Washer/Dryer install

[PushyQueffer]

Hello everyone, I'm about to install
A washer/dryer in my boat and I'm wondering if some of you that also have washer/dryers should the used water be routed to a sump pump or just straight to a through hull . My install will be above waterline. But if I did drain into a sump that would be located under waterline. Just wondering the way others have plumbed there's. Thanks

 

[ksanders]

Route it to a dedicated through hull.

The washer will have a pump to push the water overboard, just like a home washer that pumps upward to expel the water.

 

[PushyQueffer]

Route it to a dedicated through hull.

The washer will have a pump to push the water overboard, just like a home washer that pumps upward to expel the water.

That was kinda my thought as well and would have most likely defaulted to that . The sump pump is probley just adding in more that
Can possibly go wrong or break that doesn't need to be involved. Thanks for your reply. I appreciate it .

 

[luna]

One other issue that should be thought out is where does the dryer exhaust exit the boat.

If it is a heated/vented dryer, keeping the exhaust tube smooth walled, short, with limited elbows will deliver dividends.

 

[Dawgfan]

I agree with KSanders above. We had a problem this past season. Our washer started back siphoning salt water from a through hull which was at the waterline. Exploring several options while underway, I decided to simply drain the washer water into the shower, which would then drain into the sump and be pumped overboard. I noticed the fresh water pump running much more than usual when the washer was running. Turns out, the washer kept draining downhill and re-filling. I re-routed the extended drain hose up into the sink basin. That was enough elevation to keep the washer from gravity draining while breaking the siphon. Worked all season. Rather than installing a siphon break, due to limited clearance under the cabinets, I had a new through hull installed well above the water line this past fall. Problem solved. Drain uphill, make sure there is a loop and then drain into a through hull above the waterline seems to be the best, most reliable way to route the washer drain while insuring water tight integrity for the boat. A siphon break in the loop can work, but I just didn't feel comfortable with that option.

 

[Comodave]

In a previous boat 12 boats ago I installed a washer/dryer. I drained it through the hull. I put a large clamshell over the 4” exhaust in the hull side. Angled it aft and down so water would not splash up and in the vent when underway.

 

[Irish Rambler]

Hello everyone, I'm about to install
A washer/dryer in my boat and I'm wondering if some of you that also have washer/dryers should the used water be routed to a sump pump or just straight to a through hull . My install will be above waterline. But if I did drain into a sump that would be located under waterline. Just wondering the way others have plumbed there's. Thanks

We have a dishwasher and washing machine which pumps the waste water into a sink which discharges below the waterline. This prevents neighbours being annoyed by dirty water and suds being pumped overboard.
As for a dryer, it's to heavy on electric so we hang clothes outside in summer and in the utility room to dry overnight in winter.

 

[slowgoesit]

Our washer/dryer currently drains into the aft holding tank. At 13 gallons a cycle, that's a lot of waste water. It's on my list to plumb to direct overboard discharge, but haven't done it yet. It helps that the aft tank (the smaller of the two onboard waste tanks) is still 145 gallons, but going overboard is the better option.

 

[luna]

With the growing number of places that prohibit grey water discharge (although around here enforcement seems almost nonexistent) I would plumb the new overboard discharge as an option and retain the discharge to the tank as well.

 

[Lepke]

Depending on the washer model, it can discharge water faster than many yacht sump pumps.
Plastic pipe with a thick wall (1/4") works good for dryer discharge. Don't restrict. Use sweeping 90° bends. If you have a long run you can fit a bilge blower near the end to help move the air. Add a rheostat in the line to adjust rpm. Too much help will move the air thru the dryer too fast to pick up heat.

 

[Rsysol]

My story, our washer is in our engine room and needs to lift the drain water about 6’ to the through hull. This worked fine for years, until it didn’t. I replaced the pump on the washer and the new pump also failed to drain. I ended up adding a sump that took care of the problem. Unfortunately, the pump jams occasionally and we get a fresh wash into the bilge.

Gotta love boats!

 

[Kirk M]

We have a washer/dryer mounted wihere the bottom of it is 4-6” below the water line. The discharge is routed through a vented loop and out a thru-hull at the waterline. Works great. The dryer is a non vented version and works well too but takes a bit of time.

 

[mydacha]

Y connector and valve to gray/black tank. Not all marinas allow to discharge soapy water

 

[Northwind_42]

I'm looking at adding (actually replacing a really old stacked washer dryer set that was dead) a single unit that is both the washer and dryer. Anyone have that type of setup? I don't generate tons of laundry, so I think it'll be fine for my needs, just trying to get some recommendations on brands to go with (or avoid). Thanks in advance!

 

[SteveK]

search for splendide

 

[tiltrider1]

I have used single unit washer/dryers in the past. They do just fine on smaller loads. When you get to things like sheets and towels you will find them rather inefficient.

So, if you use your boat a couple a weeks a year and you just want to wash a few things they are great. If you are a liveaboard or you have king size sheets or a lot of towels then you would be much better off with the new 24” stackable units.

Splendide non vented is a good option.

 

[Comodave]

We have had several Splendide vented units. I do not recommend the non vented units, takes forever to dry and uses a lot more water. I really liked the vented units but I had read the owners manual and learned how to properly load them, hint don’t overload them. Better to do 2 loads than 1 big one. The vented units will dry things completely unlike the non vented units which seem to leave things damp. We have had them in both boats and an RV.

 

[tiltrider1]

We have had several Splendide vented units. I do not recommend the non vented units, takes forever to dry and uses a lot more water. I really liked the vented units but I had read the owners manual and learned how to properly load them, hint don’t overload them. Better to do 2 loads than 1 big one. The vented units will dry things completely unlike the non vented units which seem to leave things damp. We have had them in both boats and an RV.

Ooop! I typoed that. Comodave is correct. I meant Vented over non Vented.

 

[slowgoesit]

Second the Splendide. VENTED only. The ventless model, like Comodave stated uses a LOT of water, as it uses your fresh water to condense the water out of the air around the clothes during the drying cycle. Also, doesn't dry as well as the Vented models. The Splendide 2100XC is the lastest version. Older ones work just fine. When we bought our current boat in 2021, the old Splendide, circa early '80's died after about 6 months. We purchased one that had been factory installed in fifth wheel camper, but never used for about half the price of a new one. We love it. It's our 3rd Splendide vented model.
Regarding the size of the washer/dryer, for the two of us, it worked just fine during 3 years of living aboard full time. worked just fine for king sheets, but definitely NOT for comforter!
Granted the wash/dry cycle takes a long time . . . but it's not our time. We just put them in and do other stuff, and it automatically switches to dry cycle and Voila, our clothes are done!
Things like having a washer dryer, and an ice maker on our boat, are the difference between camping and living.

 

[Northwind_42]

Thanks everyone! I had sort of stumbled across the Splendide brand in my googling... Looks like the option to go with. I'm already setup for vented, so that'll definitely be the way I go.

 

[Comodave]

Sounds good. Just read instructions to see how to load it and you should be happy with it.

 

[chanprr]

We have separate Splendide washer and vented dryer in our Helmsman 46. I don't have a photo, but the render shows the compartments built for the individual units. Both Splendide units work very well, especially using smaller loads, and separating light and heavy garments.
The render also shows the small hatch on the right for entry to the engine room.