Rain catchers

[redbopeep]

So, I was just perusing JeanneP's Cruising Dictionary (which is included in the Cruising and Sailing Wiki) and saw the part on rain catchers here-- Q-R - a Cruising Guide on the World Cruising and Sailing Wiki

What have other cruisers used for rain catchers?

[mico]

We went through elaborate plans of funnels, hoses and ridges on our bimini when a friend stepped aboard during a downpour, grabbed a towel and made a horseshoe shape around our water deck filling cap. He took off the cap and the towel created a dam and I swear - the tanks were filled in no time! Of course if your deck is covered in bird crap you might want to do some cleaning first before taking that first swill!

Fair winds

[capta]

If you're in the tropics, the biggest problem with rain catchment is the squalls aren't usually long enough to clean a permanent unit (canvas or fixed system) before it's over. You would need a dedicated canvas set up that you'd need to put up for the rain and take down immediately to prevent salt or dirt from getting on it.

[roverhi]

We used our awning for water catchment. Stuck two one inch plastic through hulls on each side boom and ran a hose to the tanks. Never had to schlep water to the boat in a year and a half of cruising SoPac.

[Nicholson58]

There was one in our inventory when we bought the boat. It drapes over the main boom and the starboard stanchions and lifeline. the bottom drains to a funnel with a port that screws into the water port. It is ruberized canvas. This thing is huge - about 20 feet long and 8 feet wide with a 2" drain. The funnel is about 8 feet by 4 feet.

[haiqu]

Well, with a meagre 100L tank I'm still schlepping water. I seem to use about 40L a week but then a lot of that is cleaning paint brushes at present.

This is definitely high on my agenda.

[delatbabel]

haiqu, I have an awning with a rain catcher. Remind me to show it to you on Friday. Something similar could probably be knocked up for Keppelena by one of the canvas or sail makers around, you'd just need some measurements, etc.

[haiqu]

After last night's deluge the dinghy was full of water. I decanted the cleanest 20L and refilled the tank and the one empty container, then baled about another 50L overboard. That's one less trip ashore.

Now it's time to watch the Sydney to Hobart race start on Channel 7.

[Jewel]

QUOTE]. Or a rock.