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Washing Machine Aboard: Essential or Optional?
- By Behan Gifford
- April 27, 2022
The washing machine in our house on land seemed to run daily to keep up with the laundry for our family of five. I worried about how we’d cope after giving up our high-efficiency machines to move aboard our sailboat, Totem. Wasn’t everyday life going to be even messier? Or would we really benefit from more or less living in swimsuits?
For years, we did laundry in a 5-gallon bucket, and it was fine. But in 2019, we added a compact washer. We love the upgrade enough that in recent months, we considered an even better make.
Here’s how we thought about the pros and cons of a washing machine on a cruising boat.
Compact automatic washing machines
I never imagined having a washer on board when we set out for our sabbatical cruise. (Oops! 14 years later…) The Giantex we purchased uses about the same amount of water as our 5-gallon bucket, but clothes get cleaner—and it’s so much easier, we tend to keep up better. It cost us around $200, and now runs around $250.
Other, more-expensive washing machines on sailboats that get good reviews include the Daewoo Mini , which mounts out of the way in a wall or bulkhead, but has a smaller capacity at more than $1,000; the Splendide , which, at around $1,000, has a capacity that mimics a conventional washing machine; and Miele’s compact front-loaders, which have nearly the same footprint as the Splendide, but with better reviews and a price tag around $1,400.
As often happens, the RV market offers an affordable alternative. The first washing machine I ever saw on a cruising boat came from the RV world. It was a small, single-tub affair that plugged into an outlet. You had to add water with a hose or bucket, but that may work better for boats that closely watch water use. This method is higher maintenance, maybe, but it costs less than $100.
What about a dryer?
The Daewoo Mini and Splendide have all-in-one washer/dryer or washer-only units. While we know several boats with the dual capability, not a single cruiser aboard them likes the dryer function. It takes a long time (literally hours), it uses a lot of power, and clothes are still damp enough to warrant hanging.
Drying laundry on the lifelines remains the cruiser’s best option. After trying many types of clothespins over the years, I am sold on powder-coated stainless pins. We’ve used them for about four years now. They are highly durable with no staining or corrosion, and the orange color I picked makes me smile.
Don’t get plastic pins. Ultraviolet light kills them all eventually, and you will lose them in the ocean. Wood sounds nice, but the metal springs eventually rust and stain your clothes. Suck it up and spend the money on the schmancy set. Match your canvas color if that helps you feel better about the expense.
Non-electric machines
Somewhere between the automatic washing machine and a bucket are the manual clothes washers. When we were in Australia, one cruiser’s cast-off Wonder Wash portable machine became our laundry treasure. It really did get clothes cleaner. But it only lasted about a year; its awkward shape made it difficult to stow; and, ultimately, the base cracked. It was not quite up to the rigors of cruising.
A few other nonelectric washers are around, but none seem better than the 5-gallon bucket for folks who aren’t going with an installed, powered washing machine.
Shoreside laundry first
Of course, it’s also nice to turn over the effort to someone else, and get a pile of sweetly clean, folded clothes in return. Laundry on shore may still be the best first choice. The gray-water rinse from laundry is a pollutant. While your trickle overboard might seem like a drop in the ocean, it’s cumulatively harming the fragile environment around us. Laundromats and households typically drain to water treatment plants, but boats don’t.
You can pay for a lot of shoreside laundry before buying a schmancy washer, and in an upcoming article, I’ll talk about our first 11 years of doing just fine thankyouverymuch using a 5-gallon bucket. There are some corners of the world where shoreside laundry is costly and ineffective; in French Polynesia, our clothes washed on shore came back damp and smelling of mildew.
But mostly, taking laundry on shore opens the genuinely interesting option of discovering a new establishment, maybe practicing a new language, meeting a new person or making a new friend, and getting your laundry cleaned in the bargain.
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Washing machine aboard: essential or optional?
The washing machine in our house on land seemed to be run daily to keep up with the laundry produced by our family of five. I worried about how we’d cope after giving up our high efficiency machines to move aboard a sailboat. Wasn’t everyday life going to be even messier? Or would we really benefit from more or less living in swimsuits (eventually) and do less washing?
