Installing a washer and dryer
Date: May 14, 1999
From: Douglas Banks dbanks@ciris.net
I would like to install a washer and dryer on my Endeavour 40. Does anyone have any ideas as to the best location?
Date: May 27, 1999
From: Phil Johnson flippery@bellsouth.net
I installed a combination washer/dryer about 2 years ago aft in the starboard passageway. It's the best addition we have made according to my wife Monica. Significant mods were required to lockers (lowered), hot and cold water plumbing (tapped in front of the generator), vent (4in hole and cowl in same location as engine room only on the starboard side), electrical (separate run from it's own breaker on the switchboard), and grey water (shower) plumbing were required but it fits and runs well. There are many configurations of this passageway area in E40's I would be glad to discuss more details if you wish to contact me, I can be reached at (215) 625-3790
Date: August 14, 2000
From: JohnJoe837@aol.com
I installed a washer onboard my E-40 after being inspired to do so by Phil and Monica. However, as I converted the storage cabinet area on the starboard side to a full fledge Nav station I had a long and hard decision process as to where to put the washer/dryer combo. The machine I settled on was the marine Splende 2000 sold by West Marine. There are two models here one that uses water for drying and the other which is a little deeper uses air and no water. The first is not very efficient and with the water use being high I cannot recommend it. Even the company does not recommend it. I opted to cut into the port settee next to the galley sink. I built a special platform for it to sit on and sunk it into the settee area without damaging the settee face. This aids greatly with securing it but you do loose the draw. Of course you loose the one draw and on sitting area. The next problem to overcome was the dryer exhaust and what I did was purchase another port hole lens and cut a 4" hole in it for the exhaust hose. With the idea that when I get underway I just remove the two bolts holding the lens and replace it with the original to maintain the water tightness at sea. Wiring and plumbing in this position is very easy. It was one of the best moves I ever made. It improved the quality of life onboard dramatically not having to go to laundry mats any more. If anyone has any questions about this feel free to contact me.
Date: March 8, 2001
From: Phil Johnson flippery@bellsouth.net
Just an update, The washer is still running strong as of 5 March 2001 and Monica considers is the most important pc. of equipment aboard.
Date: November 19, 2002
From: Dick Jewell SailorofSJ@aol.com
Yes, we installed a ventless washer dryer. We have the interior with two bunkbeds in the passage from the nav station to the aft cabin. We decided to convert the two bunks to storage. We installed the unit to the aft of the area, abutting the bulkhead wall of the aft cabin.
I cut out the upper bunk to allow for the width and depth of the W/D. The width cut I made also allowed for a bulkhead wall to be installed on the left side (forward side) of the W/D. I figured wedging the W/D between these would give support to the installation. I plumbed the hot and cold water under the flooring and up inside the storage area below the lower bunk. (wiring was similarly routed). Then I routed the copper tubing up thru the lower bunk at the rear. I installed a manifold for the hot and cold water (a single lever shut off) up on the bulkhead wall so it was accessible by reaching back. It is just above the original upper bunk surface. (when cutting the upper bunk out I left a rear shelf of the material. This was necessitated because of the glass bonding to the fiberglass hull.) Also mounted was an electrical box with a ground fault interrupter socket for the power.
I installed an above the waterline overboard discharge thru an accessible valve. I also installed a removable top retaining shelf between the two bulkheads that could be unbolted to remove the W/D for repairs.
Lastly I installed large blocks of teak on the two bulkheads with through bolts immediately in front of the W/D to prevent it from tipping out when heeling. These were fitted snugly against the face of the W/D and hold it in position.
Comments on the Spendide: the ventless model consumes a lot of water. I wish I had installed a vented model. I have found I cannot convert it.
Date: November 19, 2002
From: Dennis Ross sailboat@sprintmail.com
Paul,
We have a Bendix combo (Splendide clone?), which was installed in the hanging locker in the walkthrough. It is a non-vented unit, which I don't recommend because of the high water use to dry.
