Raw Water Plumbing - Manifold Destiny

One of the benefits of restoring an old boat is that one gets to add his/her own sense of proper organization to the vital systems of the vessel.  While it is extremely vital to keep all water outside of the hull, certain systems require sea water to function effectively.  I've already discussed the importance of seacocks and through-hulls, but there is a critical bit of plumbing that controls and directs this sea water to those systems.

What I am describing is a raw water manifold.  While one can just plumb a seacock and hose to each system, there is an effective way to minimize the amount of holes in the hull by combining systems with a single through-hull.  Of course some equipment, notably the engine, require a dedicated raw water supply, but others are able to share.

Raw Water Strainers for the Engine (left) and other system's Manifold (right)

The systems whose raw water supply that we chose to combine into a manifold included (1) the sea water supply for the galley; (2) the deck/anchor wash; and (3) the water maker.  Since neither of these systems will be operated concurrently, there isn't any worry about starving a particular system.

We chose to plumb Harmony with bronze fittings in order to provide a very strong and solid system.  All we needed to do was combine the various fittings to direct the flow of water to the selected systems.  Similar to the engine having a dedicated raw water strainer, we plumbed a separate raw water strainer into this line.  We used approved water/exhaust hose with heavy walls and double helical wire to provide strength for the potential water pressure.  This hose is typically made by Shields is approved by the USCG and ABYC.

Raw Water Manifold to the right of the small Raw Water Strainer

Once all of the various fittings were assembled, the main challenge was to mount the manifold in an appropriate location in the engine room.  As the supported systems get installed, the appropriate hoses will be attached and run.

This manifold has allowed us to limit the amount of through-hulls in the hull.  Additionally, it has minimized the number of seacocks we need to inspect, maintain, and worry about when Harmony is in the water.

Moreover, it allows us to create what will hopefully be a very neat and organized schematic where it is easy to get lost in a confused rabbet's warren of hoses and valves.  Ah, maybe our sailing destiny will be to actually sail rather than get drained or, perhaps, hosed by an overly complicated system layout!

Fair Winds and Following Seas!