Laundry dries under the watchful eye of a young pelican; Sea of Cortez, 2019
For years we did laundry in a bucket, and it was fine (especially with periodic shoreside washing in ‘real’ machines!). But in 2019 we added a compact washer, and love it enough that in recent months we considered upgrading to a better make.
We had the space to fit it (converted a wet hanging locker in our forward head)
The power draw was manageable: ballpark speculation of around 20ah (DC) per load, or, a few hours of your fridge running or half day of laptop use. Must be able to accomodate, but nothing crazy.
The water use was not really different from doing the same size load in a five-gallon bucket; we also upgraded our watermaker, and the new CruiseRO’s 30gph made it easy for us to do more laundry.
Here’s a walk through some options to think about the pros and cons of a washing machine on a cruising boat.
Compact automatic washers
The compact model on Totem; manufacturer’s picture
I never imagined having a washing machine on board when we set out for our sabbatical cruise (oops! 14 years later…), but the to-loading model is a great addition on board Totem . The Giantex we purchased uses about the same amount of water as our five-gallon bucket method, but clothes get cleaner – and it’s so much easier, we tend to keep up better. Around $200 at purchase, it fluctuates but seems now around $250.
Other popular washing machines on cruising boats:
Daewoo Mini installed in a head: points for elegance. photo credit, Stephen Nally
Daewoo Mini : winning for sleek design, these wall-mount units hide the guts of the machine out of view. But they have a smaller capacity, don’t work any better, and cost over $1,000. Install with care: some owners reported them really shaking things up.
Splendide : also around the $1,000 mark, cruisers either love them (closest to a household washer) or hate them (when they need parts or repair). Splendide’s capacity mimics a conventional washing machine. We seriously considered a Splendide, until we realized it would have to cut a larger entry into the head!
Miele’s compact front-loaders have a similar footprint to the Splendide with somewhat greater capacity. The review are much better, but it comes with a higher price tag to match (several models, prices starting around $1,400).
Lowest cost option: as often happens, the RV market has a more affordable alternative. The first washing machine I ever saw on a cruising boat was similar to this model . You have to add water with a hose or bucket, but that may work better for boats who must watch water use like a hawk. Higher maintenance, maybe – but it’s compact, does the job, and costs under $100.
What about a dryer?
Daewoo Mini and Splendide both have all-in-one washer/dryer or washer-only units. While we know several boats who have this dual capability, not a single one really likes the dryer the function. It takes a long time (literally hours), it uses a lot of power, and clothes reportedly still damp enough to warrant hanging.
Drying laundry on the lifelines remains the cruiser’s best option. After trying many types of clothespins over the years, and I sold on these powder-coated stainless clothespins . We’ve used them for about four years now – they are highly durable, no staining/corrosion, and the orange color I picked makes me smile.
Don’t get plastic : UV kills them all eventually, and you will might as well throw them in the ocean - they’ll fall off. Wood isn’t good either, the metal springs eventually rust and stain your clothes. Buttercup, suck it up and spend the $ on the bougie set – match your canvas color if that helps you feel better about the expense.
Non-electric machines
Somewhere between the automatic washing machine and a bucket are the manual clothes washers, the salad spinners of the laundry world. When we were in Australia, one cruiser’s cast-off Wonder Wash portable machine became our laundry treasure. It really DID get clothes cleaner! But it only lasted about a year: awkward shape made it difficult to stow, and ultimately the base cracked. Construction was not quite up to cruising rigors.
A few other non-electric washers have made rounds on kickstarter, but nothing seems to have stuck as a better option than the multi-function five gallon bucket for folks who aren’t going with an installed, powered washing machine.
Shoreside laundry first
Of course, it’s also very nice to turn over the effort to someone else… and get a pile of sweetly clean, folded clothes in return! But laundry on shore may still be the best first choice. Graywater (rinse water from laundry) is a pollutant. While that trickle overboard might seem like a drop in the ocean bucket, it’s cumulatively impacting the fragile environment around us. Laundromats and households typically drain to water treatment plants, but boats don’t.
You can pay for a lot of laundry services before buying a schmancy washer, and in the next post, I’ll talk about our first eleven years doing just fine thankyouverymuch using a five-gallon bucket for our laundry. Although there are some corners of the world where shoreside laundry is costly, ineffective, and (mon dieu!) sometimes both. After arriving in French Polynesia, clothes washed on shore came back not-quite-dry, and progressively mildewy smelling. Not awesome at a premium rate!
