Cheoy Lee holding tank

[DanPlace]

Peggy,
I have a 1978 Cheoy Lee 38 foot ketch (Ray Richards design) with a Raritan PHII. The toilet works great but the metal (probably aluiminum) holding tank (original from 1978) is contained under the port-side upper quarter berth. I want to replace the metal tank with plastic but it appears to be permanently installed inside the small compartment below the berth. I can access the top of the tank through a cut-out where the round inspection metal cap (bolted to the tank) is located but the body of the tank is surrounded by the compartment.

I would contact the manufacturer but Cheoy Lee isn't making sailboats anymore. Any ideas? Is this an occassion that calls for the jig saw, gloves and dust mask?

Thanks,
Dan
S/V Patty Marie
Ventura Harbor, California

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

If you want to do it right...

You need to remove the tank. The easiest way to do that will prob'ly be to cut off the entire top of the locker it's in so you can lift it out and set a new tank in. I wouldn't glass in a new top...instead I'd cut a nice piece of plywood to fit and use screws to secure it. Doing it that way will also provide easy access to replace hoses when necessary.

And btw, you DO plan to replace the hoses when you replace the tank?

 

[Roy10289]

I'm not familiar with your boat,however. I have a Hunter 37.5 with a metal holding tank. I had a new one custom made identical to old one. I sawed off the hose couplings flush with the tank. This gave me enough room to remove old tank through a small access opening behind the rear berth. At least would make for a smaller hole you would have to cut if cutting is necessary for you.

 

[DanPlace]

Peggy,
Thanks for the reply. Yes, it appears I have no choice but to plug in the jig saw. And yes, new hoses will be at the top of the list.

And to Roy, thanks for the suggestion but the holding tnak area beneath the berth is totally inclosed with only the small round access hole above the tank.

Dan Place
S/V Patty Marie, Cheoy Lee 38 ketch