I'm just finishing up a custom holding tank for my 37c. I've seen about 5 possibilities for tanks in the archives and here's another. I have water tanks under the settees in the main cabin, so that was out; I like the idea about putting it in the bottom of the hanging locker but didn't like how long the hoses would have to get. Against the hull under the mattress is also awkward, since the hull gets wider from the bottom up as well as fore to aft, and the original spot is unacceptable. So, to any like-minded folk, here's another option, directly under the aft third of the mattress in the v-birth. Yup its inside the cabin, and you'll lose space, but if you are in my position and need a 25-30 gallon tank (and have water tanks in your settees) I think its a good idea. Also, the space you lose is an empty trapezoid covered on all sides but the front, and is usually wasted anyway--at least it was with me. I epoxied 8-layer marine plyood to waterproof the sides, epoxied the corners once put together, and then glassed it all around for strength. If anyone wants, I can give more details, but just wanted to toss this option on the pile for dealing with the holding tank issue. A question also--a 1.5 inch hose won't fit back between the hull and the back of the seat in the shower--in order to go from my tank to the deck fitting. I found an old 1.5 inch hose that was cut, so I guess the previous owner took out the tank and the hosing but couldn't get it all out--and neither could I--but I don't know how they got it in in the first place. Has anyone else found this; it's bizarre and must be the only spot to get a 1.5 inch hose through there without cutting into the wall. The space goies right along where the hull and forward-starboard bulkhead meet (the corner of the v-birth mattress). Josh
- Status
even another idea
I had a custom stainless steel tank attached under the middle third of the v-berth that attached to the glassed bulkhead forward where that dry squared storage compartment is located. Gave me an extra 25 gallons while preserving an old macerator system of 13-15 gallons in a compartment under the starboard v-berth next to the shower bulkhead. Used a y-valve to choose between them.
I had a custom stainless steel tank attached under the middle third of the v-berth that attached to the glassed bulkhead forward where that dry squared storage compartment is located. Gave me an extra 25 gallons while preserving an old macerator system of 13-15 gallons in a compartment under the starboard v-berth next to the shower bulkhead. Used a y-valve to choose between them.
I replaced the original holding tank
with a custom made fiberglass tank in the original location under the shower seat. If you are going to install it under the V-berth, why not run the 1.5 inch hose through the original space (under the shower seat). To take the old tank out I cut an opening from the V-berth back under the shower, then took out the old metal tank piece by piece using a right angle grinder. It took a while, and was a messy job, but worked.
with a custom made fiberglass tank in the original location under the shower seat. If you are going to install it under the V-berth, why not run the 1.5 inch hose through the original space (under the shower seat). To take the old tank out I cut an opening from the V-berth back under the shower, then took out the old metal tank piece by piece using a right angle grinder. It took a while, and was a messy job, but worked.
The best solution:
Plastic is the only recommended material for waste holding. If you can't find a "stock" tank that will fit the space among the more than 400 shapes and sizes in the Ronco Plastics catalog at http://www.ronco-plastics.com, the only other good option is a custom welded plastic tank. There's a company called C.C. Tech which several people here have used and recommend...their website is at http://www.gocctech.com/marine/boat-tank.htm However, for any boat in coastal waters (unless you're in RI, SoCal or Key West) the BEST option would be a Type I MSD (CG certified device that treats waste and discharges it overboard...e.g. a Lectra/San. A number of people have installed it and love it. You'll find all the specs for it, including the manual, on the Raritan website at http://www.raritaneng.com Unfortunately, however, it's not an option for boats on non-navigable inland lakes or the Great Lakes.
Plastic is the only recommended material for waste holding. If you can't find a "stock" tank that will fit the space among the more than 400 shapes and sizes in the Ronco Plastics catalog at http://www.ronco-plastics.com, the only other good option is a custom welded plastic tank. There's a company called C.C. Tech which several people here have used and recommend...their website is at http://www.gocctech.com/marine/boat-tank.htm However, for any boat in coastal waters (unless you're in RI, SoCal or Key West) the BEST option would be a Type I MSD (CG certified device that treats waste and discharges it overboard...e.g. a Lectra/San. A number of people have installed it and love it. You'll find all the specs for it, including the manual, on the Raritan website at http://www.raritaneng.com Unfortunately, however, it's not an option for boats on non-navigable inland lakes or the Great Lakes.
good question
I don't have the exact dimensions with me, but just look at the spot where you might kick your shoes before you go to bed--I think Ed S. called it the changing area, anyway the trapezoid that's still in the cabin, under the aft section of the v-berth mattress. My tank is precisely that size. As far as the Lectra-San, I looked into those; you actually recommended them to me a ways back, but they were just too expensive. Also, my harbormaster informed me that they are illegal in some spots already, and will be illegal in more soon. Whether that's true or not, it doesn't get me past the cost issue.
