I will soon be the owner of a 2004 Catalina 36 - delivery about the end of December. I sail on the Great Lakes and cruise extensively away from civillization and marina pump outs. The holding thank on the C36 is much too small to serve a family of five for 7 to 10 days between marina pumpouts. I want to increase the holding tank size from 16 to 30 gallons. (we had 26 gallons on a previous boat and it was enough). Catalina does not offer a larger tank. My dealer is offering an additional custom stainless tank of about 12 to 14 gallons with Y valves before and after for inflow and pump out. I am not enthused as I believe more connections, valves and hoses are going to be a problem in the future. I also have been referred to posts on this forum that indicate stainless (or any metal) rots out quickly when used as a holding tank. Does anyone have a suggestion for my situation - particularly for a C 36 (or similar)?
- Status
You're right...
You don't want a metal tank or two tanks in tandem, for the reasons you cited. Ronco Plastics makes top quality tanks for a very reasonable price...I'm amazed that your dealer doesn't know about them, 'cuz they've made tanks for Catalina for about 20 years--including the tank you want to replace. Ronco has more than 400 shapes and sizes to choose from, including over 100 that are non-rectangular...so you shouldn't have any trouble finding one that'll fit in the size range you need. Their catalog is on their website at http://www.ronco-plastics.com. They sell direct, or you can have your dealer order it. Btw, I'd love to know how a family of five manages to make a 26 gallon tank last a week without pumping out or overflowing...'cuz the average volume per person is 2-3 gal/day. Most people would need 100 gallon tank to stay out that long!
You don't want a metal tank or two tanks in tandem, for the reasons you cited. Ronco Plastics makes top quality tanks for a very reasonable price...I'm amazed that your dealer doesn't know about them, 'cuz they've made tanks for Catalina for about 20 years--including the tank you want to replace. Ronco has more than 400 shapes and sizes to choose from, including over 100 that are non-rectangular...so you shouldn't have any trouble finding one that'll fit in the size range you need. Their catalog is on their website at http://www.ronco-plastics.com. They sell direct, or you can have your dealer order it. Btw, I'd love to know how a family of five manages to make a 26 gallon tank last a week without pumping out or overflowing...'cuz the average volume per person is 2-3 gal/day. Most people would need 100 gallon tank to stay out that long!
How do we last for a week...
Peggie - you provided me with useful information, thank you very much. Now you indicated a strong curiosity - how do we last for a week between pump outs (on the Great Lakes) using a 26 gallon holding tank with a family of 5?... Well you need to be in a group that knows each other well and recognizes the need for conservation of holding tank space... also younger children don't produce quite as much effluent... This is how we did it (the kids are all out on their own now): If it was yellow we just used dry bowl, and didn't flush with water. If it was heavier duty stuff we flushed using the minimum water necessary. When on shore we used any facilities that might be available. eg. toilets ashore in some national/provincial park areas. In truly wild areas the males would water the foliage if on shore - but not fertilize... We used this method with success for 6 years. It allowed us to stay away from marinas with pump outs for a week or sllightly more thus giving us a far greater sailing range between pumpouts and allowed the family to enjoy beautiful and remote anchorages.
Peggie - you provided me with useful information, thank you very much. Now you indicated a strong curiosity - how do we last for a week between pump outs (on the Great Lakes) using a 26 gallon holding tank with a family of 5?... Well you need to be in a group that knows each other well and recognizes the need for conservation of holding tank space... also younger children don't produce quite as much effluent... This is how we did it (the kids are all out on their own now): If it was yellow we just used dry bowl, and didn't flush with water. If it was heavier duty stuff we flushed using the minimum water necessary. When on shore we used any facilities that might be available. eg. toilets ashore in some national/provincial park areas. In truly wild areas the males would water the foliage if on shore - but not fertilize... We used this method with success for 6 years. It allowed us to stay away from marinas with pump outs for a week or sllightly more thus giving us a far greater sailing range between pumpouts and allowed the family to enjoy beautiful and remote anchorages.
It can be done. 
However, no reason to avoid "fertilizing" the woods...the animals do. Just don't leave the TP and take along a little trowel and bury it so no one else can step in it. I'm surprised you didn't include any mention of the lee rail, at least by those of you equipped with "outdoor plumbing"....It's perfectly legal and ecologically non-harmful. I would suggest that you extend your flush water useage just a bit...enough to rinse out the head discharge at least once a day. Shouldn't require more than a quart, and important if you don't want permeated sanitation hoses.
