Water Pump/ Vacuflush Question

[JLR]

Well, although snow is in the forecast, I recommissioned the "other" boat today. I filled the water tank to three quarters, got the Headhunter fresh water pump going with no issues and the vacuflush heads were perfect. However, I got you thinking. This boat has only the Headhunter pump for fresh water and it is an AC pump. The heads are all fresh water fed vacuflush heads. No problem most of the time since I always run the genset underway. However, when I am on the hook for five or six hours, and someone (like I) want to use the head, will there be enough line pressure without the fresh water pump running to feed the vacuflush heads. I surely do not want to start the genset when fishing on the hook just to use the head. I know an additional 12 volt fresh water head would solve this issue but wondering whether it is needed for this purpose?

 

[jrbrein]

On my boat I have 2 vacuflush heads and when I use one and the pump (and it is a DC pump with an accumulator tank) is off my vacuflush head suction pump continues to cycle. It needs adequate continuous water pressure to run properly.

I only use dc powered pumps to run the fresh water side of my boats plumbing. Or, how about running your AC water pump through your inverter if you have one?

Jon

 

[JLR]

The inverter is a great solution. Does anyone know what size inverter I would need to run a Mach 5 Headhunter pump?

 

[Boatsb]

Put a dc pump in the system. An inverter is a big investment in wiring and cost.

 

[JLR]

On further thought, I might just add a DC pump below the cockpit to use as a fresh water wash down pump after being assured that there will be enough line pressure for at least a flush or two while at anchor. I do not think that the size pump I am adding will carry the boat but I suspect it will help a bit when the genset is off. Alternatively, what size D.C. pump would I need to add to carry the entire boat if that was the route I chose? Just hate the thought of having to switch over every time I leave the dock or forfeiting the use of the Headhunter which works so well.

 

[Pascal]

Two water pumps are a must have for redundancy.... one AC and one DC. They can be installed in parallel so the DC pump only comes on when the AC pump os off

 

[captainwjm]

Are you sure the Headhunter pump is A/C?

 

[jrbrein]

JLR,

You could simply install a DC water pump to supply your fresh water wash down and Vacuflush heads. Carry a spare DC water pump.

I like running as many pumps, lights (all LED of course) etc... off of DC on my boat. But I am a smaller boat than you.

Jon

 

[JLR]

Are you sure the Headhunter pump is A/C?

That is a very good question. I assume it is because its breaker appears to be labeled fresh water pump and is located on the AC side of the panel. But, perhaps someone put in another breaker somewhere.

 

[Pascal]

If you re going to add a DC pump,you may as well have it run everything.

Headhunter pumps installed by builders are usually the Mach 5 which is either 120 or 240v. I m not sure headhunter makes DC pumps. Maybe.. the Mach 5 is a great pump with high volume and pressure

 

[captainwjm]

If you re going to add a DC pump,you may as well have it run everything.

Headhunter pumps installed by builders are usually the Mach 5 which is either 120 or 240v. I m not sure headhunter makes DC pumps. Maybe.. the Mach 5 is a great pump with high volume and pressure

As usual, Pascal is mostly right. My Headhunters [one for fresh water and one for the head system] are the 24 volt - X-Caliber model; the larger Mach 5 is either 120 or 240 only. Agree that Headhunters are great pumps.