Taking laundry on shore opens the genuinely interesting option of discovering a new establishment, maybe practicing a new language, maybe meeting a new person or making a new friend, and getting your laundry cleaned in the bargain.
Next post: laundry without washing machine, how to avoid detergent with microplastics (unfortunately common), choosing detergent that’s more ocean-friendly, and how to make bucket laundry work.
I live on a boat.
Laundry without a washing machine
Lessons from the messy beautiful cruising life.
Sailing A Catamaran
12 effective ways for washing clothes on a sailboat.
Whether you are planning to go sailing for a week, a month or perhaps you are going to liveaboard your sailboat as a full time cruiser, then doing laundry on your sailboat is a huge consideration. I did some research and found some great options for doing laundry while living on a sailboat. If you are a seasoned sailor or boater and have experience with doing laundry on a boat, we would love to hear your methods for washing your clothes. Please add your comments below.
So How do you do laundry on a sailboat? I came up with 12 Effective Ways for Washing Clothes on a Sailboat ranging from washing by hand to using washing machines. The major influencers to the type of washing method used were onboard space, availability of a fresh water source and availability of power.
1. Onboard Electric Washer / Dryer Machine
This may be every sailors dream, other than having the mermaids do your laundry. If you are fortunate enough to have plenty of fresh water, ample electricity and the space for it (as many catamarans have), an onboard Automatic Washer / Dryer is a great option. This machine combines the washer and dryer into one appliance, but other than that is basically like doing laundry onshore at your home. There are different models available, but the one that seems to be mentioned the most is the Splendide 2100XC AC Washer Dryer Combo.
Reviews. The Splendide receives mixed reviews for quality, but overall is a good option for those wanting the conveniences of home. The pro’s are the convenience of using a machine to wash and dry. The clothes came out clean and wrinkle free. The cons are the cost (around $1100.00 US), seems to have some minor repair issues, though one review was from an owner who had it for 5 years with only minor issues and was overall satisfied. Another con is that is consumes a fair amount of water and electricity so if you are at an anchorage or on a crossing, requires running the engines or generator and either uses your fresh water supply or you are running your water maker.
2. Five Gallon Bucket and Plunger
The Five Gallon Bucket and Plunger seems to be one of the most tried and true options for washing clothes on a sailboat. This is a great option for boats that don’t have space, power or an endless supply of fresh water. Simply fill the bucket with approximately 1/3 full of fresh water, add 1/4 cup of detergent (will vary depending on which type and brand of detergent you are using), then use a toilet plunger to agitate the clothes in the water. After a few minutes for lightly soiled clothes (a little longer for heavily soiled clothes), transfer to another bucket for the rinse. Then hang up to dry.
Review. This method is effective, simple and takes up almost no space because every boat has a bucket and plunger on board. The big con on this one was the effort it took to agitate the clothes, some plungers may have the rubber part separate from the handle and it can spill a little bit of the soapy water out of the bucket.
3. Bucket with Tight Lid and Rope
The Bucket with Tight Lid and Rope option is much like the bucket option above, except you need a lid that attaches securely to the top of the bucket. Tie on a rope and throw overboard while sailing. The action of the bucket skipping off the waves provides agitation. The rinse and drying are the same as in number two above.
Review. This method could work out and save the plunging part of the bucket and plunger option. The cons are that you need a strong bucket with a strong lid and a strong handle or you may lose your clothes. If you don’t have a plunger or are grossed out by using your plunger to wash your clothes, then this could be an alternative. There is also a plunger available on Amazon, made with plastic with holes in it made for doing laundry and not using in the toilet.
4. Is it OK to Wash Clothes with Salt Water if you Rinse with Fresh Water?
Use Seawater by Rinse with Fresh Water is another option for washing clothes while out to sea. Yes, I know this isn’t really a method of cleaning, but I discovered a lot of discussion and debate when doing my research about using salt water VS using fresh water and thought it was worthy to add to the list.
Arguments for using fresh water. Salt holds moisture (doesn’t dry completely) and makes you itch. Fresh water gets the salt out, makes your clothes cleaner and will dry more completely. It doesn’t make you itch.
