I am expecting to become paranoid about water conservation especially once we reach the western Isles. It is surprisingly easy to run out of water on a boat. Watanga has two 11O Litre water tanks, giving 220 litres in all, about 60 gallons. Once you take away air space at the top of the tank and the bit at the bottom below the outlet pipe we probably only have 50 usable gallons.

The tanks are underneath the aft bunks and although transparent the water level was never easy to ascertain. To make things easier, last season we fitted some water gauges, At least now everyone can see the levels easily and monitor their usage.

Then we come to showering. We have to insist on the navy’s regime of

1. Step in and turn the water on just long enough to wet the body.
2. Turn the water off.
3. Apply soap and shampoo.
4. Rinse off.

or Wet, Lather, Rinse to conserve supplies. On extended periods away from marinas or pontoons, supply becomes even more critical.

Then we come to hot water, If we have run the engine then there will be maybe 15 litres available. If not then its a COLD shower. We can also heat the water via shore power, but in our experience, if you have access to shore power you have access to showers. In 16 years of sailing I cannot remember ever using the immersion option.

This year, after reading an excellent article on TheBoatGalley a blog site whose boat is also a gemini105MC, we going to try out solar showers. They are available online and in camping shops. Quite simply a flexible black water container that draws it’s heat from the sun, that has a shower attachment. It is filled separately so adds to the total water supply on the boat, and the heat, (well if it’s sunny), that’s free.

Lets hope its sunny.