I don't have the exact dimensions with me, but just look at the spot where you might kick your shoes before you go to bed--I think Ed S. called it the changing area, anyway the trapezoid that's still in the cabin, under the aft section of the v-berth mattress. My tank is precisely that size. As far as the Lectra-San, I looked into those; you actually recommended them to me a ways back, but they were just too expensive. Also, my harbormaster informed me that they are illegal in some spots already, and will be illegal in more soon. Whether that's true or not, it doesn't get me past the cost issue.
Cost of Lectra/San compared to tank
Your harbormaster has been listening to too many enviro-wackos...the trend is actually in the opposite direction. List price for the L/S is a little scary...however, if you shop hard, it's not that bad. It's typically available for $725-759...this place (http://www.foreandaftmarine.com/HOLDINGTANKS.htm) has it on sale for $699 right now. And if you want one, now's the time...'cuz that price won't last...in fact, they're going up everywhere the first of the year. I've just learned from Raritan that the list price is going up quite a bit the first of the year due to increased materials cost, freight costs caused by the increase in petroleum prices over the last year, and other factors...and increased list prices mean increases in discount prices.
Your harbormaster has been listening to too many enviro-wackos...the trend is actually in the opposite direction. List price for the L/S is a little scary...however, if you shop hard, it's not that bad. It's typically available for $725-759...this place (http://www.foreandaftmarine.com/HOLDINGTANKS.htm) has it on sale for $699 right now. And if you want one, now's the time...'cuz that price won't last...in fact, they're going up everywhere the first of the year. I've just learned from Raritan that the list price is going up quite a bit the first of the year due to increased materials cost, freight costs caused by the increase in petroleum prices over the last year, and other factors...and increased list prices mean increases in discount prices.
Josh's tank.
I think the picture shows where Josh built his tank. He filled in the area of the v-berth where I stand to make the bed and put on my PJ's. Right where the fire extinguisher sits. It is still not clear to me why he did not put it inside the v-berth locker. As I have reported(with pictures) there is easily room for 30 gallons in there. My own is 22 gals. and the locker is only 1/3 occupied.
I think the picture shows where Josh built his tank. He filled in the area of the v-berth where I stand to make the bed and put on my PJ's. Right where the fire extinguisher sits. It is still not clear to me why he did not put it inside the v-berth locker. As I have reported(with pictures) there is easily room for 30 gallons in there. My own is 22 gals. and the locker is only 1/3 occupied.
Attachments
32 gallons under the V-berth
I'm in the process of puting a 32 gallon tank from Ronco under the V-berth. It's been a long slow process. I'm expanding the anchor locker at the same time . . . (also living on the boat and working full time). I have taken a bunch of pics that I'll post when I get the job done. Anyway, I'm using the Ronco model # B223. It fits a little tight but nicely under the center V-berth locker.
I'm in the process of puting a 32 gallon tank from Ronco under the V-berth. It's been a long slow process. I'm expanding the anchor locker at the same time . . . (also living on the boat and working full time). I have taken a bunch of pics that I'll post when I get the job done. Anyway, I'm using the Ronco model # B223. It fits a little tight but nicely under the center V-berth locker.
B 223?
I went to the ronco page and looked up the B223 and that is a very odd looking tank. I have been considering placing a tank under the v berth also and was wondering how you got it thru the bunk? cut quiet a bit? where did you put the fittings... I understand that ronco gives a discount or did you pay list? Send pictures please to 1keladi@comcast.net when you have some. I have always considered a rrectangle tank but you now have given me some new ideas. The rectangular tanks just take up so much room but this one seems to fit down into the vee of the hull....very interesting.... thanks chet
I went to the ronco page and looked up the B223 and that is a very odd looking tank. I have been considering placing a tank under the v berth also and was wondering how you got it thru the bunk? cut quiet a bit? where did you put the fittings... I understand that ronco gives a discount or did you pay list? Send pictures please to 1keladi@comcast.net when you have some. I have always considered a rrectangle tank but you now have given me some new ideas. The rectangular tanks just take up so much room but this one seems to fit down into the vee of the hull....very interesting.... thanks chet
Yep, B223.
Chet, if you remember my holding tank project(pictures on Photo Forum) I went with the rectangular 22 gal. Ronco. But I would have used something like #B223 except that I have four transducers in that compartment. Yes, you will have to cut the locker opening much larger. And I think you do not want a permanent top. Making it solid after enlarging it will take some engineering. The one issue with the tank is placement of the inlet, outlet, and vent. Ronco will place them wherever you ask. But with an odd shaped bottom at least the outlet must be over the lowest point(it is a standpipe). If the pipes come out the top(they should) you will need about 4" of clearance between the top of the tank and bottom of the v-berth cover. They will ship the tank with 90' elbows. They will place the connections on the side but then you lose the top three or four inches of the tank, it starts backing up into the inlet hose and/or vent. They do discount and are very helpful on the phone.