However, no reason to avoid "fertilizing" the woods...the animals do. Just don't leave the TP and take along a little trowel and bury it so no one else can step in it. I'm surprised you didn't include any mention of the lee rail, at least by those of you equipped with "outdoor plumbing"....It's perfectly legal and ecologically non-harmful. I would suggest that you extend your flush water useage just a bit...enough to rinse out the head discharge at least once a day. Shouldn't require more than a quart, and important if you don't want permeated sanitation hoses.
Malcom go back in the archives
this has been discussed before for the C36MKII. I also would like to increase my holding tank capacity (as I think would others). I think if Catalina and Ronco plastics got together they could increase the capacity using the space where it resides now. I'm pretty sure the Ronco Holding tank is considered 17 gallons today. (Ronco PN B-123) It looks like they wasted a bit of space on the lip under the port setee(4 " x 29 3/4 x 7 1/2") that could have been holding tank space. Also there is another small awkward space just forward of the existing Holding tank under the same Port settee . This is between the existing Holding tank and the head where the waste hose is coming through. It is a triangular wedge shape (just like the B-123 which is already a pretty funky shape http://www.ronco-plastics.com/ ) that conforms to the ships hull. I figure you could also fit about 20"x15"x (half of )10" more holding tank space in there . All you would need to do is cut a hole in the divider between those two compartments. I conservatively calculated about 3.8 gallons added with by using the "lip" space where the holding tank is now and about 6.5 gallons if you "blew out" that space forward of the existing holding tank and made the holding tank bigger. Thats a total of about 27 holding tank space which is a huge increase over what we have. I bet if we get a few of the existing 2200 C36 owners to pitch in and amortize the costs, I would think that Ronco could make the mold for this new tank and its costs might not be too unreasonable. I'd be willing to pitch in a few dollars. Maybe we can run it past the Catalina Factory also.
this has been discussed before for the C36MKII. I also would like to increase my holding tank capacity (as I think would others). I think if Catalina and Ronco plastics got together they could increase the capacity using the space where it resides now. I'm pretty sure the Ronco Holding tank is considered 17 gallons today. (Ronco PN B-123) It looks like they wasted a bit of space on the lip under the port setee(4 " x 29 3/4 x 7 1/2") that could have been holding tank space. Also there is another small awkward space just forward of the existing Holding tank under the same Port settee . This is between the existing Holding tank and the head where the waste hose is coming through. It is a triangular wedge shape (just like the B-123 which is already a pretty funky shape http://www.ronco-plastics.com/ ) that conforms to the ships hull. I figure you could also fit about 20"x15"x (half of )10" more holding tank space in there . All you would need to do is cut a hole in the divider between those two compartments. I conservatively calculated about 3.8 gallons added with by using the "lip" space where the holding tank is now and about 6.5 gallons if you "blew out" that space forward of the existing holding tank and made the holding tank bigger. Thats a total of about 27 holding tank space which is a huge increase over what we have. I bet if we get a few of the existing 2200 C36 owners to pitch in and amortize the costs, I would think that Ronco could make the mold for this new tank and its costs might not be too unreasonable. I'd be willing to pitch in a few dollars. Maybe we can run it past the Catalina Factory also.
Boat builders specify tanks
They give the drawings to the tank mfr, the tank mfr makes 'em according to the boat builders' drawings. The tank mfr doesn't even know the size/shape of the space the tank is going into...his only concern is making and delivering tanks that match the drawings. There is no dialog between them, only drawings and purchases orders for a specified number of tanks at the agreed-on price. And because the more identical tanks (and everything else) a boat builder orders, the less each one costs, it's not unusual for a builder to specify the identical tank for every boat that needs one, regardless of size. Profit margins are so tight that they cost out everything down to the last inch of hose, wire and number of wood screws on every boat...and they're not gonna change anything. That's the long way of saying, if you want a bigger tank than Catalina puts on their boat, you'll have to get it after the boat is delivered to the dealer. Fortunately, Ronco has larger tanks that will fit.
