Storing/Adding Extra Fresh Water for Extended Off Grid Cruising

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We enjoy summers exploring the gorgeous BC coast aboard our 34′ CHB trawler-style liveaboard boat, often in remote areas without many services. To stay out for weeks, I rely on my boat’s 1200W solar power array, 940 amp-hour battery capacity, and the boat’s ample food storage.

CHB Trawler Anchored in Nimmo Bay British Columbia

But water management is key. The trawler has two 60-gallon water tanks, and I carry an additional 60-gallon water bladder on the deck for extra capacity. I fill it up at marinas with good city water, like in Campbell River or Port McNeill, since many smaller marinas use local creek/lake runoff sources. In the summer months, those sources dry up or become of non-potable quality.

60 Gallon Water Bladder on Boat Deck

To transfer water, I use a 12VDC Magam 70 PSI water pump, which flows at a maximum of 7 gallons per minute and is quiet, perfect for peaceful anchorages. It’s powered by a small Bluetti ACA2 portable power station and paired with a GoBluTech 10″ 3-stage water filter system, including sediment, off-grid, and charcoal filters to ensure clean water. A water regulator keeps the pump’s high PSI in check to protect the filters.

Power pump and filters

I can also use the pump for washing down the boat, such as cleaning fish/crab guts, or rinsing the deck. Additionally, I’ve installed a GoBluTech UV sterilizer faucet for purified drinking water at the kitchen sink. The 60-gallon Aquatank II water bladder collapses for easy storage, and all my water gear fits in a plastic bin.

UV Faucet and Empty Water Bladder

Our boat has one 60-gallon stainless steel tank and three 20-gallon plastic tanks, plumbed together with valves for equalization. This setup, combined with the extra water in the bladder, keeps us self-sufficient off-grid for weeks at a time, providing ample water for dishes and showers.

Water Transfer from Bladder to Boat Tanks Video Demo

Fair Disclosure: Some of the products shown in the video were free review samples.

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Storing and Adding Extra Fresh Water for Extended Off Grid Cruising

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