Salt water can and has been used by sailors for washing for centuries and may be the only option on a long passage or with a shortage of water onboard. It is better than wearing dirty and smelly clothes.
The compromise. One compromise between fresh and salt water laundry options is to wash with salt and rinse with fresh. The biggest negative I learned doing this is that it takes more fresh water to get the salt out so that you are better off just washing with fresh and rinsing with fresh if you are considering this option. The other way to conserve fresh water while sailing is to only wash your t-shirts and underwear with fresh water and use salt water on your other clothes. This keeps the parts that will touch your sensitive areas clean and fee of salty irritants.
5. Marina Laundromat / Laundromat in Town
Ok This isn’t a method for washing clothes on a sailboat, but one that many mariners choose to do. Pack enough clothes to last until you reach your next marina stop or anchorage in a town with laundry facilities. The advantage with using a laundromat is that you can often do several loads of laundry simultaneously, which minimizes your time waiting. The other advantages are obvious with getting clean clothes without using the electricity or water on board the boat. The cons are cost and having to carry your clothes to the laundry – especially if you have to take the dinghy and then walk to where the laundry is in the town. If you are in the marina this isn’t much of an issue.
6. Old Fashioned Washboard with Bar of Soap
I remember watching old movies and tv shows where an old fashioned washboard with a bar of soap was used to do laundry. The method is simple. Soak the cloths in water and use the bar of soap then scrub on the washboard.
Review. This is a very effective method for cleaning – especially stains and soiled clothing, uses minimal water and doesn’t take up much space. It is a step up from the bucket and plunger option. The cons are the muscle power used (it takes some effort) and can be a little hard on the clothes.
7. Dragging a Mesh Bag Behind the Boat
Dragging a Mesh Bag Behind the Boat uses the seawater for cleaning. The motion of the bag bumping around the waves provides agitation. The water penetrating the mesh provides constant rinsing.
Review. So this method isn’t a preferred one, but some hardcore sailors say it is effective and they have been doing it for years. It also preserves your fresh water assuming you are not doing a fresh water rinse. The cons is that either you dry as is (without rinsing) and have salt in your clothes or you still need to rinse with fresh water. We have already discussed the amount of fresh water needed to remove the salt (perhaps more than you save by washing in salt water). Could be an option for your outerwear if you are able to wash your undergarments and t-shirts with fresh water.
8. Wonder Washer
The Wonder Washer is a step up from the methods of 2 – 7, but short of having an electric washing machine. For around $50 you can have a small hand crank wash machine that holds around 5 lbs of clothing.
Review. Seems to work pretty good and as long as you don’t over fill it, is quite easy to crank. Gets the clothes nice and clean. One review I read provided detail of around 200 cranks for a load. It is easier than the plunger or washing in the sink options and gets the clothes clean. It is 16″ x 12″ x 12″ and weighs 5.5 LbS. The con is that you still need to use water for both washing and rinsing. Also, if you have a smaller boat, you may be challenged to find space for the Wonder Washer. You also need to ring out before hanging to dry. If you have $50 and space, but don’t want to go with the electric washer/dryer, then it could be a good alternative.
9. Wash in Bottom of Shower
Washing in the Bottom of the Shower is another low tech solution. If you have enough fresh water for the shower, but don’t want to use extra water for laundry, then you could put the dirty clothes in the bottom of the shower so your soapy water drops down on the dirty cloths. A few stomps provides agitation and a quick rinse and you are done. Hang up in the shower to dry away from the salt air.
Review. I don’t need to do much review on this one, but if you don’t have enough water for fresh water showers, then this one is out for you. If you have water for showers, then not a bad option and certainly is much easier than bending over a bucket. I have personally done this for a few of my clothes (especially bathing suit and rash guard after snorkeling) when on a charter catamaran in the Bahamas. We had eight on board for a week at sea so we had to conserve water. We had the option of refilling our tanks, but water isn’t cheap in the Bahamas so this did help.
10. Wash in Sink
Washing your Clothes in the Sink is another one that has been done for many years. Nothing too much to add here. You get the picture. It’s a little messy and you are limited to one or two small garments at a time (sinks on sailboats aren’t very big).
