Days of water trips or just an outdoor trip with family on a boat often require basic amenities that seem like a luxury in the wild, and having an autonomous water system on board dramatically changes the level of comfort, turning a regular fishing or cruise into a full-fledged camping on the water. Boat shower It is not just a whim, but a functional solution that allows you to wash off salt water, sand or fish slime without leaving the deck.
The organization of the supply of warm or cold water requires careful planning, as space on a small vessel is limited, and the operating conditions of the equipment are aggressive. Vibration, pitching, salt moisture and temperature changes dictate strict requirements for materials and installation methods. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of creating a comfortable shower system that will last for many years.
The choice between a ready-made solution and a self-assembly system depends on the type of boat and budget. For owners of large boats and yachts, the market offers compact ready-made complexes, but for PVC boats and small aluminum boats, it is often more effective solution becomes more effective. home-madeIt allows you to take into account all the features of the layout of the cockpit and make the most efficient use of each cubic centimeter of volume.
Selection of pumping system and power source
The heart of any autonomous shower system is a pump that provides the necessary pressure in the hose. Electric pumps powered by 12 volts onboard are the most relevant for boats, as they do not require complex energy transformation. Membrane pumps are considered the de facto standard in shipbuilding due to their ability to self-suction and work even in short-term dry course, which is critical when emptying the tank.
When choosing a pump, it is important to pay attention to performance measured in liters per minute (LPM) and maximum pressure. For a shower, a pump with a capacity of 3-5 liters per minute is quite enough, since more powerful units will create an uncomfortable stream and quickly discharge the battery. It is also worth considering the noise level, since in the limited space of the boat, the hum of the running engine can be heard throughout the cockpit.
Use pumps with ceramic or brass elements instead of plastic ones if you plan to pump water from natural water bodies – they are less sensitive to fine sand.
Alternatives to electric pumps can be used foot-pump Or compressed air systems, but they require constant human intervention or a compressor. The electrical circuitry is simple: plus the battery through the fuse goes to the pump, minus closes the circuit, but the mandatory element is moisture protection of all contacts. The pressure relay allows the pump to turn on only when the tap is opened, saving battery power.
Construction and materials of the shower tank
Water capacity is the second key element of the system, which should not only be sealed, but also safe for storing drinking water if you plan to use the same tank for household needs. The optimal material is considered food plastics such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), which do not emit harmful substances and are resistant to ultraviet. Soft tanks PVC fabrics are convenient because they take up a minimum of space when folded, which is ideal for boats with limited storage space.
Rigid stainless steel or aluminum tanks are more durable, but require careful insulation to avoid galvanic corrosion in salt water. An important aspect is the shape of the tank: it must be securely fixed on the boat to prevent displacement of the center of gravity when rolling. Often the tanks are made rectangular or cylindrical in order to make the most of the angles of the cockpit or the space under the seats.
Calculation of tank volume
A comfortable shower requires about 15-20 liters of warm water for one person, and a family of 3-4 people will be optimal for a tank of 50-60 liters, which will allow everyone to shower without refueling.
When installing the tank, you need to provide a system of overflow and (ventilation) so that when filling or heating the water, the excess pressure does not break the container. Gravitational systemsWhere the tank is located above the point of consumption, it saves battery power, but requires a reliable mounting of the tank at a height, which is not always possible on small boats. In most cases, a forced water supply from a tank located in the hold or under the floorboard is used.
Water heating system on board
Comfortable water rest is hard to imagine without the possibility of taking a warm shower, especially in cool weather or after immersion in cold water. There are several ways to heat the water, and the choice depends on the available resources and duration of stays. flow-heaterThe gas or on-board network, although the latter consume a huge amount of energy.
Propane-butane gas heaters provide fast and powerful heating, independent of battery charge, but require strict safety measures, including the removal of combustion products overboard and the cylinder being firmly fixed. Solid-fuel titans (for firewood or coal) is a time-tested, classic scheme, popular among fans of long autonomous travel, where there is no opportunity to often replenish gas or fuel reserves.
| Type of heater | Power source | Heating speed | Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flow (12B) | Battery | Instant. | High (no open fire) |
| Gas column | Propane-butane | High. | Requires ventilation. |
| Solid fuel | Wood/Coal | Slow (tank heating) | Risk of burns, need a sparkler |
| TEN in the tank | 220B (coastal network) | Medium | Only in the parking lot. |
Electrical heaters built directly into the tank are only effective if there is a shore outlet or a powerful generator, as it will take considerable time and energy to heat 50 liters of water. Heat exchangers, using the heat of the exhaust gases of the engine is another option, but it is difficult to implement and works only while the boat is moving. For most anglers and tourists, the optimal compromise is a gas flow or heating the water in the tank in the sun during daylight hours.
