Rain water collection for extended cruising

General Discussion
1

I dont know if anyone has done this and also dont know how many freedom models have deck drains that enter through the deck and exit at the waterline, but the 40/40 has this feature. It is ideal for rainwater collection, especially on the starboard side because the drain hose is accessible in the wet locker in the shower. Rather than spend thousands if dollars on a water maker, I plan on mounting a simple 3 way diverter valve on that hose inside the wet locker. Stick a length of hose on it that is long enough to exit the locker and reach a water can that sits on the floor of the shower….. and thats it.
The obvious thing is that you would have to keep your decks clean and let the drain work naturally for a bit when it begins to rain to flush any salt off the deck, then flip the lever on the valve. I could also do this on the port side but thats all inside my aft cabin closet and while its possible, it is not ideal
Has anyone done this?

I will also mention that this valve works great for creating a tool free way to winterize your fresh water system

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2

Sounds ingenious as long as you remember to close the valve when not collecting rain water. I am not sure I would drink the water, but could be useful. The port side is also accessible inside the closet next to the bed.

I had to replace these hoses a few years ago when the old ones rotted out.

3

You’d have to always remember that when you take the hose out of the jerry can, to shut the valve.

4

Also, I would 100% drink it. Just run it through a filter first.

5

I was chatting with a freedom 35 ck, waiting out the hurricane season in Granada. while crossing the Atlantic his primary fresh water source was collecting rainwater through diverted scuppers. He would let the salt wash off the deck then divert and filter the rainwater.

6

Aha ! Glad to hear someone else has done this, although that also means I cant take credit for the invention :grin: