Update on the waste tank! After my last post almost a month ago, I reached out to one of the companies recommended by many users here. It seems like others before me were very satisfied but I'm disappointed to say that I had a much different experience. I called the toll-free number on their website and after explaining what I was looking for, they said to send an email. Here is the exchange verbatim:
June 27
Do you have something that would replace this? See pics and drawings with measurements attached. Thank you,
-Rob
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June 28
Good Morning,
Thank you for your inquiry. I have attached an old catalog that you can look thru to see if you find anything that works for your needs.
(signature line removed)
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June 28
Hi Xxxxxxx:
I just looked at every tank on all 85 pages and couldn't find a match. I also couldn't find a substitute that would fit the space and hold about as much volume (20 gal). Is there someone familiar with your product line that could take a look at the pictures and drawings I sent to see if they know of a suitable tank? Also, on page 48, I noticed that there is a mold shop that can make custom sizes. Is there someone that I could talk with about that?
Incidentally, this tank was OEM for a 1996 Hunter 280 sailboat.
Thanks for your help,
-Rob
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June 29
Good Morning,
We do not manufacture custom tanks. Our tanks are made out of pre-existing tooling. If you didn’t find something in the catalog unfortunately we are not able to help you with your tank.
(signature omitted)
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June 29
Is there someone familiar with your product line that could take a look at the pictures and drawings I sent to see if they know of a suitable tank? It doesn't have to be a perfect fit. Surely there's got to be a solution, and most of the forums I've been on (to ask about replacement tanks) recommend your company so it's hard to believe there's no one there that can help.
Thanks again,
-Rob
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I have still not gotten a response to that last email where was practically begging for someone there to sell me a tank.
In the meantime, I continued doing my own research and discovered there are other companies who make custom tanks for many different industries, towns/municipalities, fire departments, the RV industry, etc... in addition to marine. I found one such company located about 30-40 miles from me so I called the number on their website and left a message. Within 30 minutes, one of the owners of the company called me back. I explained what I had and she said to send pics, measurements etc., which I did. The next day I received a quote for a polypropylene tank, fabricated to my exact specs. It even included all new fittings. As for cost, it wasn't much higher than any other pre-fab tank of the same capacity. I was fortunate that I could pick it up in person and save a few bucks on shipping. That also gave me the opportunity to thank one of the owners (Michael) in person, and I promised that I'd spread the word.
In short, I would highly recommend "Blue Grey Plastic Fab" in Marshville NC (near Charlotte) if you need to replace your holding tank, fresh water tank, or fuel tank. Here's their website (
http://www.bluegreyplasticfab.com/). The owners, Melissa and Michael were very helpful and appreciative for the business.
Will post a few pics of my new tank. Hope to install this weekend!
-Rob