Integral water tank Pearson 36-2

[victoriap]

Curious about the intergral water tank on my new to me Pearson 36-2. She's a 1985 build. The tank looks like its coated with gelcoat. Is a tank like this normal? Is the water safe to drink? I figure we can test it, but am wondering about long term use when we decide to cruise. Thanks!

[westernspirit]

We have the 36-2; never tested water but we prefer not to drink(carry seperate water bladder) I do have to bleach clean inside tanks every season for mold/algae growth plus I winterize tanks with propylene glycol so we're not keen on drinking.use it for showers and drinking
But haven't ever been offshore for weeks so in that case would probably set up a RO on them.

[Suddy]

I have a 1986 Pearson 36-2. There are two (2) stainless steel tanks on board. What little I can see of the interior, there is no coating. The original documents mention two SS tanks totaling 100 galons. The previous owner installed a new water heater that blocks opening the valve that puts the rear tank in service. The water in the forward tank tastes fine. I don't know if I will trust the rear tank. Not sure how long the water has been in it. I always add chlorox to the tank before I add water.

[westernspirit]

Interesting, sounds like the 1985's were Fiberglas like mine and then they switched to SS in 1986, or were they retrofit?

[Suddy]

My examination of the original documents provided by the previous owner indicate that the dual SS tanks was standard. Also; on Sailboat.com, the specifications indicate water tank-age at 100 gallons. It doesn't mention the number of tanks or the material they are made from.

URL:
"http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_id=2085"

I have the center board version of the Pearson 36-2.