Because of some remarkably bad weather here last weekend (winds up to 50-60) I was unable to get to my boat before it was hauled by my unusually efficient yard. Unfortunately, this also means my Hunter 410 with two holding tanks was hauled before pumpout. I'm not sure how to leave this for the winter. No pumpout facilities at the yard, don't think I could dump it out on land. Any ideas how to winterize two quarter-full holding tanks? Just pour a bunch of antifreeze in? Appreciate any advice. S/V Breathless h410 #250 US 51855
High and dry
- Thread starter Steve Feinsilver
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Can't wait to see this answer.....
However, while waiting for Peggie to answer, I do have a suggestion. This will not be pretty. Is there a port-pottie dump facility at your marina? If so, this will be much easier. I would get a 30 gallon heavy duty plastic trash can and a hand cart to move it. I would put the can under the overboard discharge thru-hull and use the maserator pump to empty the tank. Then before moving the trash can, add 5 gallons of water to the tank and pump again. Finally add your antifreeze to that tank and pump until the maserator lines are full and you discharge some of the antifreeze. Cart the trash can to (1) the dump facility or (2) the local toilet. You may need to ladle the contents out of the trash can. Did I mention that this wouldn't be pretty? Repeat with the other tank. Now it just occurred to me that you might be able to get a septic tank service to come to your boat and they may have hoses that will connect to your deck pumpout fittings and pump you out. You would still want to flush with water and add antifreeze as with the trash can method. I hope someone has a better idea.
However, while waiting for Peggie to answer, I do have a suggestion. This will not be pretty. Is there a port-pottie dump facility at your marina? If so, this will be much easier. I would get a 30 gallon heavy duty plastic trash can and a hand cart to move it. I would put the can under the overboard discharge thru-hull and use the maserator pump to empty the tank. Then before moving the trash can, add 5 gallons of water to the tank and pump again. Finally add your antifreeze to that tank and pump until the maserator lines are full and you discharge some of the antifreeze. Cart the trash can to (1) the dump facility or (2) the local toilet. You may need to ladle the contents out of the trash can. Did I mention that this wouldn't be pretty? Repeat with the other tank. Now it just occurred to me that you might be able to get a septic tank service to come to your boat and they may have hoses that will connect to your deck pumpout fittings and pump you out. You would still want to flush with water and add antifreeze as with the trash can method. I hope someone has a better idea.
Are there macerators to dump the tanks?
If so, the yard should be able to empty the tanks into containers and take 'em to the pumpout facility. Once they've done that, thoroughly rinse out the tanks by putting plenty of water through 'em as you run the macerator (you CAN dump the water)...and winterize the systems.
If so, the yard should be able to empty the tanks into containers and take 'em to the pumpout facility. Once they've done that, thoroughly rinse out the tanks by putting plenty of water through 'em as you run the macerator (you CAN dump the water)...and winterize the systems.
wet/dry shop vac
If you have an old shop vac that you were thinking of replacing this could be its last job. I think if you drain it out of the through hull into a container it will cling to the hull and get all over the place. You could use the shop vac to pull it out through the deck plug and then transfer contents to garbage cans for the trip to the pump station.
If you have an old shop vac that you were thinking of replacing this could be its last job. I think if you drain it out of the through hull into a container it will cling to the hull and get all over the place. You could use the shop vac to pull it out through the deck plug and then transfer contents to garbage cans for the trip to the pump station.
I assume...
....your boat is located in the Port Washington located on the north shore of Long Island? If so, that is a pretty busy boating area and it would be hard to imagine that there are no mobile pump out services like there are here in the Chesapeake Bay area. Boats are often hauled here prior to their owners getting the boat to the marina pump out and so they just call the mobile services and have it done on the hard. No big deal nor is it very expensive.
....your boat is located in the Port Washington located on the north shore of Long Island? If so, that is a pretty busy boating area and it would be hard to imagine that there are no mobile pump out services like there are here in the Chesapeake Bay area. Boats are often hauled here prior to their owners getting the boat to the marina pump out and so they just call the mobile services and have it done on the hard. No big deal nor is it very expensive.
I have
done that. I to got caught one year without puming off. Worried about it for about a week and then used RV antifreeze with no ill effects.
done that. I to got caught one year without puming off. Worried about it for about a week and then used RV antifreeze with no ill effects.
Hell no, we won't go !
(Sorry, grew up in the 60s). Considering all options, dumped a bunch of antifreeze in the holding tanks, and will deal with it in the Spring. No way to get a pumpout near the boat, which is now about 8" from boats port and starboard in the yard (real estate is expensive around here). Other options too unsanitary for me. Will report back in April. Thanks- S/V Breathless h4190 US 51855
(Sorry, grew up in the 60s). Considering all options, dumped a bunch of antifreeze in the holding tanks, and will deal with it in the Spring. No way to get a pumpout near the boat, which is now about 8" from boats port and starboard in the yard (real estate is expensive around here). Other options too unsanitary for me. Will report back in April. Thanks- S/V Breathless h4190 US 51855
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