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.