11. Dinghy Stomp
The Dinghy Stomp is one that I learned about while doing research. Yes, sailors are creative and some wait for a rainy day to fill up the bottom of the dinghy with water. They add a little laundry detergent, sit and stop. Rinse with the fresh rain water off your boat, wait for the rain to stop, then hang to dry.
Review. If it doesn’t rain, you’ll need to use one of the other methods. The other issue can be if your dinghy has sand or dirt in the bottom, you may be washing with not-so-clean water. On the positive side, it is a good way to conserve water.
12. The Scrubba
Last but not least is The Scrubba. The Scrubba is basically a dry bag with ribs on the inside. It was made as a light weight portable option for backpackers to do laundry out on the trail. Put in your clothes, add a little water and detergent, squeeze the air out and work the bag like you are kneading dough to make bread.
Review. The cost is around $50, which some consumers thought was more than it was worth. It works OK, was well made, but the boaters that provided comments thought it was no better than using the sink or one of the bucket methods. On the positive side, it doesn’t take up much space, is lightweight, stores easily and is effective.
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Why is installing a washing machine on a sailboat a good idea?
When it comes to household chores, laundry often takes the cake! On a boat, this task is made even more complicated by the absence of a washing machine. there are 3 possible options: laundromats on land, hand washing or getting a machine... Here are some arguments to make the right choice.
The race for stopovers
On a long cruise, marina stops are often spent running to the port laundry room hoping that a washing machine is free. Checking feverishly to see if there are enough coins in the purse to power these voracious machines or getting tokens from the marina office. To wait and wait and wait to put the laundry in the dryer, pay again and hope that the laundry comes out seceuros In sunny latitudes, this last step can be avoided.
Depending on how often you stop in a marina , you will have to run several machines in a row. But they must be free. During busy periods, you often have to wait your turn.
And then, you run to the supermarket to buy supplies, to the showers to clean up, to the ship to find the piece you were missing, etc. And the next day, you will leave without having had time to visit anything. Frustrating.
Moreover, between each stopover , you will have to store the dirty laundry and, unfortunately, the laundry basket is often the great forgotten of sailboats.
Last but not least, there are marinas with all the amenities on the roads that are well traveled by sailboats. But elsewhere, off the beaten track, you won't find many.
Hand washing
If you choose the hand wash option, good luck getting to the sweaters or worse, the sheets.
In addition, despite the common belief, hand washing is not especially fresh water efficient. Indeed, it is not possible to wash clothes entirely with sea water. If you do use it, you'll need to rinse your clothes thoroughly in fresh water because salt absorbs moisture and your clothes will always be a little sticky if any remains.
On the other hand, it is difficult to spin well by hand, which makes the drying time even longer. So, why not let yourself be tempted by the installation of a washing machine on board?
Manual machines
There are all kinds of manual washing machines that you fill with laundry and water before turning a crank. They stir the clothes but they don't really clean, they're not very water efficient and they're quite bulky. But, they don't require electricity and they make you do a bit of sport when you have to turn. In short, don't count on them to do your daily family laundry.
Adapted electric washing machines
In the category of electric washing machines, you will have the choice of models specifically adapted to small spaces (campers, sailboats, etc.) which allow to wash 2 to 3 kg of linen in general.
They can often be stored in a chest and taken out when needed. Some are true miniature washing machines that work exactly like the big ones. But 3 kg of laundry? For a family, that's not enough.
These models will be most useful on a one-time basis, between visits to the laundry.
A machine like at home
When you live on a long-distance boat, these models are not sufficient. Let's take the example of a family of 5 people with three children. On land, you need to count about 30-35 kg of laundry per week. On a sailboat , if you are careful, you will need about 7-9 kg per week. Of course, this depends on the latitudes: when it is very hot, we wear less clothes! However, there is always the "house" laundry.
In these conditions, investing in a real washing machine, like at home, becomes a very important element of comfort and autonomy to avoid running from port to port just to run a machine.
However, a washing machine consumes space, fresh water and electricity: three elements often rationed on sailing boats. The installation of a machine must therefore take these parameters into consideration.
