Five Gallon Collapsible Water Container

[Gregg F]

We bought a bladder water tank as a back up for our boat when one of our tanks developed a crack. The one we bought was a little more expensive than the collapsibles but extremely rugged. Had to get creative with fittings at the hardware store but worked it out. You can't transport water to the boat with it since it's like carrying a dead body but if your loooking for secure dependable water storage while traveling on open water it would be worth consideration. Enjoy!

[Cowboy Sailer]

Also learned the hard way--don't just set them on deck after you empty them into the boat's tank if there is a brisk breeze!

[captain465]

I hope you are aware that 30 gallons of water is about 240 pounds. That could affect you fore/aft trim if storing in the v berth of a 28 footer.

[Hud3]

Take a look at the Ronco Plastics catalog. They make tanks in all sorts of shapes, and can do custom dimensions, too. They also sell the fittings and cleanout/inspection plates. I've not used them personally, but they have a great reputation.

http://ronco-plastics.com/pdfs/MarineTanks2009.pdf

[CharlesFCook]

We get a FREE 5 liter water blatter with every box wine purchase. Fits in a standard reusable shopping bag.

http://charlescook.com/Resume/IMG_8518.JPG

http://charlescook.com/Resume/IMG_8519.JPG

http://charlescook.com/Resume/IMG_8520.JPG

[Cormorant]

I've had about 6 of those Reliance 5-gallon water bladders. Some of them come with a soft rubber/silicone gasket in the cap, and for some reason others do not. The ones without the gasket leak at the cap if the bladder lies on its side, as the seal is only made plastic-to-plastic.

So best to buy these things from a store where you can take the cap off and have a look. I've bought mine online where it's a crapshoot.

The few we have that are gasketed have lasted for years and still don't leak.

[sarafina]

Originally Posted by Vasco

Used a couple on my first trip south. Graduated to jerry jugs. Biggest problems were that they are hard to fill and if you have to carry them a ways the handles kill you. Prone to punctures too.

That's why I made the bags... They are sorta blob like to handle otherwise, and I always feel as if the handles are not sufficiently robust for the weight when full.

[David M]

I would imagine the quality varies. I get scientists who bring these aboard for their water samples. The ones they use are pretty heavy duty and durable. Water samples get pretty expensive when you are paying for a boat and paying people to collect the water

[sarafina]

Originally Posted by CharlesFCook

We get a FREE 5 liter water blatter with every box wine purchase. Fits in a standard reusable shopping bag.

http://charlescook.com/Resume/IMG_8518.JPG

http://charlescook.com/Resume/IMG_8519.JPG

http://charlescook.com/Resume/IMG_8520.JPG

Those are nice but it will take 4 of them to equal on 5 Gallon bag. That's a LOT of boxed wine!!!

; -)

[donradcliffe]

We used the collapsible containers on a Transpac race--3-4 out of 10 containers had small leaks by the time we hit Hawaii. When they started to leak, we just dumped them into the boat tanks. We also had some while cruising to carry water to the boat, but after a year or two they all leaked, so we went with jerry jugs. Don't know what brand they were, but bought them at a sporting goods store and/or Walmart.

[JanetGroene]

As others have said, life of these jugs depends on many factors including their original quality and much heat and UV exposure they get. We always keep one or two on hand, replacing as necessary. 5-gal. too heavy for me and two @ 2.5 gals handled and balanced easier. They have come in handy for (1) had to carry water some distance from village well to our dink to boat to refill tanks. (2) When bareboating, I always have one of these in luggage. Weigh almost nothing, take up little space. I'm a big believer in pressure water so, when on a boat that does not have it, I can fill a jug and set it on the counter. faucet down. Instant gravity feed, whether I want a teaspoon of water for a recipe or a thin stream for rinsing dishes.

[otherthan]

Originally Posted by Cormorant

I've had about 6 of those Reliance 5-gallon water bladders. Some of them come with a soft rubber/silicone gasket in the cap, and for some reason others do not. The ones without the gasket leak at the cap if the bladder lies on its side, as the seal is only made plastic-to-plastic.

So best to buy these things from a store where you can take the cap off and have a look. I've bought mine online where it's a crapshoot.

The few we have that are gasketed have lasted for years and still don't leak.

thanks for the tips...I took those with the rubber gaskets
Reliance is a winnipeg company and there products will pass the test of winter, so they say!!
also got the grocery insulated bags at $1ea...again thanks for the tip

from mesure I can easaly fit 8 per side for a total of 16 times 20l...more then enough for cruising...love the practicality of them being use as shower or on conter for cooking or other water uses.
rgds

[sck5]

I stopped the leaks from the caps on the reliance ones by screwing the cap down over a piece of plastic wrap covering the opening. Worked like a charm - no leaks after that

[PopPopEd]

We've switched to the 2.5 gallon model. They fit in a backpack, weigh only 20 lbs instead of 40 like the 5 gallon. If we have a chance to freeze these they fit in the cooler, last for many days keeping food cool and the water is useable as the ice inside melts. Certainly easier to carry and store. Some we've had for years. Got them from a camping supply company like REI.