Portable Washdown System

[crowra]

Problem: Our boat has no raw water wash down system. We have been connecting a hose from the rear transom faucet, running all the way forward and using freshwater to rinse off the anchor chain. Besides a waste of fresh water, the pressure just isn't enough to wash the Chesapeake Bay mud off the chain. My first mate (FM) gave me 4 days to design, purchase and build a wash down system before we made a cruise last week.

Solution: I managed to pull it off -- even after working full time and missing parts in the pump system I purchased from West Marine. Attached is a photo. It may not be pretty but it's functional, portable and delivers 6 GPM at 70 psi. And best of all, I have a happy FM! Winter project is install permanently most likely tapping into forward head raw water supply line.

[RobS]

I know what you mean about the fw washdown not being up to the task. Nice "temp" setup, that will certainly do it. Where did you tap into the raw water? I guess the FM really wanted it if she was willing to sacrifice a nice bamboo cutting board!

[jleonard]

My raw water washdown is Td off the generator strainer. It's a Johnson pump with similar specs. Works great for anchor mud and pre-rinsing plates and pots.

[crowra]

Rob,

Raw water supply is from a 3/4" hose hanging over the side of the boat about 2' into the water. There is a filter on the end of the hose plus a filter attached to the pump. As for the cutting board... it's all about compromise!

Rob

[RobS]

Rob, Raw water supply is from a 3/4" hose hanging over the side of the boat about 2' into the water...

That is what I was wondering and figured so, that sure keeps it "portable"