Water Tanks Full or Empty when leaving the boat for an extended period

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RJL
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Joined: 4/26/17
Posts: 45
Water Tanks Full or Empty when leaving the boat for an extended period

Hi,
I have seen discussions on other forums about leaving potable water tanks full or empty when leaving the boat for an extended period. So far I have seen really split opinions on this, so I am interested in the experience of Catalina cruisers on this topic.  Assuming freezing is not a concern, what would you do?

Bob Longo
Transcendent, 1993 Catalina 36 Mk. 1.5, hull 1237
Raleigh, NC

dpower
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Joined: 6/20/08
Posts: 232
You do not mention where the boat is. In Florida, we Keep our tanks full during the summer months. First, it adds more weight to the boat to help stabilize it during our stormy weather. It also cuts down or eliminates the formation of any growth inside the tanks. We also add a cap or two of bleach. No residual order or taste.

David S. Power
Two If By Sea #1687
Burnt Store Marina
Punta Gorda, FL

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Parsons
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Posts: 95

We store in a frozen land, so we have to empty our tanks and lines or risk cracks.  We have no need for the full 80 gallons of fresh water, so leave the forward tank empty at all times.  I'm not a water expert, but I would think that empty and dry is less likely to grow anything than full of stagnate water.

John Parsons
"Water Music" 1999 Catalina 36 Mk II - Hull 1771
Tall Rig, Fin Keel
Bay City, MI, USA

RJL
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Posts: 45

Thanks.  Based on what I have been hearing I am thinking full with water treatment - in my case the West Marine treatment because my better half senses chlorine a mile away...  I am in North Carolina so freezing is not typically a problem and I could empty the tanks if a hard long freeze looked likely.

 

Bob Longo
Transcendent, 1993 Catalina 36 Mk. 1.5, hull 1237
Raleigh, NC

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