4 questions before installing a washing machine
Before investing in such a machine, you should ask yourself several questions:
- Will a washing machine on board allow me to gain autonomy according to the composition of my crew , my destinations and the duration of my navigations?
- if so, do I have room to take one on board?
- if so, do I have enough energy to run it?
- if so, do I have enough water on board to meet this expense (about 55 liters/cycle in eco mode)?
It is understood that if you need to connect to the dock of a marina to have enough water and electricity for your washing machine, its installation is not necessarily relevant
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Best advice for washing machines
By Ian Gardiner July 19, 2023 in Boat Equipment
Featured Posts
Ian gardiner.
what’s the best solution to clothes washing whilst continuous cruising ?
Are there any good 12v washing machines?
You can get 12v twin tubs. Thosethatknow, say they are good. We have a 3kg Zanussi 240 volt auto machine.
Great thanks. Does your 240v work OK through your inverter ?
Tracy D'arth
A decent pure sine inverter should be fine but there are difficulties with some machine/inverter combinations.
2 hours ago, Ian Gardiner said: Hi All, what’s the best solution to clothes washing whilst continuous cruising ? Are there any good 12v washing machines? Thank you
Let the wife do it in between opening the locks cooking. Cleaning. Tin hat firmly in position.
Launderette? If there is only 2 on the boat its hardly worth having a machine. Many just have a spin dryer and hand wash, launderette for bedding when vital.
We have a 3kg Zanussi onboard too, but i've only ever run it once on shorepower just to make sure it worked and clean it out.
It should run when on the move using the Victron MultiPlus 12|2000 and the 3.5kw Travelpower i think.
3 hours ago, Ian Gardiner said: Hi All, what’s the best solution to clothes washing whilst continuous cruising ?
In my opinion, using a laundrette. As liveaboards CCing for about 2.5 years so far, to a new town every week or two, we've never failed to find a launderette (though sometimes it's a bus-ride away, often a combined trip for shopping anyway). We therefore don't need to worry about power consumption, water supply and humidity (from drying clothes inside the boat) that can all be a concern with an onboard washer. With two of us on board we take a big load every two weeks, so for 13.5 days per fortnight we don't have to think about washing/drying clothes - quite delightful really!
3 hours ago, Ian Gardiner said: Great thanks. Does your 240v work OK through your inverter ?
No problems yet after nearly ten years. We have an aged Sterling.
ronnietucker
I use this one:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07L89RRFP
It's 240V but doesn't use much power at all. The clothes are pretty much dry when they come out of the spinner.
It's a gravity feed for the water draining out. I have it on a little platform at the back of the boat with the drain tube going out and overboard.
47 minutes ago, ronnietucker said: I use this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07L89RRFP It's 240V but doesn't use much power at all. The clothes are pretty much dry when they come out of the spinner. It's a gravity feed for the water draining out. I have it on a little platform at the back of the boat with the drain tube going out and overboard.
We use one of those. Mrs Hound says it gets the washing cleaner the the automatic machine at home and in a fraction of the time, BUT you have to be there to fill it, empty it and transfer the washing between drums.
We have a twin tub like the one above. We use it in the well deck with the drain hose out through the well deck drain hole, solving the only issue with the unpumped drain models. It's lightweight, simple, uses very little power, washes very well, spins to a dryness a country mile beyond an automatic. With drying being the biggest issue with washing aboard (imho), this latter feature is a real plus.
We have the little Zanussi washing machine and a similarly sized tumble drier. The drier does take 2kw continuously but we run it from the travelpower. I dislike damp washing strewn around the boat as the water has to go somewhere.
Best to get the anti splash dolly tub like the one in the pic. Also make sure you have plenty of chamber lye.
Jen-in-Wellies
12 minutes ago, Morris said: Best to get the anti splash dolly tub like the one in the pic. Also make sure you have plenty of chamber lye.
A dolly tub? Luxury.
http://aylesburycanal.org.uk/laundrette-list/
TheBiscuits
10 minutes ago, Jen-in-Wellies said: A dolly tub? Luxury.
You had rocks? We only had gravel!
2 minutes ago, TheBiscuits said: You had rocks? We only had gravel!
Gravel? You were posh. Our clothes came out muddier than when we started.
Thanks for your input everyone.
