New boat owner with a water pump problem.

I

Idlewild

New Member
Joined
7 Feb 2015
Messages
9
Visit site
I own and am living aboard a 1983 Carver Mariner 33. How I came to be here is a long and probably not very interesting story, let's just say that life's circumstances landed me here, where I never expected to be, but I am here now and expect to be here for sometime. I have never previously owned a boat and know next to nothing about them, hence the preceding introduction. But now that I am here I find that it is a good fit and I plan to make this a "permanent" lifestyle, and I am already looking to find a somewhat larger boat, in better condition than this one.

I bought the boat about four months ago (October, 2014) and since moving onboard have found a lot of problems that the seller assured me did not exist (electrical problems, heaters that don't work, no macerator, shore power lines have burned out TWICE, numerous leaks when it rains, etc, etc, etc) Ok, it is my fault, I bought the boat sight unseen while I was in Florida and took possession of it in New Jersey, and I expected due to the age of the boat that there would be some things that would need to be fixed. What I did not expect is that the seller would, after I had paid for it and before I could get to New Jersey to take possession, take the splitter so I had no way to hook up the power without immediately buying a new splitter, and that among other things he took off the boat after I had paid for it was a heater to warm the water lines to keep them from freezing up. I just discovered this a week ago when the hot water stopped running. Now is not the ideal time to find out as it is 22 degrees out and the cockpit access panels are covered with three inches of ice and snow.

So I am hoping someone might be able to tell me what they think the problem might be so when it warms up a little I can get to the hot water heater and lines and fix it.

1.) The pump works. I can hear it running and water comes out of the cold side of the faucet.
2.) The water heater worked and probably still does but I have turned it off until I can fix the problem.
3.) When I got up a couple of mornings ago (after a very cold night) and turned the pump on, the water comes out of the cold side of the faucet, but only a small trickle out of the hot side, and then it stopped completely.

What I don't understand because I have not seen the pump of how the water lines are configured, is why the water would come out of the cold tap but not the hot. The tank is full and is filled on Tuesday's and Friday's.

Although it would be nice to have hot water I am not too anxious to get down in there in 20 degree weather and three inches of ice on the poop deck.

Now I have read some threads and know I will probably get hammered so bring it on and I will suck it up :cool:, but if someone knows what the problem is I would appreciate that too!

Thanks!
 
If the pump is working and water is coming out of the cold tap but not the hot tap there must be a blockage in the hot water pipework or in the tap itself. I assume that none of the hot taps are working so presumably not the tap (faucet in the US).

I can see any alternative but to trace the hot water pipes after the pump and crack apart the fittings until you narrow down the problem or perhaps find a valve that is turned off or faulty.

Richard
 
Good reply thank you!

RichardS said:
If the pump is working and water is coming out of the cold tap but not the hot tap there must be a blockage in the hot water pipework or in the tap itself. I assume that none of the hot taps are working so presumably not the tap (faucet in the US).

I can see any alternative but to trace the hot water pipes after the pump and crack apart the fittings until you narrow down the problem or perhaps find a valve that is turned off or faulty.

Richard
Click to expand...

You are correct, no hot water at any tap, so it would seem the blockage was at or near the source. But it warmed up (38 F) for a couple of days and it fixed itself, so would assume a bit of ice in that line. Just seemed odd that only on side would freeze up.

But! I am glad to have hot water!, and I got a heater in there to keep the lines warm.
so, good to go!

Thank you for your reply.
 
Splitter - to share shore power with another boat from one socket??

Air lock in the hot water system?
Supply to heater may be frozen? Either the line itself or a valve / stop-cock? (because the previous owner remover the water-line heater)
20 F is -6 C (I think). Cold enough to cause problems for sure.

You are going to have to get down there and have a look. May be worth getting a tube heater to keep the space above freezing - like this UK one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hylite-HHT205-Slimline-Heater-thermostat/dp/B007W0WV1M

If I'm way off base, I apologize.
 
Personally I wouldn't be trying to fix water problems in 22 deg F temperatures, ice in the lines is very likely - especially in hot water lines. I know that sounds dumb but hot water freezes too (and in my experience at least, faster than cold water). I think I'd turn the hot water off completely and heat the cold water on the stove until the air temp gets (and stays) above freezing.

As for the seller removing items after purchase you need to read the contract of sale carefully. IMO unless these items are excluded everything on the boat at the time of purchase is yours, so he/she is guilty of theft. Why not contact the seller and ask for their return or you will pass the matter to the police? In the UK we have a 'small claims court' for stuff like this that is very cheap to use and doesn't need a lawyer, do you have something similar in the USA?
 
Idlewild: as per your last comment-
'Now I have read some threads and know I will probably get hammered so bring it on and I will suck it up'

There may be some negative comments, but this forum like all other's, has it's fair share of Idiots, Trolls and general PIA types who hide beind their keyboards, but rest assured, the majority are here to help, advise and even learn...!
Regular contributers are well aware who the clowns are, and take very little notice of what they say.
Keep asking your questions, and if you do get some abuse, ignore it and carry on sucking it up.
Regards.
 
I am afraid with these type of problems you have no alternative than to work through the system - so in a nice way get use to it. It often has to be with fault finding on boats.

When you get use to your boat, you of course build up a mental bible of where to look for problems. Thats is why other owners of the same type can be useful. Also with experience there are some problems that are commonly encountered.

