Water Bladders for Boats & Camping – Everything You Need to Know
Water bladders are an essential addition for campers and boaters alike, providing convenient and flexible storage for fresh water on the go to stay hydrated. In this FAQ, we’ll cover everything from the best water bladders (also called hydration bladders) for various uses to tips on choosing between bladders and rigid tanks. Whether you’re out on the water or exploring Australia’s rugged outdoors, having the right storage solution for your water is key to your adventure.
Which Water Bladder is Best for Camping?
The best hydration packs for camping are those that are lightweight, durable, and designed for easy storage in your vehicle, 4WD, caravan or boat. Brands like Plastimo offer a range of high quality PVC portable water storage bladders that can be folded or rolled when not in use and fill with water on the go. A perfect option for camping trips, 4x4 trips and outdoor activities where space and water supply is limited.
The best hydration bladders are easy to fill, made from food grade materials, are UV-resistant, and have sturdy, puncture resistant construction to withstand rough outdoor environments. At Escaping Outdoors, we offer a range of hydration bladders that meet these criteria, ensuring safe and reliable fresh water storage to refresh you during your adventures.
What is the Best Water Bladder for a Boat?
For boating, your storage containers including emergency water, needs to be compact yet large enough to hold sufficient freshwater. You need a robust built bladder which has the ability to fit into tight spaces like the bow of your boat. The flexibility of these bladders makes them ideal for boats of various sizes, as they can be placed in irregularly shaped storage areas.
At Escaping Outdoors, we offer a variety of marine bladders that are designed for boats and hold a significant amount of water. These bladders are easy to install, resistant to abrasion, and built with materials that ensure there’s no leakage or contamination of water.
Which Bladder is Best for the Bow of a Boat?
For the bow of your boat, you want a bladder that’s specifically designed to fit in the tight, triangular spaces commonly found in the bow. The Plastimo 120 litre triangle shape bladder is made especially to fit into the bow of your boat. Being moveable they can fit perfectly in this space, optimising your boat’s layout. https://escapingoutdoors.com.au/120-litre-flexible-bow-tank-detail
When purchasing a bladder for the bow, check the capacity and dimensions to ensure it fits your boat’s specific space. At Escaping Outdoors, we stock bladders with reinforced seams and extra layers to handle the movement and pressure that can occur in the bow area.
What Is the Difference Between a Flexible Bladder and Rigid Tanks?
The primary difference between the two, is versatility and ease of installation. Bladders are made from flexible, durable materials, allowing them to fit in irregular spaces and collapse when not in use, making them ideal for leisure vehicles.
Rigid water tanks, on the other hand, are fixed in shape and size, typically made from materials like plastic or metal. While tanks are more durable and can store larger quantities of water, they require specific installation spaces and cannot be easily moved or stored when empty. If you have limited space or need flexibility, a bladder is a better option.
Why Use Water Bladders for Drinking Water?
Bladders are an excellent choice for storing water because they are designed to be portable, durable, and easy to use. Often there is plenty of water available along the way on your trips or at your chosen site, but occasionally the need arises for a back-up supply. Made from food grade materials, they ensure that the water remains safe for drinking. Additionally, bladders can expand or contract depending on the amount of water inside, making them a more space efficient solution compared to rigid tanks. Ideal for storing fresh water, but don't want to dedicate a large, fixed space to a tank.
How Do I Install a Water Bladder on My Boat?
Installing a water bladder on your boat is a relatively simple process:
- Measure the space where you want to install the bladder, ensuring it will fit when full.
- Position the bladder in the space, making sure there’s enough room for the water to expand without stressing the seams.
- Connect the bladder to the filling hose and outlet fittings.
- Ensure the straps or mounts hold the bladder securely in place to avoid movement when the boat is in motion.
Always refer to the manufacturer’s installation instructions for optimal performance and safety.
NOTE: As the bladders fill with water their shape and width can change when filled to capacity. EG: 200 litre size will be roughly 700 x 1750 x 250 in size when laying flat.
As th bladder fills, it transforms from it’s lay flay dimensions into a hotdog sort of shape around 500 x 1600 x 275. If you are building a special place for a water bladder to be held, then fill the bladder first and see how it shapes up when full so you dont build a space which is too large. A snugger fit is better so its not slopping around ad abrading.
Can Water Bladders Be Used for Drinking Water?
Most high-quality water bladders are made from food-grade materials, making them safe for storing drinking water. When choosing a bladder for drinking water, ensure it has been designed specifically for potable use and is free from harmful chemicals such as BPA.
How Do I Maintain and Clean My Bladder?
To keep your water reservoir in optimal condition, follow these steps:
- Rinse thoroughly before the first use and after each use.
- Use a cleaning kit or a mixture of baking soda and warm water to clean the interior of the bladder.
- Air-dry completely before storing to avoid mould and bacteria buildup.
- Regularly check for any signs of wear or leaks, especially at seams and around fittings.
Are Bladders Puncture Resistant?
Most modern bladders are designed with puncture-resistant materials, such as reinforced nylon or PVC. However, it’s essential to handle them carefully and avoid contact with sharp objects to ensure longevity of your hydration system.
What is a Plastimo Bladder Kit and How is it Used?
To compliment the Plastimo bladder range Escaping Outdoors have put together a water bladder filler and discharge kit complete with all hose and connections. This will take away the problems of filling and emptying your bladder and make it all very simple.
Do I need a Breather Pipe on my Bladder?
How Much Water Can a Flexible Bladder Hold?
Bladders come in various sizes, from smaller 50L camping bladders to larger 200L litre capacity bladders. The capacity you need depends on how much freshwater you plan to store and the space available. At Escaping Outdoors, we offer a wide range of bladder sizes to meet different needs which include 50L, 100L, 120L, 150L and 200L sizes.
What Are Plastimo Bladders Known For?
These bladders are well-known for their high quality construction and versatile designs. Designed to be flexible and easy to install, even in challenging spaces like the bow of a boat. They are made with food-grade linings to ensure water safety and come with reinforced seams to prevent leaks. A highly trusted preferred choice in the marine industry, offering reliable storage solutions for boaters worldwide.
Conclusion
Bladders offer a convenient and flexible solution to store water, whether you’re out on the boat, camping, or caravanning. From small camping bladders to larger marine-grade options, we have the perfect water solution for your needs. Find the perfect, reliable and efficient bladders to stay refreshed at Escaping Outdoors Australia.
If you need more information or assistance in choosing the right water bladder or parts for your setup, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help make your outdoor adventures more convenient and comfortable!
