When does 23 equal 30?

[Jim Walsh]

Never!
I just took the time to measure the actual capacity of my water tanks. Cape Dory says 86 gallons total. Jim Walsh says 23+23+18+4 (that last figure is the new water heaters capacity, the original was 6 gallons) does not, will not, and never did equal 86 (I'll save you from doing the math, it equals 68 currently and 70 back when it was built with the old water heater). I can see one of the original capacity plates on my 23 gallon tanks and it clearly states 30 gallons. I presume Cape Dory got hoodwinked and paid for a 30 gallon capacity tank. The manufacturer was pretty smart though. They found out that they could pop a larger capacity plate on a smaller capacity tank and cha ching, the profit ratio soars!
I am grateful for having three independent, well made, water tanks. I'm just glad to know what the true capacity is for planning purposes.

Have you ever checked your actual capacity?

BTW, I replaced my 20 gallon diesel tank a few years ago and it is in fact a 20 gallon diesel tank!

[jen1722terry]

Nice discovery, Jim. Particularly useful for us as we also have a 31.

Maybe they just got the digits reversed at some point and never caught the error. 86 - 68?

Not so bad. On our two long cruises the last two years we seemed to have plenty of water. 68 seems to be enough.

Can't wait to try to new water heater (Isotemp 4 gallon). You may recall we put it in last fall but was not able to test it. Thanks again for the advice on the install.

Enjoy those spring cruises!

[Jim Walsh]

What really surprised me was the tank manufacturers data plate which clearly claims a 30 gallon capacity. It really makes me think Cape Dory was hoodwinked.

[Keith]

Hmmmm the tanks on my 30C also say 30 gal. Sounds like a lot of work to check so I think I'll let sleeping dog lay