They give the drawings to the tank mfr, the tank mfr makes 'em according to the boat builders' drawings. The tank mfr doesn't even know the size/shape of the space the tank is going into...his only concern is making and delivering tanks that match the drawings. There is no dialog between them, only drawings and purchases orders for a specified number of tanks at the agreed-on price. And because the more identical tanks (and everything else) a boat builder orders, the less each one costs, it's not unusual for a builder to specify the identical tank for every boat that needs one, regardless of size. Profit margins are so tight that they cost out everything down to the last inch of hose, wire and number of wood screws on every boat...and they're not gonna change anything. That's the long way of saying, if you want a bigger tank than Catalina puts on their boat, you'll have to get it after the boat is delivered to the dealer. Fortunately, Ronco has larger tanks that will fit.
Peggy, I've looked. Ronco doesn't have any
That will fit in the exact same space as I described before in there catalog. I looked throught it exhaustively. They might have other tanks that would fit other locations, but that would entail much too much modifications of the space already on my boat I suspect that Ronco B-123 tank was "spec'ed" by Catalina over 20 years ago when they made the first Catalina 36 and it hasn't changed since even though these days I bet they could redesign it for the newer C36 MKII's. Do you know what approx costs would require to make this newer tank (I could easily send them drawings). What do you think the costs would be if I had 10 of them made. I bet I could find 10 C36 owners that would do this upgrade....Hell anyone on the great lakes with a C36 would want one of these !!
That will fit in the exact same space as I described before in there catalog. I looked throught it exhaustively. They might have other tanks that would fit other locations, but that would entail much too much modifications of the space already on my boat I suspect that Ronco B-123 tank was "spec'ed" by Catalina over 20 years ago when they made the first Catalina 36 and it hasn't changed since even though these days I bet they could redesign it for the newer C36 MKII's. Do you know what approx costs would require to make this newer tank (I could easily send them drawings). What do you think the costs would be if I had 10 of them made. I bet I could find 10 C36 owners that would do this upgrade....Hell anyone on the great lakes with a C36 would want one of these !!
Don't give up yet
There are no predetermined fittings locations on Ronco tanks--they install 'em in the locations and sizes specified by the customer when they make the tank--which means the drawings can be oriented in any direction. So before you give up, rotate the drawings, flip 'em end for end, etc. Also check for any other location that will work...perhaps in the adjacent settee compartment. Your dealer has already indicated his willingness to plumb a second tank in tandem...he'll consider just replumbing a different tank in another location is a walk in the park compared to doing that. We sold hundreds of Ronco tanks when I owned my company, and I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of boats--including many Catalinas--we couldn't find a tank that would fit in the size range requested. You'd need at least 20 prepaid orders for the identical tank to make it cost effective for Ronco to make another mold. However, if you really can't find a tank that'll work in their catalog, there's another company that makes custom welded plastic tanks: C.C. Tech...their website is at http://www.gocctech.com/marine/boat-tank.htm About twice the price of a molded tank, but a LOT less than a custom mold...and from all I've heard, they do make a good quality tank.
There are no predetermined fittings locations on Ronco tanks--they install 'em in the locations and sizes specified by the customer when they make the tank--which means the drawings can be oriented in any direction. So before you give up, rotate the drawings, flip 'em end for end, etc. Also check for any other location that will work...perhaps in the adjacent settee compartment. Your dealer has already indicated his willingness to plumb a second tank in tandem...he'll consider just replumbing a different tank in another location is a walk in the park compared to doing that. We sold hundreds of Ronco tanks when I owned my company, and I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of boats--including many Catalinas--we couldn't find a tank that would fit in the size range requested. You'd need at least 20 prepaid orders for the identical tank to make it cost effective for Ronco to make another mold. However, if you really can't find a tank that'll work in their catalog, there's another company that makes custom welded plastic tanks: C.C. Tech...their website is at http://www.gocctech.com/marine/boat-tank.htm About twice the price of a molded tank, but a LOT less than a custom mold...and from all I've heard, they do make a good quality tank.
