I'm thinking about replacing my original fresh water pump in order to increase my water flow rate. The original SHURflo pump is 3.0 GPM. I am thinking about increasing that rate to 5.0 GPM. Does anyone foresee any problems with this proposed upgrade?
I'm looking at both the SHURflo Aqua King II and the Jabsco PAR-Max Plus pumps. Any thoughts on either of these pumps?
As always, any and all input in appreciated.
Thanks!
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Mark and Karen Gadson
St Michaels, MD
1995 Catalina 36 Mk II (Hull 1458) - Tall Rig; Wing Keel; M35
Home Port: St Michaels, MD
Boat Name: Magnolia
Only though is that this will likely result in more profligate water use (and waste) -- which is hardly a good thing, given the limited tankage we have on our boats. Not sure why 3 GPM wouldn't be sufficient.
Matthew Chachère
s/v ¡Que Chévere!
(Formerly 1985 C36 MKI #466 tall rig fin keel M25)
2006 Catalina Morgan 440 #30.
Homeported in eastern Long Island, NY
The aqua king ii has lasted much longer than the previous jabsco(s) - yes plural.
I believe we have the 4.0 model and it puts out a very good flow.
The biggest water saver for us was replacing the sink faucet with a single lever model.
2000 C36 MKII 1825
Jim,
Thanks for the comments about the Aqua King II. Glad to hear the 4.0 GPM is adequate. I am also going to add a single-lever galley faucet. What brand and model did you use?
Mark and Karen Gadson
St Michaels, MD
1995 Catalina 36 Mk II (Hull 1458) - Tall Rig; Wing Keel; M35
Home Port: St Michaels, MD
Boat Name: Magnolia
We use the Agua King II as well and water presure is more than adequate. We have a ac/heating unit so a larger pump woule be a tight fit given the ac unit and the location of the water heater.
Chuck Huber
Sugaree
C36 MKII 2000
#1887
Tall Rig, Wing Keel
Boat Location: Saugatuck, MI
Mark-
You might want to double check that you don't have a water strainer buried in amongst the plumbing somewhere, and it needs cleaning. We experienced this, and after cleaning the strainer screen, it really improved the flow rate.
Paul & Wendy Keyser
"First Light"
Rye NH
2005 C36 MKII #2257
Wing, M35B
Paul,
Thanks for your thoughts about the strainer. I check all my strainers often because, as you say, it makes a big difference. One of the main reasons I want to bump up the pressure is that we use our transom shower quite often and the flow is not very good by the time the water runs the full distance of the water line to the shower head.
Mark and Karen Gadson
St Michaels, MD
1995 Catalina 36 Mk II (Hull 1458) - Tall Rig; Wing Keel; M35
Home Port: St Michaels, MD
Boat Name: Magnolia
Good point about strainer at the faucet. Just completed a now laughable troubleshooting session where I tore into everything to find the strainer at the pullout handle was completely blocked - doh!
Bought this one from Catalina Direct and love it. Had to use my dreamer tool to widen the hole just a bit. I also cut a hole to give access, otherwise this is sort of impossible.
https://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm/product/1427/galley-faucet-pull-out.cfm
2000 C36 MKII 1825
Mark: Just replaced my old Jabsco with the newer/larger ShurFlo Aqua King II 4.0 gpm pump. I feel that 4gpm is plenty and delivers excellent pressure at all faucets. But I have a MK1 with no transom shower. It is quieter than the original - BUT still not quiet. It also rapid cycles when you are running the faucet slowly to preserve water so I had to reinstall my accumulator as well. The Admiral really likes the new pump and the new valves I installed under the stove to allow quick selection of water tanks. A pretty easy upgrade.
_____________
Harold Baker
S/V Lucky Duck
Duncan Bay Boat Club
Cheboygan Michigan - Lake Huron
1989 C-36 mkI TR/WK M25XP
Harold,
Thanks for your comments and thoughts. I am now leaning towards the ShurFlo Aqua King II 4.0 GPM pump as a replacement after hearing that it has decent water pressure. I am planning on doing the replacement after my boat is hauled for the winter after I drain the tanks and prior to winterizing. I am also going to build a water manifold like you and others have done that will be located under the galley stove/oven - a much more convenient location. I will be building that this summer so I can install it and the pump right after the Fall haul out. What size and brand of valves did you use for your manifold, and where did you purchase them? Do you have any pictures of your project that might be helpful?
Mark and Karen Gadson
St Michaels, MD
1995 Catalina 36 Mk II (Hull 1458) - Tall Rig; Wing Keel; M35
Home Port: St Michaels, MD
Boat Name: Magnolia
On a 36 mk1 has anybody upgraded to the whale pump with 2 liter accumulator? Was it easy? Did you have to move anything?