Two (port/starboard) tanks (approx 560L each, located in bilges below water level. One aft tank immediately forward of engine compartment ( approx 880L). ) These are coated aluminium tanks integrated into hull ( and so provide additional level of security in event of hull puncture). Tanks have multiple large inspection hatches.
Currently the Starboard tank is used for diesel. The port tank is used for storage (with inspection hatches removed), but could be converted to operational tank within some hours, increasing total water storage to 1440L, or alternatively diesel storage to 1120L. All tank-ventilations welded Aluminium-pipes with valves on deck. 100L Black water tank manufactured TekTanks UK using spun nylon. Inspection hatch. Sonar level detector. The tank is connected to a below water throughhull fitting so that the tank can be emptied a suitable distance at sea. It is aerated by a 1.5” through hull fitting high on the side (excellent tank aeration – no odour). The tank has two deck fittings – one for standard pump-out, and a second for simultaneous rinse if necessary. Pumpout and drainout are aligned so that blockages could be directly cleared with a hose (this has never been necessary).
The black water tank receives from a Lavac vacuum toilet with sea water flush. A 70L stainless steel Kerosene storage tank is located amidships in the bilge.
This tank supplies a 10L pressurized tank that in turn feeds a three burner kerosene stove with two hotplates and an oven.
New (2016) Isotherm Hot water Boiler provides hot-water. It is powered by mains shore power element, and is also heated by heat-exchanger from the engine freshwater circulation (in-line stop-cocks provide isolationbetween the engine and the boiler, if necessary). Two sinks (galley and heads) and shower (heads) are all plumbed for pressurized hot /cold fresh water. Galley has foot lift-pump direct from water tank, in event of electrical / pressure system failure.
A Pur Survivor 12L/hr water-maker provides fresh water to the main water tank, but could easily be plumbed to the currently unused port water tank.
In order to minimise the latent dangers of through-hull fittings, VITO has a minimal number of though hulls: engine intake, a general saltwater intake for watermaker, flush, and deckwash pump, and an outlet from the balck-water tank. There are no direct outflow from galley or heads sink – but if required, their installation would be straight forward.