If you're like most boat owners, you probably don't give your vessel's water pressure much thought – that is, until something goes wrong. Then, it becomes a very important topic! Fortunately, checking your boat's water pressure is a relatively easy task that can be accomplished with just a few tools.
Here's what you'll need to do the job:
1. A water pressure gauge – You can purchase one of these at any marine supply store.
2. A length of flexible tubing – This will connect the gauge to the boat's water system. Make sure the tubing is long enough to reach from the gauge to the nearest spigot or through-hull fitting.
3. Teflon tape – This will help create a watertight seal between the tubing and fittings.
4. A Phillips head screwdriver (optional) – If your boat has an easily accessible through-hull fitting, you may not need this tool. However, if you have to remove a panel to get to the fitting, a screwdriver will come in handy.
+5 minutes
Assuming your boat has an easily accessible through-hull fitting:
1) Begin by turning off the water at the source (i.e., shore power or onboard fresh water tank). Then open up all of the faucets on board so that there is no pressure in the lines. 2) Next, take your flexible tubing and attach one end to the threaded connection on the back of the pressure gauge using Teflon tape for added security/watertightness 3) Run the other end of tubing over to your nearest through hull or spigot and again use Teflon tape to create a secure connection 4) Finally, turn on your water at its source and observe asthe needle onthe gaugedepicts changes inpressure 5) When finished testing simply reverse steps 1-4to disconnect everything
Ifyourboat doesnot have an accessiblethrough-hullfitting: 1) Locate an appropriate area whereyou can drilla hole largeenoughto accommodate thenippleonthe backofyourgauge 2) UseTeflontapeto createa watersolidconnectionbetweenthenippleand newhole 3) Proceedwithsteps2-5above