Tom - Some thoughts about a larger holding tank
Tom and all, If we could find a good solution to the holding tank problem I do certainly want a bigger tank and I agree that there are many others that would. There is strength in numbers. When I visited the Catalina factory in Woodland Hills last week I made a case to Sharon Day VP Sales that the 36 should come with a larger tank - I agree with you that there are many that would be interested. I had previously been told through my dealer that Gerry the chief engineer had indicated Catalina did not currently offer such an option. Sharon indicated she would talk with Gerry again - he was at the Florida facility at the time. I looked at my Catalina which is currently in production and note that the current hull liner creates a saddle for the existing holding tank and I wonder that if cut whether it would weaken the stiffness of the hull - Catalina use the liners to provide strength. The attached picture shows the port settee area with the galley area to the left and the tank saddle top centre. I will follow-up with Catalina to-day - once they are at work out there. I am a slightly concerned about the addition of more tankage on the port side based on concerns of some C36 owners about a list to the port although another 15 gallons is only another 120 to 150 lb - don't know the density of the material fills the holding tank.... The best place for the tank is more towards the centre. You can see in the picture, there is lots of room under the aft dinette seat, which is more centred, but it is further from the head and I don't want to split up the tanks if it can be helped. Your solution was to put it in the forward port dinette space - and another alternate might well be the aft port dinette space - if there is not something else going there and if the existing hull liner can be cut without weakening the structure. It was clear from discussions with my dealer and my visit to Woodland Hills, that Catalina is a production facility and do not do special mods for owners. However they do have a customer orientation as proven by continual changes to provide improvements based on overall customer satisfaction. (over the last year several very useful improvements have been made). Hopefully I can tap into this on the strength of a wider customer interest.
Tom and all, If we could find a good solution to the holding tank problem I do certainly want a bigger tank and I agree that there are many others that would. There is strength in numbers. When I visited the Catalina factory in Woodland Hills last week I made a case to Sharon Day VP Sales that the 36 should come with a larger tank - I agree with you that there are many that would be interested. I had previously been told through my dealer that Gerry the chief engineer had indicated Catalina did not currently offer such an option. Sharon indicated she would talk with Gerry again - he was at the Florida facility at the time. I looked at my Catalina which is currently in production and note that the current hull liner creates a saddle for the existing holding tank and I wonder that if cut whether it would weaken the stiffness of the hull - Catalina use the liners to provide strength. The attached picture shows the port settee area with the galley area to the left and the tank saddle top centre. I will follow-up with Catalina to-day - once they are at work out there. I am a slightly concerned about the addition of more tankage on the port side based on concerns of some C36 owners about a list to the port although another 15 gallons is only another 120 to 150 lb - don't know the density of the material fills the holding tank.... The best place for the tank is more towards the centre. You can see in the picture, there is lots of room under the aft dinette seat, which is more centred, but it is further from the head and I don't want to split up the tanks if it can be helped. Your solution was to put it in the forward port dinette space - and another alternate might well be the aft port dinette space - if there is not something else going there and if the existing hull liner can be cut without weakening the structure. It was clear from discussions with my dealer and my visit to Woodland Hills, that Catalina is a production facility and do not do special mods for owners. However they do have a customer orientation as proven by continual changes to provide improvements based on overall customer satisfaction. (over the last year several very useful improvements have been made). Hopefully I can tap into this on the strength of a wider customer interest.
Attachments
Malcom, great picture. Never saw what my hull
looked like before all the trimmings. A few points. I would not worry about the port list. I think on the older C36's they might have had a slight port list. But I think it went the other way on the newer C36's. At least it did with my '99 C36MKII. I think it had to do with the 2 big 4D batteries they started adding on the Starboard side. So I think you'll be ok with that, in fact it might level things out a bit like it does on my boat.. I wouldn't jump and use that space just forward of the sink (aft dinette seat). Its valuable space and like you said, a bit too far away from the head. Lots of people use that asa good location for the A/C. I don't think you'll be able to put it in your alternate location "aft port dinette space" They put the macerator there and the Holding tank thru-hull, and the water valves, etc. I still think it would best utilizing the forward port dinette space, nothing is being used there. I understand your concerns that the hull liner creates a saddle for the existing holding tank and if you cut it whether it would weaken the stiffness of the hull. But I looked closely and a small cut out to extend the tank forward shouldn't make much of a difference. It would be great if they redesigned the the hull liner, but I think that would be a big thing to them. If and when you talk to Gerry, tell him you spoke to me (Tom Senator C36MKII technical Editor) and that I heard from a lot of people complaining about the size of the holding tank & have had a lot of requests from people asking how can they increase their holding tank size (which I have found out is not that easy to do.) Bottom line is 17 gallons is too little and most people complain that that is one of the biggest weakness's of the C36. You can also imply that there would be a very big aftermarket demand of the new holding tanks that we could advertise on the C36 website. http://www.catalina36.org/ You ARE going to join the C36 association aren't you? ;-)
