Access to water tank in keel

[john lewis]

Hi all just bought a tophat mark 111 and cannot find access to the tank under the floor, the filler neck is near the companionway and the outlet under the floor at the front of the tank, the hose is split near the top of the tank, will i have to cut a hole in the floor to get to it, help please.

cheers John

[Miker]

Hi John,

I too have a MkIII, my filler is a standard plastic filler at the back of the tank near the companionway, with a bung down in the keel well behinf the tank. The hose goes into the top of the tank at the front near the entry to the forward berth, and is epoxy/siliconed in place.

It may be easier for you to remove the hose completely and replace it with another new length of the 1/2" taint free water hose from Whitworths. You should be able to see the end of the hose down near the filler hole. This may mean re-sealing where the hose comes through the front of the tank, but you shouldn't need to cut the tank open.

At least, that's what the previous owner did with mine and I've since put in a powered pump under the sink for cold running water and it works well.



If you look at the pic, right at the front, where the green carpet meets the blue carpet, you'll see where the white hose comes out of the tank and up into the galley cupboard.

At least, that's what I think based on your description.

Michael

[john lewis]

Thanks Mike, my floor is completly enclosed, my hose come out the other side of the companion way,so is the floor the top of the tank? Nice looking boat!!!
cheers John

[storm petrel]

Hi,

Floor is the top of the tank in my Mk11. A previous owner cut two inspection holes (now with aluminium covers) in my floor to access/clean the tank. I have since inserted a water bladder and new tubing and now have sweet tasting water. Good luck with the fix.

Cheers,
Mark

[Phillip]

Evening All,

Access to water tanks varies, with Mk1's built by Baker having an access panel in the rear of the water tank, you get to the panel via the bilge well.

Mk 2's & 3's have access through openings in the floor, but you should still check if there is an access panel in the bilge.

Shoal draft versions do not have a water tank in the bilge as it is taken up with the extra keel lead.

I don't know what they did with the 27' Top Hat water tank.

Phillip
SEAKA

[Miker]

John, yes the floor should be the top of the tank. If your hose is coming out the other side of the companionway, it should still be able to be pulled out through the hole and replaced, then re-sealed.

There shouldn't really be a need to take the floor out to change the hose.

Yes, she's nice in pictures, but a little rough around the edges... we call her a 20 footer.... if you stand back 20 feet she looks great

Michael.