"Jeff" wrote in message
...
Scout wrote:
Anyone familiar with PEXtite systems?
After getting a close up look at my plumbing, I'm considering some
changes and mods, like a bypass on the hot water heater for winterizing
purposes.
Looks like it's easy to work with. Just need to find a local supplier.
Scout

My boat was built with the Whale "System 15" throughout. I think its
similar, except that the fittings are a slightly different size (15 mm?).
For a while, I had trouble getting parts, then, once I was fully stocked,
West start to carry two different brands.

Its actually rather nice to be able disconnect and re-connect quickly. For
winterizing, I disconnect the main delivery, and blow out the lines with a
dinghy pump or compressor. Then I disconnect a few of the low spots.
There are a few small issues. The connectors do wear out with use, so in
the spring I usually have a little trouble getting it all tight. Usually,
a little poking and tugging gets everything seated well. The hardest can
be the delivery from the tank where a small air leak confuses the pump.

Another problem I had was that plastic fittings were used to connect to
the water heater, and one of these failed within 6 months. A metal tail
must be used in this situation. Also, there were no shutoffs - I added
one on the lone to the hot water heater so that any leak on that side
doesn't disable the cold water. Also, I added shutoffs to the cockpit
shower so that the lines "outside" of the heated part of the boat can be
shut down.

A downside, of course, is that the tube is only semi-flexible and you have
to think about how to do runs. If need be, you can mix it with
traditional pipe.

Thanks Jeff,
I started winterizing today. Checked the engine coolant, reads good to -10
deg F.
Poured a gallon of RV anti-freeze in the toilet and flushed it into the
tank. Pour a quart in the shower drain and sucked it dry with the pump.
Poured some in the ice box but the pump didn't suck it out, may be a
blockage, i'll check that next time. Drained the hot water heater tank.
Tomorrow is another day, just as long as it doesn't get below 32 tonight!
Scout