Sailing Uma · video

What this video covers

The crew of the sailboat Uma installs a custom hot water and shower system in their head to replace a manual garden sprayer.3:34 Because the head is a confined space with three-quarter-inch plywood bulkheads, they mount the plumbing controls and 12-volt solenoid switches under a berth to save space.13:30 The system utilizes a three-gallon water heater tank modified with a 48-volt, 700-watt heating element wired directly to the boat’s 48-volt battery bank.5:03 To conserve water, the shower features two adjustable body jets and a foot-operated switch that allows for intermittent flow.12:29 A direct-plumbed sump pump eliminates the need for a traditional sump box, discharging water directly overboard.15:09 The crew finishes the head renovation by painting the surfaces with Alex Seal deck paint.7:54 Testing confirms the 700-watt element heats the water in approximately 30 minutes, and the insulated tank retains heat overnight.18:35 The installation provides a functional, space-efficient shower system that integrates with the boat's all-electric power configuration.

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