Aluminum holding tank replacement

[Bryan Pfaffenberger]

The head in my 1989 30G, J-Bird, has been increasingly smelly during the past year. I found out why this weekend. The aluminum holding tank had two L-shaped aluminum hose fittings; the one on the bottom had very nearly disintegrated. Because much better materials (e.g., high density polyethylene) are now available for holding tanks than aluminum, I pulled and discarded the tank. I wasn't able to find a suitable aftermarket replacement. On Hunter's suggestion, I contact Dura-Weld (http://www.dura-weld.com/tanks.htm). After I faxed the dimensions to them, they responded with a very reasonable quote within a couple of hours and promised to deliver the completed tank within two weeks. They're great people.When I install the new tank, I plan to replace the original hand pump with a Jabsco dry run macerator (http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=10001&productId=72974).

 

[Andy]

Very Helpful

I have the same boat, and probably the beginnings of the same odor. I've printed your article as a resource for when I haul out next winter. If I do it, and I suppose I should say "when" rather than "if", I'll share what I can about the experience. Thanks.

 

[Paul]

aluminum tank

Interesting the your 89 H30 has an aluminum tank. I spoke with a freind that has a 93 H30 w/ an aluminum tank but doesn't use the holding tank on his boat. My 89 H30 has a plastic tank. I bought it used but wonder if it is original and when or why Hunter changed material.Paul

 

[Bryan Pfaffenberger]

Polyethylene is better

Most of the experts I've spoken to say that aluminum isn't the best material for holding tanks. The stuff in a holding tank can be quite caustic; over time, it eats away at aluminum, particularly at seams, joints, welds, and -- as happened on my boat -- fittings. If you have a plastic holding tank, I'll bet it was replaced at some point. Wisely!

 

[Bob Schmit]

Ronco

I am in the process of replacing my holding tank on '92 H30 and I went with Ronco plastics out of California, I had heard Peggy Hall mention their company and they did a fine job at a reasonable price. I am also replacing all the santitary hoses with the Sealand Odorless type 'while I'm at it'

 

[Bryan Pfaffenberger]

Yes, Sealand hose is THE way to go

Sealand's low-odor sanitation hose is a major step forward - thanks for mentioning this. Hose saturation is a major cause of the head stinkeroonies.

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

Be sure to get the name right...

There are two SeaLand sanitation hoses--their so-called "heavy duy" (which isn't) white sanitation hose, and their premium OdorSafe brand, which is the only hose that's bullet proof against odor permeation. If you can't remember "OdorSafe," the price difference will tell you which is which..."OdorSafe" is over $8/ft list...you can find it around $7--sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less--if you shop.My book (link below) has several chapter devoted to choosing and installing a holding tank and replacing hoses, including tips that make the job a lot easier.