looked like before all the trimmings. A few points. I would not worry about the port list. I think on the older C36's they might have had a slight port list. But I think it went the other way on the newer C36's. At least it did with my '99 C36MKII. I think it had to do with the 2 big 4D batteries they started adding on the Starboard side. So I think you'll be ok with that, in fact it might level things out a bit like it does on my boat.. I wouldn't jump and use that space just forward of the sink (aft dinette seat). Its valuable space and like you said, a bit too far away from the head. Lots of people use that asa good location for the A/C. I don't think you'll be able to put it in your alternate location "aft port dinette space" They put the macerator there and the Holding tank thru-hull, and the water valves, etc. I still think it would best utilizing the forward port dinette space, nothing is being used there. I understand your concerns that the hull liner creates a saddle for the existing holding tank and if you cut it whether it would weaken the stiffness of the hull. But I looked closely and a small cut out to extend the tank forward shouldn't make much of a difference. It would be great if they redesigned the the hull liner, but I think that would be a big thing to them. If and when you talk to Gerry, tell him you spoke to me (Tom Senator C36MKII technical Editor) and that I heard from a lot of people complaining about the size of the holding tank & have had a lot of requests from people asking how can they increase their holding tank size (which I have found out is not that easy to do.) Bottom line is 17 gallons is too little and most people complain that that is one of the biggest weakness's of the C36. You can also imply that there would be a very big aftermarket demand of the new holding tanks that we could advertise on the C36 website. http://www.catalina36.org/ You ARE going to join the C36 association aren't you? ;-)
Progress? Report and some more ideas
Tom, your reply was helpful and gave me hope that a 'one tank' solution is possible. I have been trying to get hold of those people I met at at Catalina (and not an answering machine ). I still have hopes of a reply. To keep those that may be following this thread, I will post the answer when (and if) I get one. Tom, any help that you (or anyone) can offer would be welcome. The preferred result is that Catalina comes up with a solution for one large tank as they know the boat better than anyone else. The suppliers that Peggy suggested are a back-up for an aftermarket tank, which would be Plan B from my perspective. Has anyone put a tank under the forward seat of the 'U' shaped dinette? Also, I note through other historical posts that some people have put a tank up under the B berth - without a boat I can't assess this as being possible in the MK 2. Is it? An aternate would be to use the water tank that is already there as a holding tank and put a water tank where the holding tank is. On the Great Lakes lots of fresh water on board is less important. Has anyone installed a holding tank under the V berth or switched the usage of the fresh water tank? I will be joining the Catalina Association - I talked with my dealer yesterday trying to clarify my hull number so I could join (a longer story as to why the number is somewhat uncertain). I understand from the dealer that with a new boat comes a membership. There is no question of joining as I do believe the Association serves an important purpose and once a member will definitely continue to support it. This forum that we are on is also very useful.
Tom, your reply was helpful and gave me hope that a 'one tank' solution is possible. I have been trying to get hold of those people I met at at Catalina (and not an answering machine ). I still have hopes of a reply. To keep those that may be following this thread, I will post the answer when (and if) I get one. Tom, any help that you (or anyone) can offer would be welcome. The preferred result is that Catalina comes up with a solution for one large tank as they know the boat better than anyone else. The suppliers that Peggy suggested are a back-up for an aftermarket tank, which would be Plan B from my perspective. Has anyone put a tank under the forward seat of the 'U' shaped dinette? Also, I note through other historical posts that some people have put a tank up under the B berth - without a boat I can't assess this as being possible in the MK 2. Is it? An aternate would be to use the water tank that is already there as a holding tank and put a water tank where the holding tank is. On the Great Lakes lots of fresh water on board is less important. Has anyone installed a holding tank under the V berth or switched the usage of the fresh water tank? I will be joining the Catalina Association - I talked with my dealer yesterday trying to clarify my hull number so I could join (a longer story as to why the number is somewhat uncertain). I understand from the dealer that with a new boat comes a membership. There is no question of joining as I do believe the Association serves an important purpose and once a member will definitely continue to support it. This forum that we are on is also very useful.
