Well.  It's been almost two years since I posted anything on this thread.  I've been through several permutations of plans on whether or how to continue the project.  A couple of ideas fell through, and at the moment, I've got enthusiasm back.  It's tenuous, but it's there.

I've also taken Annie's advice, now that my work firewall allows me to, and created a blog over on Google's blogspot.

https://scottdufour.blogspot.com/

But the short story is that work is progressing.  I've put in some more bulkheads, made some design decisions, and have solidified a philosophy that perfect is the enemy of both good and done.

It looks good from here!
Phil

Life has been busy with me lately, but I have had a chance to get some things done.  Not a lot, but some.

I've created a niche for the starboard watertank sight glass out of fiberglass and ply.  More fiddly than I wanted, but I think it will work fine.  A clear acrylic tube will run from top to bottom to give a simple view of the water level inside the tank.

The top of the water tank is complete, but not yet attached.  I'm using 10 inch Armstrong compression deck plates to cover the openings into each compartment.  That means that the raw edges of the plywood need to be well sealed, because they are exposed to water.  I used several coats of epoxy, and then two layers of 1.5 oz glass on biax wrapped around the inside of each hole.  That's more for durability than anything else.  I don't expect to go in there more than a few times a year for cleaning and inspection.

Here's the top, looking for all the world like a very public high capacity outhouse seat.

I also cut the port bridge deck bulkhead, serving double duty as the aft head bulkhead.  The forward side is glassed in. The aft side not yet - the temperatures have dropped to just above freezing and I needed to figure out a way to keep things a bit warmer in there. 

For which purpose this kerosene heater in the center is overkill.  But it's better than freezing.  It can get pretty cold in New England in the winter.  I actually need to run fans to keep from cooking myself.  The heater is either on or off.

Lots of interesting discussion on water storage, and watermakers. having had a lot of cruising experience I will put my two bits worth of opinion in. On 'Footprints' all of our water in 10 or 20 litre jerry cans. We have a system where there is storage for a 20 litre jerry can under the galley bench so we can easily take out the empty jerry can and replace it with a full container. A hose is inserted through a hole in the lid of the jerry can which supplies water to the two manual freshwater pumps. One in the galley and, one in the head. I like manual pumps because they are simple and encourage more conservative use of water. We have the ability to carry up to 270 litres in jerry cans but you do need the appropriate shaped storage areas for the 20 litre jerry cans. Because 'Footprints' is kind of square in shape it is easy for us to have suitable storage areas. I did consider installing water tanks before our trip to New Caledonia, but in the end did not because of the complication of hoses and filling points, and vents. But if one uses flexible tanks then installation is a lot easier. Another good reason for jerry cans is that it does divide your water storage into multiple containers so there is less risk of losing the whole water supply because of a leak, or contamination. Plus I have found that when cruising in remote areas the water more often than not needs to be transported to the boat in jerry cans anyway.

So our freshwater system is about as simple as you can get if you are going to have a plumbed freshwater supply. A 20 litre jerry can with hose out the top leading directly to the hand galley freshwater pump. A tee fitting off that hose leads to the foot pump in the head to supply water to the hand-basin. Further water storage in jerry cans located in various places around the boat but most of them under the settee berths. I even have a spare water pump which after ten years I have not needed to use. And I carry a spare seal kit for the galley hand pump. The only possible downside to this installation is the necessity to drag full jerry cans of water around the interior of the boat when it comes time to swap over containers. 

I have often thought I would like the luxury of a watermaker but they are an expensive luxury with a lot of complication. The electric watermakers require a lot of amps even to produce a single litre of water so you need the ability to feed the watermaker all that electricity. I think and engine driven watermaker would be the best option and would produce the most water per dollar of installation and running cost.

But then as mentioned by others, how much water do you really need? When cruising as a family of 3 we are quite wasteful with our freshwater so get through about 20 litres a day. Body washing is by way of a swim and a solar shower. Even at 20 litres a day we have up to two weeks cruising range with the water we carry. I noted that on our ocean crossing that our water usage was significantly lower than this, only 100 litres for eight days. 

On the subject of watermakers there is a company in New Zealand who manufacture an interesting range of both engine driven and electric watermakers. They have a website under Open Ocean Watermakers. You will be able to find it through Google.

David Tyler wrote:

What's the capacity of these two tanks? A boat of this size won't like carrying more than 60 gallons; would a tank of 30 gallons take up the whole settee? With 60 gallons aboard, a couple can go for a three week passage, with a margin of safety, and ought not to need a watermaker.

Gosh, but you're greedy, David.  We crossed the Atlantic in Stormalong in 28 days on 15 imperial gallons of water and still had some left.  (At least we thought we did, but when we pulled out the 5 gallon container, we discovered it must have had a pin-hole, because it was empty and there was water sloshing about in the locker.)  I reckon with 60 gallons, a couple could sail for four months!

Generally, I have found 2.5 litres (let's keep it simple and avoid gallons) per person, per day to be more than adequate.  Living here in the boatshed, I get through slightly under 6 litres a day, going mad with water!

Of course, if you insist on fresh water showers, your consumption will go through the roof.  I go and put my coin in the slot here.  Living aboard, I usually just have a 'bird bath' unless I need to wash my hair which requires lots of water.

However, I believe that Scott's wish for a watermaker is due to a sensitive stomach which objects to less than pure water.