Charcoal Filters in Holding Tank Vent

[Rick486]

Hi All:
I'm writing to ask if any Hunter owners, particularly 426/44DS/44AC owners have discovered a charcoal filter in the vent line for the holding tank? The word from Hunter is that probably not in the time frame of the building of my boat in 2006-7. So I'd like to hear from anyone who has discovered one. Obviously they need occasional service and if I find out that I have one I guess I will need to disassemble some furniture to get at it. let me know please.
Thanks

 

[seadaddler]

No

I am pretty sure Hunter does not put a filter on holding tanks on their boats from the factory but maybe the dealer did add for a customer request.
All you need to do is look for the vent hose coming off the top of the holding tank vent.
Nick

 

[Rick486]

I am pretty sure Hunter does not put a filter on holding tanks on their boats from the factory but maybe the dealer did add for a customer request.
All you need to do is look for the vent hose coming off the top of the holding tank vent.
Nick

Thanks Nick. That seems to be the case so I guess I won't have to take a bunch of stuff apart to look for one. The vent hose comes off the top of the tank but then runs about 20 ft forward to the vent. I guess if worse came to worse I could just disconnect the hose and blow in it to see if there is resistance. But I think I'll just go with "...if it ain't broke, don't rip the boat apart to fix it...."

 

[seadaddler]

Test

Have some one near the vent and than some one flush and do a smell check and if the vent is resticted the flushing will not flush normally and if the vent is clogged or restricted it will will not flush properly or make lots of noise and bubbling.
nick

 

[Rick486]

Have some one near the vent and than some one flush and do a smell check and if the vent is resticted the flushing will not flush normally and if the vent is clogged or restricted it will will not flush properly or make lots of noise and bubbling.
nick

Yeccchhh. I'll do the flushing and YKW will affix her nose to the vent

 

[Brezzin]

Im pretty sure this was an aftermarket install. You really should just remove it and patch the vent hose. The filter was designed to remove the oder from the air when you flush. as most people know the smell can be pretty pungent when you flush and those in the cockpit suffer . The filter really does not do that job very well. I also believe that it will restrict the natural venting of the holding tank. The tank needs, or rather the good bacteria that breaks down the material in the tank needs O2 to live and do its job. As the O2 depletes the bad bacteria (the stuff that makes the tank smell) begins to take over making the smell worse. If you can't really remove the filter then I would use a nitrate based additive like Odorlos. Nitrates act as another form of nutrient for the good bacterias. Anyway the filter doesn't help.

 

[seadaddler]

Filter

I do have a vent filter on my holding tank about $80.00 to replace and just replaced it this year.
I would get a very bad odor when flushing in the cockpit when new in 07 and the filter from defender works real good here in Florida and no other smells any place.
Nick

 

[thinwater]

I do have a vent filter on my holding tank about $80.00 to replace and just replaced it this year.
I would get a very bad odor when flushing in the cockpit when new in 07 and the filter from defender works real good here in Florida and no other smells any place.
Nick

Intersting that they work for those that have them, while others say they do not work.

It's all about the installation. Mine is 2 1/2 years and counting. I just did the nose-to-vent test this week and it passed with flying colors.

http://sail-delmarva.blogspot.com/2011/04/holding-tank-vent-filter.html

 

[spraygun]

Made my own back in 2010.PVC from Lowes and charcoal from pet store. That was the end of downwind odor. So far still using original charcoal. Its 4 inch PVC so a lot of space in there