Bow Water Tank
Malcolm, I'm not sure they are the same, but the bow water tank I purchased from Catalina two years ago for my MKI (1987) is 34 gallons, not 24 gallons. The factory should know if a MKI tank will fit into a MKII bow. Are they two diffenent tanks? A typo on your dealer's spec sheet? You might get lucky and have a 34 gal holding tank with very little hassle?!?!
Malcolm, I'm not sure they are the same, but the bow water tank I purchased from Catalina two years ago for my MKI (1987) is 34 gallons, not 24 gallons. The factory should know if a MKI tank will fit into a MKII bow. Are they two diffenent tanks? A typo on your dealer's spec sheet? You might get lucky and have a 34 gal holding tank with very little hassle?!?!
Tank Size
Tom S. My general preference is that the holding tank is as close to the head as possible. On the other hand, in my previous boat it was in the bow and higher than the head and about 4 feet away and we never had a problem pumping it out (similar to Peggie's comments). It will be even further in the Catalina 36 but not a lot. I do agree that the shortest distance is best if one can get a big enough tank in and if the hull liner, after it is cut and existing tank saddle removed, is strong enough to provide the necessary structural support functions including bracing a heavier tank (when full) and support for any 300 lb friends sitting at the table. : ) Peggie's reference to the tank fabricator is still in the back of my mind as 24 gallons is better but not quite enough. Which brings me to Tom Soko's e-mail. Tom Soko Your e-mail made me hope that I had made a mistake when I read the brochure, so I went to Catalina's site and checked their version for the MK II and unfortunately theirs is the same as the printed one. The water tankage is 24 gallons in the bow tank, 2x 21 gallon tanks in the stern and the hold-up in the water heater/exchanger is 6 gallons. I do hope, however that the larger 34 gallon tank is possible - our dealer did not know for sure what the size of the replacement holding tank was - he was going to check. I will follow-up with him - if your tank was 34 gallons maybe it still possible as I don't think the basic underwater shape of the hull changed from the Mk I to the MK II from what I have read. Location of tansducers may be a problem though. Peggie - part of your comments made me think again- ie. where will the pump out fitting and vent will be. The questions that I will need answers to are - will their location be changed to suit the new location of the bow tank - or will they be left as they are? Does this matter? Without a boat to check- I don't know exactly where they are - I think the normal pump out is just above the port settee and don't remember seeing the vent.
Tom S. My general preference is that the holding tank is as close to the head as possible. On the other hand, in my previous boat it was in the bow and higher than the head and about 4 feet away and we never had a problem pumping it out (similar to Peggie's comments). It will be even further in the Catalina 36 but not a lot. I do agree that the shortest distance is best if one can get a big enough tank in and if the hull liner, after it is cut and existing tank saddle removed, is strong enough to provide the necessary structural support functions including bracing a heavier tank (when full) and support for any 300 lb friends sitting at the table. : ) Peggie's reference to the tank fabricator is still in the back of my mind as 24 gallons is better but not quite enough. Which brings me to Tom Soko's e-mail. Tom Soko Your e-mail made me hope that I had made a mistake when I read the brochure, so I went to Catalina's site and checked their version for the MK II and unfortunately theirs is the same as the printed one. The water tankage is 24 gallons in the bow tank, 2x 21 gallon tanks in the stern and the hold-up in the water heater/exchanger is 6 gallons. I do hope, however that the larger 34 gallon tank is possible - our dealer did not know for sure what the size of the replacement holding tank was - he was going to check. I will follow-up with him - if your tank was 34 gallons maybe it still possible as I don't think the basic underwater shape of the hull changed from the Mk I to the MK II from what I have read. Location of tansducers may be a problem though. Peggie - part of your comments made me think again- ie. where will the pump out fitting and vent will be. The questions that I will need answers to are - will their location be changed to suit the new location of the bow tank - or will they be left as they are? Does this matter? Without a boat to check- I don't know exactly where they are - I think the normal pump out is just above the port settee and don't remember seeing the vent.
