[C320-list] Fresh water system winterization

[ART HARDEN]



I use a small oil less compressor from Harbor freight to clear out Tortuga’s system. My procedure is as follows:

Winter:
1. Pump both tanks completely dry.
2. Remove the aerator from the galley sink and connect in a three-quarter hose with an air fitting and clamp. 
3. Pressurize the cold side about 40 PSI and drain through the head sink and cockpit shower. Close the cold and open hot water side and repeat. 
4. With all valves closed except the galley cold, open the hot water heater drain and blow it out. 
5. Run two gallons of pink through each tank one at a time. 
6. I installed an isolation valve on the cold side to block off the HW tank as I run the pink through the system. 
7. As the pink runs through, I open the isolation valve and fill the bottom with about 1/2 gallon (best guess). 
8. Reconnect the compressor and blow it all out again. 

Springtime:
1. With the WH isolation valve still closed, run 3-4 gallons of water through each tank several times. I usually do 2 gallons, 3 gallons, 4 gallons. The increased amounts dilutes the residual in the tank more each time. 
2. Connect a water hose to the galley sink and open the isolation valve to the WH. 
3. Using the water supply at the dock flush the entire system. This way you are not constantly running your pump and can have a cleaner system. 
4. Finally fill your tanks and sterilize as desired with chlorine or peroxide. 

Sent from my iPhone
Art Harden
Catalina 320 "Tortuga" E-62
937.885.9380 (o)
937.477.5544 (m)

> On Nov 21, 2023, at 11:05 AM, Kim Chapman via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
> I've always used a shop vac to suck the water out of all the lines. I first
> disconnect the line, at the pump, that is coming from the tanks. Using duct
> tape, connect this line to the shop vac. Opening one valve at a time this
> quickly empties the two tank lines. Let it run a few minutes to get the
> last drops out. Then I move to the pressurized side of the pump. Disconnect
> this line and connect it (duct tape) to the shop vac. Again I focus on
> individual lines. Go to each faucet and open the tap. Put your ear close to
> the faucet and listen for the sound of rushing air. If you hear any
> gurgling then there is still water in the line. The hot-water lines will
> take a much longer time because of the water in the hot-water tank. If you
> have a drain plug on the hot-water tank then drain this first.
> 
> I have never used antifreeze in these lines.
> 
> Cheers...
> 
> Kim Chapman
> C320 #416
> Sanity
> 
> On Tue, Nov 21, 2023 at 10:06 AM wdoc1--- via C320-list <
> c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
> 
>> Shipmates-
>> Considering adding "T" connectors to the lines from forward and aft water
>> tanks to facilitate clearing the lines with compressed air/winterizing with
>> antifreeze.
>> Anyone have suggestions re fittings, location?
>> Would a 10 gallon compressed air tank be sufficient to blow the water out
>> of the head, head sink, galley sink and shower? What kind of fitting for
>> the air line?
>> Thank you,
>> Bill McConnell2000 C320 #714, Diversion