The aluminum holding tank on our '89 Hunter 28 is leaking. Has anyone cut an access hole in the aft panel in the aft bunk? As I see it I can cut an access hole, drain and move/remove the fuel tank, remove the black tank and install a new plastic holding tank. I would love to hear of anyones experience with this on the Hunter 28. I have searched the archives and there are other options mentioned, but not cutting an access hole. I appreciate your help.
H28 holding tank replacement
- Thread starter casmith
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Do what you have to do
As long as you don't cut into anything structural, that is. If it's under a bunk, regardless of what anyone else may have done, I recommend that you go through the top so you can lift it out and put in a new tank. Leave a "lip" (or create one) that you can just drop a new top onto so you have permanent access to replace the hoses as needed and also check the hose connections several times a year for any signs of failure.
As long as you don't cut into anything structural, that is. If it's under a bunk, regardless of what anyone else may have done, I recommend that you go through the top so you can lift it out and put in a new tank. Leave a "lip" (or create one) that you can just drop a new top onto so you have permanent access to replace the hoses as needed and also check the hose connections several times a year for any signs of failure.
Replace the tank
Mr. Smith, I don't know what the configuration of the 31 is, but since you have considered cutting a hole through the aft bulkhead of the aft cabin, it sounds similar to our 30T's. Roy Mosteller (roynjean@cox.net)in San Diego has helped a large number of us 30T'ers with complete photos and instructions on replacing that aluminum tank with a Ronco HDPE tank. He had talked to the factory and gotten the advice to cut through the bulkhead, BUT ONLY a 10"x12" hole to insure proper support in this bulkhead. I suggest you email him and ask for his instructions. He is very gratious about sending the package to all who need the help. He suggests removing and replacing the tank through the top of the lazerette. Good luck.
Mr. Smith, I don't know what the configuration of the 31 is, but since you have considered cutting a hole through the aft bulkhead of the aft cabin, it sounds similar to our 30T's. Roy Mosteller (roynjean@cox.net)in San Diego has helped a large number of us 30T'ers with complete photos and instructions on replacing that aluminum tank with a Ronco HDPE tank. He had talked to the factory and gotten the advice to cut through the bulkhead, BUT ONLY a 10"x12" hole to insure proper support in this bulkhead. I suggest you email him and ask for his instructions. He is very gratious about sending the package to all who need the help. He suggests removing and replacing the tank through the top of the lazerette. Good luck.
another idea
I have a 30t and instead of replacing the 18 gal aluminum tank at it's current location, I put a plastic 13 gal in the compartment at the bottom of the opening counter hatch in the head. Now my hose from the toilet to the tank is only 2ft long so much less water is needed and pumping to clear this hose completely. I then have a hose coming from the bottom of the new tank into the head area with a Y valve of which one side is capped off. this keeps the waste from going down into the long pump out hose under the aft berths. It goes to another Y valve near the overboard seacock so it can be switched to go overboard or along the pumpout line to the stern. I got rid of the manual over board pump this way. This way I didn't have to cut out a bulkhead and left the old tank where it is. I put in a all full sensor so I won't end up plugging up my vent line again.
I have a 30t and instead of replacing the 18 gal aluminum tank at it's current location, I put a plastic 13 gal in the compartment at the bottom of the opening counter hatch in the head. Now my hose from the toilet to the tank is only 2ft long so much less water is needed and pumping to clear this hose completely. I then have a hose coming from the bottom of the new tank into the head area with a Y valve of which one side is capped off. this keeps the waste from going down into the long pump out hose under the aft berths. It goes to another Y valve near the overboard seacock so it can be switched to go overboard or along the pumpout line to the stern. I got rid of the manual over board pump this way. This way I didn't have to cut out a bulkhead and left the old tank where it is. I put in a all full sensor so I won't end up plugging up my vent line again.
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