We have a new Catalina 310 and while sailing this weekend we noticed a strong "head" type odor while sailing downwind. At first I thought it was the head vent and the smell was because the wind was coming from behind the boat. When we got back to the dock and were cleaning the boat I noticed a discharge coming from a chrome discharge fitting on the stern about he same level as the head vent. The discharge we observed had the same "head" odor we smelled while sailing. The head has not been pumped out yet as we haven't used it that much since we got the boat. Is this an overflow from a too full holding tank or another problem? The holding tank is going to be pumped out thie week by the way. Thanks, Gary
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Couple of Thoughts on Head Stink:
First, buy Peggie's book. I put a link below. Honestly, every broker ought to give a copy as part of a new purchase gift. I just bought one for a friend. Second, the head didn't stink before you used the boat. This is common. The sewage won't until its agitated, as I recall from her prior posts. Third, use KO or Odorus (sp) additives. KO only requires one treatment per tank, but requires good ventilation of the holding tank. Odorus makes its own oxygen but requires treatment weekly. I use both which is probably wasteful but it works for me. Finally, don’t fill the tank to overflowing or you risk clogging the vent, which is a real problem. When you pump out, fresh water fill the tank until it overflows the vent and clear water comes out. Put a cup of vinegar in the head weekly or when you leave to control the build up within the plumbing. Use CP ONLY to clean the head when using KO or Odorus. Other cleaners will kill the enzymes. Rick D.
First, buy Peggie's book. I put a link below. Honestly, every broker ought to give a copy as part of a new purchase gift. I just bought one for a friend. Second, the head didn't stink before you used the boat. This is common. The sewage won't until its agitated, as I recall from her prior posts. Third, use KO or Odorus (sp) additives. KO only requires one treatment per tank, but requires good ventilation of the holding tank. Odorus makes its own oxygen but requires treatment weekly. I use both which is probably wasteful but it works for me. Finally, don’t fill the tank to overflowing or you risk clogging the vent, which is a real problem. When you pump out, fresh water fill the tank until it overflows the vent and clear water comes out. Put a cup of vinegar in the head weekly or when you leave to control the build up within the plumbing. Use CP ONLY to clean the head when using KO or Odorus. Other cleaners will kill the enzymes. Rick D.
I can't add anything to that;...
Except to correct the name of the other holding tank treatment besides K.O--it's Odorlos....and suggest that adding a tank level monitor would prob'ly be a good idea. My choice would be the Snake River Electronics AcuGage. Check it out on their website at http://www.snake-river.org and buy it from the online store here. Thanks, Rick!
Except to correct the name of the other holding tank treatment besides K.O--it's Odorlos....and suggest that adding a tank level monitor would prob'ly be a good idea. My choice would be the Snake River Electronics AcuGage. Check it out on their website at http://www.snake-river.org and buy it from the online store here. Thanks, Rick!
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