Helge's water system is plumbed with PEX plastic tubing and joined with SharkBite push-to-connect fittings (Pex tubing can withstand a hard freeze without damage). Pressure is supplied by a Groco WSC-60 vain pump assembly and a PST-1 accumulator. The water pump assembly contains an adjustable pressure switch, a check valve, and a dry-run timer.

Groco vain pumps are notoriously noisy, but offer a long service life and are easy to maintain (simply replace the shaft seal, hub and sliding vanes).

The two midship stainless tanks hold 180 gallons total. Water levels are measured by the fuel system Tank-Tender. A 45L Vetus Calorifier stores hot water from the Dickinson stove and the wheelhouse solar collector. The Dickinson circulates fresh water, while the collector circulates coolant. A 50 PSI relief valve allows excess pressure to divert around the Groco check valve eliminating the need for a blow-off safety valve.

Since the advent of efficient magnetic rotor pumps, my original steam propelled hot water system is no longer needed. These new pumps simplify the plumbing and consume only 1/4 amp of electricity.

The Dickinson coil can raise 14 gallons of water 18 degrees Fahrenheit in one hour (53 liters - 10 degrees Celsius).






























To assist in winterizing the system, we installed an inline check valve and tap. The check valve also protects the circulation pump from steam damage in between cycles. An unexpected benefit with the valve is that it encourages self-pumping when the circulation pump is off (similar to my original steam propelled design). The steam movement is not enough to fully heat the tank, but enough to maintain 50 degrees Fahrenheit above ambient.









Reverse calibrating the Tank-Tender (tape marks five gallons).