My boats systems are relatively complex; and I only just about feel I know my way around most of it.

To start with the washing machine would not fill. Much as you, strange the pump runs to other taps and water comes out of those. So trace back the pipe, disconnect it at the various junctions and see what happens. It takes forever. Of all things I traced it to a little wire in line filter in the connection between the boat system and the tube to the washing machine. I know all washing machines have a filter there! It was blocked up with calcium type fragments. Took 5 minutes to clean, two hours to trace.

Lesson remembered, blockages in water system on boats usually occur at one constriction or filter or another so check all of those first. Trace the pipe back and remember to label it, you will be grateful next time that you did.
 
Thank you!

jotheboat said:
Splitter - to share shore power with another boat from one socket??


Air lock in the hot water system?
Supply to heater may be frozen? Either the line itself or a valve / stop-cock? (because the previous owner remover the water-line heater)
20 F is -6 C (I think). Cold enough to cause problems for sure.

You are going to have to get down there and have a look. May be worth getting a tube heater to keep the space above freezing - like this UK one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hylite-HHT205-Slimline-Heater-thermostat/dp/B007W0WV1M

If I'm way off base, I apologize.
Click to expand...

Thank you for your response and the link.

Turns out the splitter was totally unnecessary. My own lack of experience and bad advice form the seller. The boat and the dock both have two 30 amp lines available and can be connected directly to the dock. The splitter is to connect two 30 amp lines from the boat into one connection from the dock when there is only one available.

Yes it appears it is just a cold weather issue as when it warmed up the water started working again. Well, lesson learned. Added to my to do list when the warm weather returns!

Thanks again for your reply : * )
 
Tony Cross said:
Personally I wouldn't be trying to fix water problems in 22 deg F temperatures, ice in the lines is very likely - especially in hot water lines. I know that sounds dumb but hot water freezes too (and in my experience at least, faster than cold water). I think I'd turn the hot water off completely and heat the cold water on the stove until the air temp gets (and stays) above freezing.

As for the seller removing items after purchase you need to read the contract of sale carefully. IMO unless these items are excluded everything on the boat at the time of purchase is yours, so he/she is guilty of theft. Why not contact the seller and ask for their return or you will pass the matter to the police? In the UK we have a 'small claims court' for stuff like this that is very cheap to use and doesn't need a lawyer, do you have something similar in the USA?
Click to expand...

Hi Tony,

Thank you for your reply.

As you may have seen form the other posts the problem fixed itself when it warmed up a little outside, so it was probably a little ice in the line, but I will take measures to avoid this happening again next year as soon as it warms up.

Yes we have a small claims court here as well and I did consider taking that route, but I did let the seller know in no uncertain terms what I though about his actions. It is I am sure like most marinas a small community here and he and his reputation are well know. I consider it a lesson learned and taking him to court would unfortunately gain little. He is already by his own actions ostracized by the community here. That, and steering clear of him is sufficient. "Life is simpler when you plow around the stump"

Thanks again for your reply!

: * )
 
Cariadco said:
Idlewild: as per your last comment-
'Now I have read some threads and know I will probably get hammered so bring it on and I will suck it up'

There may be some negative comments, but this forum like all other's, has it's fair share of Idiots, Trolls and general PIA types who hide beind their keyboards, but rest assured, the majority are here to help, advise and even learn...!
Regular contributers are well aware who the clowns are, and take very little notice of what they say.
Keep asking your questions, and if you do get some abuse, ignore it and carry on sucking it up.
Regards.
Click to expand...

Hi Cariadco,

Great reply and advice and thank you for the encouragement. I am certain you are correct as witnessed by all the helpful replies thus far. Trolls need to get a hobby. Oh wait, that is their hobby!

; * )

Best regards,

Idlewild
 
ip485 said:
I am afraid with these type of problems you have no alternative than to work through the system - so in a nice way get use to it. It often has to be with fault finding on boats.

When you get use to your boat, you of course build up a mental bible of where to look for problems. Thats is why other owners of the same type can be useful. Also with experience there are some problems that are commonly encountered.

My boats systems are relatively complex; and I only just about feel I know my way around most of it.

To start with the washing machine would not fill. Much as you, strange the pump runs to other taps and water comes out of those. So trace back the pipe, disconnect it at the various junctions and see what happens. It takes forever. Of all things I traced it to a little wire in line filter in the connection between the boat system and the tube to the washing machine. I know all washing machines have a filter there! It was blocked up with calcium type fragments. Took 5 minutes to clean, two hours to trace.

Lesson remembered, blockages in water system on boats usually occur at one constriction or filter or another so check all of those first. Trace the pipe back and remember to label it, you will be grateful next time that you did.
Click to expand...

Hi ip485,

Again great advice! Your story is a great lesson in tenacity and determination!

I moved onto this boat with very little preparation (actually, none, heh) and before I knew it winter was upon me, but I have gotten a lot of good advice here, and this trial by cold and rain has shown me well where the issues lie, so I will have plenty to do when the warm weather arrives and I know exactly what needs to be fixed!

Thanks for your reply : * )

Idlewild
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Other threads that may be of interest

D
No Raw Water Strainer - Trapper 500 Nanni 2.14
Replies
3
Views
208
Dulaman66
D

Share this page

Top