Harvesting Rainwater on a Sailboat
On land, some boats have a garboard drain to let out any water that collects in the keel sump. A piece of pipe stops the drips dribbling down, staining or seeping into any cracks. A fine net prevents any bugs getting in. | |
The same idea can be used by extending deck drains with bits of pipe. These stop water stains from marking the hull when she’s stored ashore. | |
To prevent hull stains, some boats have internal deck drains. But these can disturb the crew’s sleep, as she rolls and the water “glugs” in and out all night. | |
Some people add dams to these drains, to prevent deck puddles forming. | |
Another idea for clean topsides is to make small sumps to collect the dirty water. Dirt settles and clean water overflows or is sponged out occasionally. | |
Condensation forms on cold surfaces like windows or their metal frames. To stop this dripping on to the upholstery below, some boats have a wooden handrail and drip tray to catch the moisture. | |
Sometimes drips are good. Many bluewater sailors catch rainwater by lashing a big funnel and pipe to the mast. Or suspend a plant tray with a hose attached under the boom. | |
Another simple rain-catching idea is to add a small | |
Most Bimini sun shades can be rigged up with a drain and hose to collect rainwater. | |
But if torrential rain comes with a strong wind, the big sunshades might need to be stowed. Then a small tarp and pipe, lashed down into a V shape, can be used to do the job. |