Chet, if you remember my holding tank project(pictures on Photo Forum) I went with the rectangular 22 gal. Ronco. But I would have used something like #B223 except that I have four transducers in that compartment. Yes, you will have to cut the locker opening much larger. And I think you do not want a permanent top. Making it solid after enlarging it will take some engineering. The one issue with the tank is placement of the inlet, outlet, and vent. Ronco will place them wherever you ask. But with an odd shaped bottom at least the outlet must be over the lowest point(it is a standpipe). If the pipes come out the top(they should) you will need about 4" of clearance between the top of the tank and bottom of the v-berth cover. They will ship the tank with 90' elbows. They will place the connections on the side but then you lose the top three or four inches of the tank, it starts backing up into the inlet hose and/or vent. They do discount and are very helpful on the phone.
pics going up tonight or tomorrow
Thanks for the pics Ed, you are right about the spot. In my v-berth though, the spot was already covered with plywood to make one large bed. I will put pictures in the pic gallery tonight or tomorrow. I took them this morning, but left the camera in the car. Be careful with those Ronco tanks for the v-berth locker, it's definitely possible I missed the one your talking about, but the fact that the hull gets wider both fore to aft and bottom up makes for an extremely difficult fit for a trapezoidal tank. Good luck everyone. Josh
Thanks for the pics Ed, you are right about the spot. In my v-berth though, the spot was already covered with plywood to make one large bed. I will put pictures in the pic gallery tonight or tomorrow. I took them this morning, but left the camera in the car. Be careful with those Ronco tanks for the v-berth locker, it's definitely possible I missed the one your talking about, but the fact that the hull gets wider both fore to aft and bottom up makes for an extremely difficult fit for a trapezoidal tank. Good luck everyone. Josh
Funny thing about H37C. . . .
holding tanks. About once a year a long discussion ensues. Either it is the rate of new owners or tank failures.
I can assure you Josh that I know the inside of that locker like my hand. I used a trainload of cardboard to make a template of about ten Ronco tanks. Every one had to be like a Japanese Origami. It had to fold to get it in there and then unfold to it's proper size and shape. One size and shape that I did not consider was something that filled the area close to the top and left the bottom open. Then I might have been able to put a hatch in that aft bulkhead and still had access to the transducers. If you do cut a larger opening for a tank consider round corners, much stronger. And if the cutout is super large you might want to glass in a couple of stringers to put back the strength you cut away.
holding tanks. About once a year a long discussion ensues. Either it is the rate of new owners or tank failures.
I can assure you Josh that I know the inside of that locker like my hand. I used a trainload of cardboard to make a template of about ten Ronco tanks. Every one had to be like a Japanese Origami. It had to fold to get it in there and then unfold to it's proper size and shape. One size and shape that I did not consider was something that filled the area close to the top and left the bottom open. Then I might have been able to put a hatch in that aft bulkhead and still had access to the transducers. If you do cut a larger opening for a tank consider round corners, much stronger. And if the cutout is super large you might want to glass in a couple of stringers to put back the strength you cut away.photo forum pictures
I posted some pictures in the photo forum of how I made the cut-out for the B223 tank.
I posted some pictures in the photo forum of how I made the cut-out for the B223 tank.
Nice work Morrie.
I see more good ideas on HOW but some are too late. I wish I had made a similar cutout even though I could not use a tank that big. It would have made the installation much easier. I look forward to the rest of your project. Tough life living on an H37C in Hilo I suppose. I was there once but don't remember seeing your boat. I think it was 1986.
I see more good ideas on HOW but some are too late. I wish I had made a similar cutout even though I could not use a tank that big. It would have made the installation much easier. I look forward to the rest of your project. Tough life living on an H37C in Hilo I suppose. I was there once but don't remember seeing your boat. I think it was 1986.
Josh Peskin
I guess by now you've figured out that arguing with Peggy is like mud wrestling a pig. It doesn't take long to realize the pig likes it....
I guess by now you've figured out that arguing with Peggy is like mud wrestling a pig. It doesn't take long to realize the pig likes it....
Nice Job Josh
Hey Josh, great idea! I wish I would have thought of putting my holding tank there. I also have a one piece custon matress, so I never take that trapeziod piece out of the v-berth. Your idea made me think I'll have to find a good use for that wasted space. Thanks! Morrie
Hey Josh, great idea! I wish I would have thought of putting my holding tank there. I also have a one piece custon matress, so I never take that trapeziod piece out of the v-berth. Your idea made me think I'll have to find a good use for that wasted space. Thanks! Morrie
- Status