281 Waste Line Replacement

[TCanary]

I'm planning to replace my aging waste lines - just wondering if anyone has suggestions about how to get the new lines from the head, under the fuel tank, connected to the Y valve and then back down thru the same hole to the tank. There does not seem to be a good way to do this w/o removing the fuel tank - but i'd much rather not remove the tank.

Also - anybody have the hot water heater leak into the space below the fuel tank. Finding mine leaked for quite a while and i need to get under the tank for a good cleaning. Again, not sure how unless i pull the tank.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

I'm planning to replace my aging waste lines - just wondering if anyone has suggestions about how to get the new lines from the head, under the fuel tank, connected to the Y valve and then back down thru the same hole to the tank. There does not seem to be a good way to do this w/o removing the fuel tank - but i'd much rather not remove the tank

I suppose running the hoses a different route is out of the question? That the builder did it that way does not mean it's only way to do it...boat builders' plumbing is some of the worst I've ever seen!

But, on the remote chance that there is no better way on your boat... buy a PVC male-male hose connector and some pvc cement. Cut one end of the new hose as cleanly as possible...remove one end of the the old hose from its connection (warming it with a heat gun or blow dryer will make that easier)...make sure it's a smooth clean cut too. Smear the outside of the connector with the PVC cement...put both the old hose and the new onto the connector, butting the ends tightly together to create the smoothest unbroken surface possible. Now...pull out the the old hose, pulling the new hose through as you do. Once it's through, cut the new hose off behind the connector and throw it and the old hose away.

Do NOT try to connect the old and new hose with duct tape...it won't hold against the strain of pulling the hose....having the hoses come apart in an inaccessible location is not what you need! Do NOT use a hose clamp...it's guaranteed to get hung up in an inaccessible location.

Have fun!

 

[TCanary]

Thanks Peggy - I had not thought of that and really appreciate the suggestion. I'm guessing the pac cement holds pretty well and i will find out shortly.

You may not know the 281 well - but any thoughts on cleaning out under the fuel tank? Worst case, i was thinking I'd let some Raritan cleaner slosh around for a while.

BTW - love your book ! My wife bought it for me hoping i'd get rid of "that smell" this season

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

I'd use a power washer and detergent. If you don't own a power washer, you're missing out on one of best gadgets any boat (or home) owner can own....not only does it make easy work of cleaning naccessible bilge areas, it does an amazing job of knocking winter off a boat and the dock finger, keeping the cockpit sole a lot cleaner. I'm now on my third one...can't imagine being without one.