Dometic Sealand Sanipottie 965

[Doug J]

I asked this question in another thread and didn't get a reponse, so I thought I'd start a new thread asking directly.

I recently purchased a 5 gallon Dometic Sealand Sanipottie 965, and intend on setting it up for deck pump out.

My question is, will I need to install another hose with a vent fitting through the side of the hull? Or can I vent the tank somehow inside the boat, without making another hole in the hull, or would that cause an unpleasant odor inside the boat?

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

It MUST be vented to the outside of the boat.

USCG regs require that all waste tanks, even those in self-contained systems, be vented to the outside of the boat because methane is flammable. So I'm afraid the answer is, ya gotta put another hole in the boat. At least it's above waterline.

Even if you could vent it inside, once the tank has sat in the summer heat for a week, you wouldn't be able to install a new vent fast enough anyway.

And btw...that tank is no different from any other holding tank when it comes to maintaining it...you DO need to use a tank product unless you want to gas everyone within a 50' radius of the boat...I recommend Odorlos. And you need to keep the vent clear.

 

[Doug J]

Thanks Peggie! I guess I knew the answer. Ah what's one more hole!

 

[flynfol]

Hi Doug,

I have a 965, and the front seam on the tank cracked when being pumped out(vent was plugged). The crack was invisible and was only noticed when the tank level rose above it:cry:. Now I crack the valve slightly to prevent that if the vent is plugged.

J

 

[Doug J]

Sounds like a good idea to crack the valve a little. Thanks for the suggestion J

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

'Twould be a lot simpler....

Just to make sure the vent never becomes blocked. That only requires backflushing the vent line every time you pump out (you DO rinse out the tank, right?) and/or wash the boat. Surely you can pay THAT much attention to preventive maintenance!

Gosh...I wonder why it's called PREVENTIVE maintenance....

 

[Doug J]

Re: 'Twould be a lot simpler....

So, if I understand correctly, I'll install a thru-hull vent like this one, make sure it stays clear, shouldn't have any problem. I can do that

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Yes, it's a "vent" thru-hull"...but these days vent thru-hulls are "one size fits all" for water, waste and fuel--'cuz using the same one for everything costs boat builders less...so they're all actually designed to be fuel vent thru-hulls...which is not the right kind for waste tank venting. But unfortunately, if you search for "vent thru-hulls," that's the only kind you're gonna find. So instead, search for "thru-hull fitting" that looks like this: