B393 Questions (Fresh water and waste tank)

[BCDurbin]

Well we finally got our '03 393 delivered to our home in SE VA. All manuals and some extras included. Very happy to have her here to do some sailing this fall on the bay.
First thing I was shocked to see was the complete lack of information in the owners manual. I guess that's why there's been a forum like this created!
Assuming I have fresh water in both tanks (fore and aft) - the boats been in my possession barely 5 days - and I was told by the delivery captain that the fresh water system WAS working fine on the way down, Why, when I turn the pump on, does the pump run, but when I turn on the sink faucet (or any others) does nothing come out? From one line in the limited manual, I assume if the pump runs continuously, with out a demand, then there is a leak in the system. I will get back out to the boat tomorrow to check the other literature as well as check the water levels.
Next question, again no info I the manual, where is the waste tank located?
Thanks! I'm sure I'll have lots more later!! - BCD #146

 

[joker460]

Assuming that water is in both tanks, look at page 40 in the manual. There is a photograph showing the common manifold under the port sette. The manifold has 2 valves. Each valve is connected to one of the tanks.
Make sure that one or both are turned on.
That's the first place to look.

Good Luck

PS That page should be page 38 and not 40.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Many times when both valves are open the pump will continue to run. It could be that one tank is empty and one full, but the pump will suck air and run. Get into a habit of using one at a time, then you'll always have a backup tank.

Holding tank? Follow the head outlet hose, it's a big 1 1/2" hose, can't miss it!

 

[BCDurbin]

Many times when both valves are open the pump will continue to run. It could be that one tank is empty and one full, but the pump will suck air and run. Get into a habit of using one at a time, then you'll always have a backup tank.

Holding tank? Follow the head outlet hose, it's a big 1 1/2" hose, can't miss it!

Water problem solved, for now!

Stu was right, one full (aft) and one empty (forward). I did find the manifold, both valves were open. Why would it drain the forward tank first? Next time I will close the forward valve and see if if will draw from the aft tank. As for now it all pressurized and working properly.

Still working on the holding tank!

On a side note - went for a short sail this afternoon! Came back in one piece! Wife and kids may not ever go out with me again. I get mad at the boat when it doesn't do what I want it too!! Learned lots though!! - BCD

P.S. Need docking practice!

 

[Stu Jackson]

Why would it drain the forward tank first?

P.S. Need docking practice!

'Cuz one tank is higher?

Practice. Really, do it yourself, too. If you have cleats on your dock, midships spring line works great. Lots written on that.

 

[Paul Mermelstein]

Don't you have two heads? Each one has a 22 gal holding tank, mounted vertically behind the toilet, behind a cover panel. Remove the screws of the cover panel, remove the panel, and see how your heads & tanks are plumbed. On my 393, the head discharge enters the tank at the top and the pumpout hose is connected to the bottom of the tank. I also have macerator pumps that use a siphon tube from the top of the tank. I have never used these since I sail in the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay.

 

[Rick I]

Congrats on the new boat. Lots of 393's around. Check out the 393 site for info on just about anything pertaining to this model.

 

[BCDurbin]

Don't you have two heads? Each one has a 22 gal holding tank, mounted vertically behind the toilet, behind a cover panel. Remove the screws of the cover panel, remove the panel, and see how your heads & tanks are plumbed. On my 393, the head discharge enters the tank at the top and the pumpout hose is connected to the bottom of the tank. I also have macerator pumps that use a siphon tube from the top of the tank. I have never used these since I sail in the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay.

Beautiful, thanks Paul. I will do all that! Yes I do have two heads, in my boat anyway! Did I miss something in the manual or is that just skipped for some reason.

 

[BCDurbin]

Congrats on the new boat. Lots of 393's around. Check out the 393 site for info on just about anything pertaining to this model.

Thanks Rick, Is that the Beneteau run site? I will try to find it! I'm sure this forum is just as good!! - BCD.

 

[Rick I]

Thanks Rick, Is that the Beneteau run site? I will try to find it! I'm sure this forum is just as good!! - BCD.

You're welcome. Just click on the url under my signature. It is not affiliated with Beneteau but made up of 393 owners and others who like this model.

 

[Gunni]

Durbin:
Did your wife and kids come with a manual? Spend some quality time with your new boat, stay curious, this is supposed to be fun.

 

[John Holden]

Manuals

Just had to say something on this. I have found their manual to be pathetic - - sorry i meant not quite up to standard. The pages referenced for a topic are frequently missing that topic, etc. I asked Beneteau if they had a a complete manual at any price and they replied no. Because each dept. has its own documentation and it has never been put into a comprehensive manual. Some of the drawings that they do provide in their manual are so small as to be almost useless.

[/B] in SE VA. All manuals and some extras included. Very happy to have her here to do some sailing this fall on the bay.
First thing I was shocked to see was the complete lack of information in the owners manual. I guess that's why there's been a forum like this created!
Assuming I have fresh water in both tanks (fore and aft) - the boats been in my possession barely 5 days - and I was told by the delivery captain that the fresh water system WAS working fine on the way down, Why, when I turn the pump on, does the pump run, but when I turn on the sink faucet (or any others) does nothing come out? From one line in the limited manual, I assume if the pump runs continuously, with out a demand, then there is a leak in the system. I will get back out to the boat tomorrow to check the other literature as well as check the water levels.
Next question, again no info I the manual, where is the waste tank located?
Thanks! I'm sure I'll have lots more later!! - BCD #146

 

[BCDurbin]

Durbin:
Did your wife and kids come with a manual? Spend some quality time with your new boat, stay curious, this is supposed to be fun.

No but there's been plenty written on how to deal with both! LOL!
I plan on it Gunni, and it will be! -BCD

 

[Gunni]

If you have not already done so, suggest you go to www.beneteauusa.com and register for the SpareParts website. You will find lots of exploded parts drawings for your model that are very helpful. The customer service people are also a wealth of information. They tend to be pretty busy this time of year - helping people find their holding tanks and all...

The 393 is a nice sailing boat. Sister to my 411. Do you have the 2 or 3 cabin version?

 

[BCDurbin]

.......The 393 is a nice sailing boat. Sister to my 411. Do you have the 2 or 3 cabin version?

3 cabin Gunni, more room for kids and in laws! I looked at a 2 cabin. And did like the large lazerette, but I can get by without it!