You've got the pump out fitting location about
right. Its about midship on the port side deck. The venting hose outlet is in the stanchion thats right outside the port hole where the head is. (They will route the venting hose up through the cabinet behind the head). I would really doubt you'd want the Pumpout fitting that far away from the holding tank, and I would think that the vent is too far away (and more aft) than you'd want. I know Peggy will chime in, but I'm sure she will advise to put the pump out and venting loop as close as possible to the holding tank. I believe this is an ideal time to put the vent in a more ideal location, which would be towards the bow, which would be more likely able to 'gather' more air into the tank. I also think you'll want to upgrade the size of the venting hose, at present I "think" the hose is maybe 3/8" or so, if I was you I would put in a 1/2" venting hose which would allow much more air flow.
right. Its about midship on the port side deck. The venting hose outlet is in the stanchion thats right outside the port hole where the head is. (They will route the venting hose up through the cabinet behind the head). I would really doubt you'd want the Pumpout fitting that far away from the holding tank, and I would think that the vent is too far away (and more aft) than you'd want. I know Peggy will chime in, but I'm sure she will advise to put the pump out and venting loop as close as possible to the holding tank. I believe this is an ideal time to put the vent in a more ideal location, which would be towards the bow, which would be more likely able to 'gather' more air into the tank. I also think you'll want to upgrade the size of the venting hose, at present I "think" the hose is maybe 3/8" or so, if I was you I would put in a 1/2" venting hose which would allow much more air flow.
That's why I asked you email me, Malcolm
(I got it, btw)...To discuss tank fittings locations and relocating the tank vent thru-hull in a bit more detail than is practical here...'cuz I have questions before I can offer advice. Running the vent into a rail stanchion (Catalina is the only builder I know of who does that) just about guarantees odor every time you flush.
(I got it, btw)...To discuss tank fittings locations and relocating the tank vent thru-hull in a bit more detail than is practical here...'cuz I have questions before I can offer advice. Running the vent into a rail stanchion (Catalina is the only builder I know of who does that) just about guarantees odor every time you flush.
Pumpout fitting location should be ok
It's the vent that concerns me. I'd go with 1", and as you mentioned, run it forward off the bow end of the tank. The 48 gallons of water he'll be left with after swapping out the tanks is pretty marginal. Fortunately, though, water tanks don't have the same maintenance issues that waste tanks do...a water tank can go just about any place there's room to put one. The only real problem MIGHT be linking it to the fresh water plumbing. Do any of you who know this boat have any suggestions about where to put a second water tank? Malcolm may not need more...but others who are in salt water would.
It's the vent that concerns me. I'd go with 1", and as you mentioned, run it forward off the bow end of the tank. The 48 gallons of water he'll be left with after swapping out the tanks is pretty marginal. Fortunately, though, water tanks don't have the same maintenance issues that waste tanks do...a water tank can go just about any place there's room to put one. The only real problem MIGHT be linking it to the fresh water plumbing. Do any of you who know this boat have any suggestions about where to put a second water tank? Malcolm may not need more...but others who are in salt water would.
As far as fresh water tanks on C36
I believe there are 2 aft tanks (both about 21 gallons) and the 6 gallon hot water get you to the 48 gallons. I would think if you used the forward tank space for holding tank, then you could use the holding tank space for water?? (Make sense, correct?). But the issue is that you'd only be gaining about 17 gallons (old holding tank size) unless you customized. But then if you are customizing, why not just customize the holding tank in the first place. It would very easy linking the water tank at that location into the fresh water system as the water "manifold" for the fresh water pump is right there. That will get you to about 65 gallons of fresh water, which is a little better. I guess you could keep the 17 gallons as a last chance reserve. It probably wouldn't be that hard to find other locations for water tanks if you really, really wanted to add water capacity as location is not as critical as with the holding tank. ALSO, I would swap the bow water tank deck fill with the port holding tank pumpout fitting. This would make the most sense. Why route the holding tank pumpout all the way back there when you have a fitting that is already in the bow. ps, I agree with the bigger vent hose & dedicated vent (as opposed to stanchion) as Peggy suggests, but the set-up on my C36 with Odorloss seems to work pretty well to keep odor down most of the time. Maybe I'm just lucky, but I think the original C36 set up (direct short hose lengths) help somewhat
