsco electric pump and faucet. I've been thrilled with the pump, but the faucet leaves something to be desired; height. I'm now figuring a way to modify the old Whaler to work with the new pump...mainly switch replacement/alignment.

J.B. Manley
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d609b3127cce8d2e212441c60000002010" border=0>
Antares '85 FK/SR #4849
36°29'58" -94°59'59"

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Douglas
Master Marine Consultant

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1595 Posts

Response Posted - 09/10/2003 : 13:14:34

Before you go paying West Marine prices for Jabsco pumps, and all the hardware check out the prices at your local RV store. They are often cheaper for the same parts.

Doug&Ruth
Triska (Alberg 29)
Tacoma Wa.

Edited by - on

weluvlife
Navigator

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166 Posts

Response Posted - 09/10/2003 : 22:57:54

ok, very good info. I'll locate a local rv dealer and check them out first.

Thanks,

Mark Eichman
Lake Don Pedro,CA
'86 c25 TR, SK

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Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2003 : 01:49:05

Mark,

When I installed pressure water, I went with a single (SHURflo?) 12V pump w/integral pressure switch, and added a filter, and accumulator. That way, I would be able to use simple (inexpensive!) household faucets at each of the two sinks.

Initially, I tried the marine-priced "3-Way Faucet/Hand Pump" from Attwood in the galley sink. They include a built in switch and manual pump. My thought was that the manual pump could provide a semi-convenient means of getting water out of the tanks if for some reason the electric pressure pump wasn't working. Or, a means of conserving water and electricity on long trips. What actually happened, is that the fancy expensive faucet dripped whenever the pressure pump was powered up (and for about a half cup of water after the pump circuit breaker was switched off, due to the accumulator).

In the normal course of daysailing this dripping was no more than an annoying disappointment. During my recent cruise to the Abacos islands, the leak became much worse. I ended up replacing the clever faucet assembly with a very basic household type while anchored in Marsh Harbour. I made this downgrade repair so as to avoid leaking away the entire contents of my tanks in a locale where drinking water is not abundant, free, or of guaranteed purity. So, to make a long story short, in choosing a replacement for the original fresh water hand pumps, I suggest avoiding the Attwood "3-Way Faucet/Hand Pump".

I also agree with J.B. Manley's point about faucet spout height, especially at the galley sink. If you do decide to go with a central pressure pump, it might be worth considering adding a simple hose bib in some out of the way place to aid in filling a large container if you ever want to.

-- Leon Sisson

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weluvlife
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166 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2003 : 20:12:19

Thank you Leon. I hadn't considered the pressure system. What advantage does the pressured system have over the simple unpressurized electric pump setup?

Mark Eichman
Lake Don Pedro,CA
'86 c25 TR, SK

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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2003 : 20:51:28

I like the idea of a pressurized system.
Keep the good information going.
This is all I need, another project. I still havent hooked up my autopilot, and the furler conversion too.
And work gets in the way too.

Frank Gloss
89WK/TR

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Doug
Captain

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USA
457 Posts

Response Posted - 09/12/2003 : 09:39:13

Would the pressure system be strong enough to handle a spray head in the cockpit? I have kids that (of course) love to swim, bury themselves in the sand, and drag kelp and crabs onto the boat. I've been thinking about putting a shower head, sink sprayer, or even just a garden sprayer in the cockpit so I could rinse kids & boat.

Doug - #1913 Noeta

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Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 09/12/2003 : 09:57:08

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
Would the pressure system be strong enough to handle a spray head in the cockpit? I have kids that (of course) love to swim, bury themselves in the sand, and drag kelp and crabs onto the boat. I've been thinking about putting a shower head, sink sprayer, or even just a garden sprayer in the cockpit so I could rinse kids & boat.

Doug - #1913 Noeta
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Doug,

The Jabsco pump that comes seperately or with the faucet/switch combo just produces enough pressure to lift a decent stream of water to the faucet. It does not have enough head pressure to deliver water the additional height and distance required to reach the cockpit. Additionally, it does not have sufficient volume to power a spray head.

J.B. Manley
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d609b3127cce8d2e212441c60000002010" border=0>
Antares '85 FK/SR #4849
36°29'58" -94°59'59"

Edited by - on

RichardG
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 09/12/2003 : 13:41:07

A few years ago someone suggested attaching the outlet of a pump to the original Whale Flipper Pump, thus getting the advantage of an electric faucet while retaining the ability to hand pump if battery and/or pump dies. I tried it, but the pressure from the pump just pushed out the spout on the Whale, pouring water all over the counter. Here's the pump I got (without faucet/switch)...

[url="http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SiteSearch?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&keyword=110041&x=13&y=1"]Jabsco Pump[/url]

Then I got a Whale Telescoping Spout...

[url="http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SiteSearch?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&keyword=135145&x=13&y=3"]Whale Spout[/url]

It looked a bit higher than the optional Jabsco faucet/switch, but it needs a separate switch for the pump. My original thought was to put the switch at knee level (i.e. hands-free operation). Visions of my young children playing with the switch, overflowing the sink (with a closed thru-hull) and slowly emptying the water tank onto the cabin floor, redirected it's location to the bulkhead behind the sink.

