Upgrading the Centaur Water System

The original water system was a bit of a laugh, but it had served previous owners who had been across to mainland Europe a few times. That huge water tank was (still is) under the V berth and had one line running to the galley sink with a cheap press button switch to engage an ineffective caravan pump to provide cold water.   (Click on any image for a larger view)

I bought a Plastimo flexible cold water tank.  It is located in the starboard side locker under the V berth (for now).  I plan to get the old original tank out but it does mean cutting through the GRP base of the V berth.

The new water system is pressurised. I fitted this Jabsco pump under the galley sink.  When taps are opened, the water pressure drops and the pump kicks in. A great system (if you have no leaks!). Don’t forget you need an accumulator tank to absorb pulses in water pressure. Mine is a  SureCal 1 litre tank and I located it in the engine compartment.

I bought a SureCal 22 litre dual-coil calorifier which I fitted in this locker (port side beside the companionway steps). At the moment the water is heated by my Eberspacher D4WSC Hydronic heater. The spare coil will be used to take advantage of engine heated water once I get that sorted. At the moment there are blanking plugs fitted.

This is the location of the Eberspacher D4WSC hydronic heater (former port quarter berth). You can see the car header tank I got from a scrapyard for a fiver, and the insulated stainless exhaust leading to the through hull exhaust. You can also see the hot water shower fitted to the cockpit area. This area has been tidied up since I took this photo.

The hot shower viewed from the cockpit area.

Photo to follow

The hot and cold mixer tap fitted to the upgraded galley sink.