Black and grey holding tanks
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I would imagine it came form the factory with a black water tank, a.k.a., waste tank; I would also guess it didn't come with gray water holding. I have never seen a gray water tank on a recreational vessel the size of which we generally discuss in this forum, and I've never heard of a facility that is designed to pump out the gray water tank, unless folks have it done via the same facility as for waste.
However, I do know of places that have prohibitions on gray water discharge from vessels, like Provincetown. I don't know what people do, or whether its enforced.
I'd like to hear more on this topic. Sorry for the momentary hijack.
However, I do know of places that have prohibitions on gray water discharge from vessels, like Provincetown. I don't know what people do, or whether its enforced.
I'd like to hear more on this topic. Sorry for the momentary hijack.
I see you've only just joined our lively little band of sailors...Welcome aboard sailboatowners.com!
In the US there a very few closed inland lakes (and apparently one municipal marina/anchorage) on which both black and gray water must be held, but it can legally go directly overboard in all other US waters, which is why is rare to see a boat that has a gray water tank. I'm not up to date on gray water regs in OZ, but if there are waters in which gray water must be held, I suspect that yours come close to mimicking US Coast Guard regs, which prohibit holding black and gray water in the same tank--in fact there cannot even be any common plumbing, not even the vents--because of the risk of black water bacteria getting into sinks in the event of a tank overflow or backup. So check your regulations to make sure you need a gray water tank before doing anything. If it's necessary only in waters you're unlikely to visit, or only visit for a very short time, you might manage without one.
As for a black water tank, find a location for a tank that's no more than 8' (within 6' is better) from the toilet, where it can be vented out the hull (NEVER the transom!) using a short straight 1" vent line. If the boat has two heads, don't try to use a single tank for both unless it can be within about 6' of both, which is unlikely.
Because AU regs only require holding within ONE mile of coastline and swimming area, you should only need a relatively small tank...about 15-18 gal maximum.
My book (see link in my signature, but also available from Amazon.au) includes an entire chapter that provides step by step instructions for installing a new toilet and holding tank. Since you already have toilet(s), you only need to skim that part. And I'm always glad to answer questions here, via email, Skype or or WhatsApp...so send me a PM if you need one-on-one help.
--Peggie
In the US there a very few closed inland lakes (and apparently one municipal marina/anchorage) on which both black and gray water must be held, but it can legally go directly overboard in all other US waters, which is why is rare to see a boat that has a gray water tank. I'm not up to date on gray water regs in OZ, but if there are waters in which gray water must be held, I suspect that yours come close to mimicking US Coast Guard regs, which prohibit holding black and gray water in the same tank--in fact there cannot even be any common plumbing, not even the vents--because of the risk of black water bacteria getting into sinks in the event of a tank overflow or backup. So check your regulations to make sure you need a gray water tank before doing anything. If it's necessary only in waters you're unlikely to visit, or only visit for a very short time, you might manage without one.
As for a black water tank, find a location for a tank that's no more than 8' (within 6' is better) from the toilet, where it can be vented out the hull (NEVER the transom!) using a short straight 1" vent line. If the boat has two heads, don't try to use a single tank for both unless it can be within about 6' of both, which is unlikely.
Because AU regs only require holding within ONE mile of coastline and swimming area, you should only need a relatively small tank...about 15-18 gal maximum.
My book (see link in my signature, but also available from Amazon.au) includes an entire chapter that provides step by step instructions for installing a new toilet and holding tank. Since you already have toilet(s), you only need to skim that part. And I'm always glad to answer questions here, via email, Skype or or WhatsApp...so send me a PM if you need one-on-one help.
--Peggie