I believe there are 2 aft tanks (both about 21 gallons) and the 6 gallon hot water get you to the 48 gallons. I would think if you used the forward tank space for holding tank, then you could use the holding tank space for water?? (Make sense, correct?). But the issue is that you'd only be gaining about 17 gallons (old holding tank size) unless you customized. But then if you are customizing, why not just customize the holding tank in the first place. It would very easy linking the water tank at that location into the fresh water system as the water "manifold" for the fresh water pump is right there. That will get you to about 65 gallons of fresh water, which is a little better. I guess you could keep the 17 gallons as a last chance reserve. It probably wouldn't be that hard to find other locations for water tanks if you really, really wanted to add water capacity as location is not as critical as with the holding tank. ALSO, I would swap the bow water tank deck fill with the port holding tank pumpout fitting. This would make the most sense. Why route the holding tank pumpout all the way back there when you have a fitting that is already in the bow. ps, I agree with the bigger vent hose & dedicated vent (as opposed to stanchion) as Peggy suggests, but the set-up on my C36 with Odorloss seems to work pretty well to keep odor down most of the time. Maybe I'm just lucky, but I think the original C36 set up (direct short hose lengths) help somewhat
Peggy Question - How do I increase fitting
on existing holding tank? Lets take the example on my Ronco Holding tank. It has an existing 3/8" 'L' vent hose fitting "plastic welded" into the top of the holding tank. How would I be able to make that a 1" fitting? Even if I increased the hose size and put the bigger vent on the hull (remove from the stanchion) I'd still have to increase the hole going into my holding tank to get any usefullness out of this arrangement. I'd be concerned that if I cut out and intall a new fitting into the holding tank that, no matter how well I do it, it might leak a little and cause odors under the salon seats.
on existing holding tank? Lets take the example on my Ronco Holding tank. It has an existing 3/8" 'L' vent hose fitting "plastic welded" into the top of the holding tank. How would I be able to make that a 1" fitting? Even if I increased the hose size and put the bigger vent on the hull (remove from the stanchion) I'd still have to increase the hole going into my holding tank to get any usefullness out of this arrangement. I'd be concerned that if I cut out and intall a new fitting into the holding tank that, no matter how well I do it, it might leak a little and cause odors under the salon seats.
Swapping deck fittings an excellent suggestion
However, it will be necessary to physically swap the fittings...you can't just reroute the hoses 'cuz the fittings are stamped "water" and "waste."
However, it will be necessary to physically swap the fittings...you can't just reroute the hoses 'cuz the fittings are stamped "water" and "waste."
Adding/replacing plastic tank fittings.
You'll need two bulkhead fittings--one for the new tank fitting and one for the new thru-hull...and some rubber gasket material. You'll also need access to the inside of the tank...so if the tank doesn't have an inspection port, you'll have to retrofit one (I didn't find any in the WM catalog, but Beckson has a good selection for a very reasonable price...Ronco Plastics has 'em). Drill the new hole to be a VERY tight fit for the fitting...so tight that you'll have to thread the fitting into it. Reach inside the tank to insert the fitting...the hose barb should stick out. Make a rubber gasket that's also a VERY tight fit to go onto the fitting's hose barb under the nut...tighten the nut--but don't overdo it, or you can crack the tank...just nice and snug. Put the new vent hose on the fitting, secure with hose clamps. You're done--at least with the tank part of the job, and it won't leak. Drill out the existing thru-hull hole--or make new one...install the thru-hull and bed it with proper bedding compound (NOT 5200!!!!)...connect the other end of the vent line. Job complete. Except to bed the thru-hull, don't use ANY sealant...just gaskets and hose clamps.
You'll need two bulkhead fittings--one for the new tank fitting and one for the new thru-hull...and some rubber gasket material. You'll also need access to the inside of the tank...so if the tank doesn't have an inspection port, you'll have to retrofit one (I didn't find any in the WM catalog, but Beckson has a good selection for a very reasonable price...Ronco Plastics has 'em). Drill the new hole to be a VERY tight fit for the fitting...so tight that you'll have to thread the fitting into it. Reach inside the tank to insert the fitting...the hose barb should stick out. Make a rubber gasket that's also a VERY tight fit to go onto the fitting's hose barb under the nut...tighten the nut--but don't overdo it, or you can crack the tank...just nice and snug. Put the new vent hose on the fitting, secure with hose clamps. You're done--at least with the tank part of the job, and it won't leak. Drill out the existing thru-hull hole--or make new one...install the thru-hull and bed it with proper bedding compound (NOT 5200!!!!)...connect the other end of the vent line. Job complete. Except to bed the thru-hull, don't use ANY sealant...just gaskets and hose clamps.
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