Installation of shower watering and hoses
The final stage of the system assembly is the wiring of the pipeline and the installation of a water extraction point. For boat conditions, hoses made of cross-linked polyethylene or special garden hoses that do not contain phthalates, which retain elasticity in the cold and have no rubber odor, are ideal. Quick-connector connections They allow you to disconnect the shower at any time, freeing up space, which is especially important on tight decks.
The shower watering should be made of plastic or brass with anti-corrosion coating, as the steel will quickly rust in salt water. It is desirable to have a jet mode switch and water saving function to ensure that the supply in the tank is spent rationally. The watering fixation should allow you to install the watering watering in a vertical position to fill the containers or wash large items, as well as fixation at a height for showering with your hands.
⚠️ Attention: All hose connections must be made using double stainless steel clamps, and engine vibration and water turbulence can weaken the single clamping, causing the hold to flood.
When laying hoses, avoid sharp corners and places where they can be accidentally cut or crushed by a heavy object. Using corrugated protective sleeves in the passageway through bulkheads or on the side of the boat will protect the highway from rubbing. Shut-off fittings (cranes) should be readily accessible so that in case of leakage, it is possible to immediately block the water without looking for tools.
Water discharge and wastewater management
Disposal of used water is not only a matter of comfort, but also of ecology, especially if you are in a protected area or on a closed body of water. A simple drain of soapy water directly overboard is acceptable when using biodegradable detergents, but in some regions this may be prohibited by local GIMS regulations. Stationary Pontoon bots or large boats often equip storm-water with ladders in the cockpit floor.
For inflatable boats and flat-bottomed boats, the organization of permanent drainage is difficult, so the water is often collected in pallets or simply lowered overboard far from the shore. green-gel So if you plan to bathe aboard a lot, it makes sense to have a small prefabricated ladder with a pump to pump water out of the pallet.
☑️ Eco-security checklist
In winter or when storing a boat, you need to completely drain the system so that the residue of water does not freeze and break the hoses or the pump body. Conservation The shower system for the winter will extend its service life and save you from problems with the launch next season.
Winter conservation and maintenance of the system
The durability of the shower system on the boat depends on the quality of its maintenance in the off-season. Salt deposits formed inside the pump and heating elements can quickly disable the equipment. Regularly flushing the system with a weak solution of acetic acid will help remove scale and maintain productivity. flow-heater and pumps.
Before a long parking, be sure to remove the pump and store it in a warm dry place, as rubber membranes can crack in the cold. The hoses should be folded without sharp clamps to avoid microcracks that will turn into fistulas under pressure. Lubrication of moving parts taps and switches with silicone lubrication will prevent the souring of the mechanisms.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave water in the tank for the winter: Freezing water expands and is guaranteed to deform or tear the plastic tank, even if it seems durable.
Checking electrical connections before each season should be the rule, and the oxidation of contacts in seawater is very rapid, so the use of a special lubricant for contacts (dielectric grease) is mandatory. Replacement of rubber seals and gaskets Every 2-3 seasons of operation will prevent sudden leaks during rest.
The main secret of the system durability is complete drying and storage of removable elements (pump, watering) in the heat in the winter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a regular car pump for a shower on a boat?
Use of a standard car pump (for example, for a glass washer) is not recommended, as they are not designed for long-term operation and often do not have water protection (IP67). sea-pump water that is corrosion-proof and has a higher performance.
How long does a 12-volt TEN heat water?
Heating time depends on the power of the TEN and the volume of the tank. A standard car TEN with a capacity of 150-300 W will heat 20 liters of water for a very long time (several hours). Rapid heating requires powerful inverters and TENs of 1-2 kW, which quickly puts the battery down.
How to protect the tank from algae fouling?
Use opaque tanks or paint transparent containers dark to block sunlight, and regular flushing of the tank with chlorine solution or special disinfectants for drinking water containers also helps.
Which hose is better to choose for hot water?
For hot water, be sure to use Hot & Cold hoses or reinforced heating hoses. Conventional garden hoses can soften, deform, or release toxins when the water is heated above 40-50 degrees.