Living aboard a sailboat or cruiser means constant negotiation with space, weight, and convenience. Everyday chores like dishwashing take on a different scale when you lack a full-size galley. For sailors who value time on deck and ease below, compact appliances promise modern comforts without demanding permanent installations. One such option is the Bomann TSG5701 compact dishwasher — a tabletop unit designed for environments with limited space and no fixed water supply.
This article provides a detailed overview of the TSG5701’s specifications, how it functions in a marine setting, installation and integration considerations aboard a boat, and practical advice for sailors evaluating it as a galley appliance.
What Is the Bomann TSG5701?
The Bomann TSG5701 is a small tabletop dishwasher that stands out for not requiring a fixed water inlet. Instead, it features an integrated 5-liter water reservoir that you manually fill, making it suitable for environments where a permanent hookup isn’t available — precisely the case on many small cruising yachts and live-aboard boats.
Key technical highlights include:
- Compact size: approximately 42 cm wide, 43.5 cm deep, and 43.5 cm tall, with a weight of around 14 kg — easy to stow or mount on a galley counter.
- Capacity: Fits about 2 place settings — optimal for two people or occasional guests.
- Water use: Only 5 liters per cycle, ideal where freshwater is limited.
- Programs: Five wash programs, including Eco, Quick (~30 min), and intensive options.
- Drying and lighting: Built-in drying function and internal light enhance usability.
- Noise: Approximately 58 dB, within a normal range for dishwashers of this size.
The TSG5701 functions both with its onboard tank and via fixed water connection, offering flexibility for shore power/marina berths with a galley inlet, as well as at anchor where no hose hookup exists.
Why Sailors Might Consider a Compact Dishwasher
Dishwashing aboard a sailboat is more than a chore; it’s a planning exercise. When you live off tanks with limited freshwater reserves, each liter counts. Manual washing consumes both water and time — two premium resources at sea. A compact dishwasher like the Bomann TSG5701 introduces:
- Reduced manual labor: Automates repetitive rinsing and scrubbing.
- Consistent cleaning: Programmed cycles that wash at higher temperatures than typical handwashing.
- Water efficiency: Designed to clean dishes with as little as 5 liters — often less than repeated hand rinses.
For sailors contemplating long passages or live-aboard life, the ability to batch clean gear while underway or at anchor can free up valuable time for navigation, maintenance, or rest.
Installation and Marine Integration
Power
The Bomann TSG5701 requires 220–240 V AC (standard European mains), drawing between 730–860 W. On a boat, this means:
- Using shore power at the marina,
- or a generator/inverter system if you are off-grid.
Before relying on the unit at sea, verify that your onboard power system can sustain this load without voltage drops that could reset the machine mid-cycle.
Water Supply
The integrated tank is a defining feature for marine use. You fill up to 5 liters manually — either from your freshwater tank via a jug or directly with freshwater. After a cycle, the built-in pump expels grey water through a discharge hose that you must route into a sink, bucket, or dedicated grey water tank.
Important maritime considerations:
- Always ensure the discharge hose runs below the discharge port to permit gravity drainage or pump out.
- Avoid letting discharge water pollute the sea — adhere to anchorage regulations regarding grey water.
- Keep the unit above waterline to avoid backflow or flooding risk.
Physical Integration
Boating spaces are tightly constrained. The TSG5701’s compact footprint and light weight make it manageable:
- Position it on a stable galley surface or custom shelf.
- Use fastened mounting straps or brackets to secure the unit during passage — even short rolls can shift countertop appliances.
- Ensure easy access to power and drainage lines without interfering with navigation or safety equipment.
Operational Tips for Sailors
Program Selection
- Eco mode is ideal for lightly soiled plates and glasses, maximizing water economy.
- Quick mode (~30 min) works well between meals.
- Intensive cycles and self-cleaning programs handle cutlery and stubborn residues.
Given freshwater scarcity, sailors often opt to pre-rinse with minimal water before loading to improve efficiency.
Freshwater Considerations
If you draw directly from your boat’s tank:
- Ensure water is filtered and free of debris; particulates can block the unit’s plumbing.
- Consider water softening if your area has hard water — scale buildup can inhibit performance over time.
Pros and Cons Afloat
Pros:
- No fixed water hookup needed — flexible for anchoring or marina stays.
- Low per-cycle water use compared with manual dishwashing.
- Compact and portable, suitable for small galleys.
- Multiple wash programs and drying function.
Cons:
- Requires mains voltage; not directly compatible with small 12 V systems without inverter.
- Limited to two place settings — not a solution for larger crews.
- Energy class G suggests higher consumption relative to modern full-size washers, though short usage patterns mitigate this concern.
- Regular maintenance of hoses and pump is essential, especially in marine humidity.
Final Thoughts for Sailors
The Bomann TSG5701 tabletop dishwasher is not a replacement for a permanent galley system, but for sailors prioritizing convenience, it delivers an effective, space-efficient, and water-sparing solution. Whether cruising the Baltic, summering in archipelagos, or living aboard year-round, integrating a compact dishwasher can:
- Reduce chore time,
- Save precious freshwater,
- And elevate your onboard quality of life.
A thoughtful installation and understanding of power/water logistics will help ensure this small dishwasher becomes a trustworthy member of your marine household rather than an occasional luxury.
Dishwasher for the boat