But I liked the thought of retaining the original Whale hand pump, so I installed the telescoping faucet right next to it. A barbed T-fitting just in front of the pump completed the water supply to both units.

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d733b3127cce8e0783f4b1cd0000001610" border=0>

For rinsing off the kids in the cockpit, we use a Sunshower. It works pretty well, but we sometimes have to put it in the shade for a while before using it on the kids because it can get the water pretty hot.

Edited by - RichardG on 09/12/2003 22:27:35

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cat5951
Deckhand

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17 Posts

Response Posted - 09/13/2003 : 11:45:57

I also just put a jabsco in-line with the original Whale pump. It works great! Installed a momentary rocker switch at toe level. Great to be able to wash both hands at once.

Bill
Illusion, 89 WK/TR #5951

Edited by - on

weluvlife
Navigator

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166 Posts

Response Posted - 09/13/2003 : 22:31:26

Great reading. How much is the Jabsco pump? Does west Marine offer this for a reasonable price?

Mark Eichman
Lake Don Pedro,CA
'86 c25 TR, SK

Edited by - on

Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 09/13/2003 : 23:26:24

Hi Mark,

The pump alone is $30 at West Marine; see Richard's link "Jabsco Pump" above. You'll see the faucet switch for $24 at the bottom of the linked page, although I don't recommend buying it. Reasonably priced if, of course, relevant. However, I bought mine during West's recent fresh water pump sale...saved $3...woo woo. <img src=icon_smile.gif border=0 align=middle>

Douglas' idea of checking a local RV supply is probably your best bet.

J.B. Manley
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d609b3127cce8d2e212441c60000002010" border=0>
Antares '85 FK/SR #4849
36°29'58" -94°59'59"

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 09/14/2003 : 06:59:47

More flexible than pressurized faucets is a blaster pump feeding a 15 ft hose coiled in the galley locker that will reach anywhere on board. I use it for everything, filling the sink, rinsing dishes, cleaning night bugs of the deck, cleaning up after hauling the anchor, rinsing the scum line off after hauling out, an occasional bath in the cockpit, filling the tea kettle, flushing the outboard... etc. The use of a Y valve allows a choice of fresh water or sea... so its used for general boat cleaning while cruising instead of a mop or bucket.

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
<img src="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/rr4.jpg" border=0>
N/E Texas and Great Lakes

[url="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/"]Arlyn's C250 Mods n Cruisin Stories[/url]

Edited by - on

Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 09/14/2003 : 10:37:59

Delayed response to questions and comments.

Re: "What advantage does the pressured system have over the simple unpressurized electric pump setup?"

If you're only going to have a single faucet in the system (at the galley sink), the central pressure pump probably isn't an advantage because of relative price and complexity. Once you start adding fresh water outlets, the central pump based system is less complex and expensive than adding another pump for each new outlet.

Re: "Would the pressure system be strong enough to handle a spray head in the cockpit?"

I would think so. The type of pump I used is available in several different flow rates.

Re: "...a choice of fresh water or sea ... so its used for general boat cleaning while cruising..."

I heartily agree. On my month long cruise this spring, a pressurized seawater system would have come in handy. It was one of the things on my wish list that got crossed off for lack of time and/or money.

Re: "More flexible than pressurized faucets is a blaster pump feeding a 15 ft hose coiled in the galley locker that will reach anywhere on board."

This is the sort of thing I was thinking about when I suggested the option of adding a garden hose faucet to the pressure water system.

-- Leon Sisson

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 09/14/2003 : 11:51:43

"...blaster pump ..." Now why does this remind me of a "Tool Time" episode?

Seriously speaking, I think that's a great set-up. Also sounds like a good way to cool off the boat on a hot day.

Currently maintaining two holes in the water...'77 Venture 23 and new to the family,
'78 Catalina 25

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Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 09/14/2003 : 12:11:00

So, I decided, in less than a day, to replace the Jabsco faucet/switch that I'd just installed with the Whaler that I'd just removed and a new rocker switch. However, I hadn't considered that the Jabsco fresh water pump would act as a forward flow check valve when manually pumping.

Here's what I'm considering, and I would appreciate your comments:

Place a Y fitting on the tank side of the supply hose. Come off the Y fitting on one side to the pump and leave the other as a by-pass. On the faucet side of the pump and the by-pass install back flow check valves followed by another Y fitting. I'm thinking that this should facilitate only one faucet (switched and manual) and one supply line into the galley, but should also eliminate back flow circulation through the by-pass line when switched.

J.B. Manley
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d609b3127cce8d2e212441c60000002010" border=0>
Antares '85 FK/SR #4849
36°29'58" -94°59'59"

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 09/14/2003 : 12:24:49

Perhaps a starting point

<img src="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/plumb.jpg" border=0>

Some differences will be that I use a forced fill system... also because of traveling with the boat... I wanted fresh or sea water to the head...

Note also that it provides easy draining of the water tanks...out the thru hull intake.

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
<img src="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/rr4.jpg" border=0>
N/E Texas and Great Lakes

[url="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/"]Arlyn's C250 Mods n Cruisin Stories[/url]

Edited by - on

Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 09/14/2003 : 12:37:15

Ay co rumba!

J.B. Manley
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d609b3127cce8d2e212441c60000002010" border=0>
Antares '85 FK/SR #4849
36°29'58" -94°59'59"

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