I think I’ll go for the Zanussi 3kg and a similar sized tumble drier
Alan de Enfield
28 minutes ago, Ian Gardiner said: Thanks for your input everyone. I think I’ll go for the Zanussi 3kg and a similar sized tumble drier cheers
Apparently the Zanussi electronics can be VERY picky about both which brand & model of inverter you can use.
It is not compatible with any / all inverters.
Contact boaters (or post the question here) asking for what washing machines and inverters combinations work for them.
There was a thread her some time ago on this subject and one post stated (something like) "Zanussi washing machine broke - replaced it with the same model and it would'nt work with our inverter which had powered the old washing machine for years", so even recommendations are not a guarantee of success.
By contrast, manomatic twin tubs have simple electric motors and clockwork timers, so are compatible with all inverters with enough oomph to start the motors. Even modified sine wave ones.
I've successfully run one from the emergency back up 600W modified sine wave inverter. Motor powers are 250 to 300W typically, but you typically only run one at a time.
3 minutes ago, Jen-in-Wellies said: By contrast, manomatic twin tubs have simple electric motors and clockwork timers, so are compatible with all inverters with enough oomph to start the motors. Even modified sine wave ones. I've successfully run one from the emergency back up 600W modified sine wave inverter. Motor powers are 250 to 300W typically, but you typically only run one at a time. I
We run our twin-tub via a 20+year old Stirling "Modified Sine Wave"- after all it is just a simple electric motor.
Our wave profile is very 'square'
10 hours ago, Ian Gardiner said: Thanks for your input everyone. I think I’ll go for the Zanussi 3kg and a similar sized tumble drier cheers
Be warned even on cold wash the Zanussi switches the heater element on until the stat decides that the water is the right temperature. Might take less than half a second but its enough to trip a lower 1k+ inverter.
11 hours ago, Ian Gardiner said: Thanks for your input everyone. I think I’ll go for the Zanussi 3kg and a similar sized tumble drier cheers
Bear in mind the 3kg of washing you put in the washing machine, weighs 6kg when you take it out , wet.
So a 6kg dryer is a better match for a 3kg washer.
13 minutes ago, MtB said: Bear in mind the 3kg of washing you put in the washing machine, weighs 6kg when you take it out , wet. So a 6kg dryer is a better match for a 3kg washer.
Bearing in mind size / space is an issue on narrowboats, it’s not the end of the world if you have to have 2 runs of the dryer. Although a reasonable load of washing all goes into our dryer of similar size (not sure what the kg rating of the drier is).
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Apr 27, 2022 · Niall works on the laundry in Bora Bora, 2010. Behan Gifford. Other, more-expensive washing machines on sailboats that get good reviews include the Daewoo Mini, which mounts out of the way in a wall or bulkhead, but has a smaller capacity at more than $1,000; the Splendide, which, at around $1,000, has a capacity that mimics a conventional washing machine; and Miele’s compact front-loaders ...
Apr 18, 2022 · The washing machine in our house on land seemed to be run daily to keep up with the laundry produced by our family of five. I worried about how we’d cope after giving up our high efficiency machines to move aboard a sailboat.
It is easier than the plunger or washing in the sink options and gets the clothes clean. It is 16″ x 12″ x 12″ and weighs 5.5 LbS. The con is that you still need to use water for both washing and rinsing. Also, if you have a smaller boat, you may be challenged to find space for the Wonder Washer. You also need to ring out before hanging ...
May 9, 2022 · In these conditions, investing in a real washing machine, like at home, becomes a very important element of comfort and autonomy to avoid running from port to port just to run a machine. However, a washing machine consumes space, fresh water and electricity: three elements often rationed on sailing boats. The installation of a machine must ...
Jul 19, 2023 · Bear in mind the 3kg of washing you put in the washing machine, weighs 6kg when you take it out, wet. So a 6kg dryer is a better match for a 3kg washer. Bearing in mind size / space is an issue on narrowboats, it’s not the end of the world if you have to have 2 runs of the dryer.
The biggest problem with a washing machine on the boat is how much water it needs. That thing would be fine if you live at a marina, but if you have to feed it fresh water from your tanks you'll probably need awfully big tanks. I cannot find any data on how much that one uses but I suspect it will be a fair bit.