Holding bag or tank?

[rhythmsurfer]

Well I have tried many searches in the forum and on google about holding tanks. I haven't found anything that looks like what I removed from my boat this past spring. It was a large, flexible gray bag, kind of triangular in shape. It had grommets and was screwed into a piece of wood attached to the bulkhead. What is it called and where may I purchase one? The boat is a 1981 Hunter 36. Are there any advantages to a tank vs a bag? We haven't taken the boat out overnight. We will plan to have it anchored in a nearby lagoon for no more than 3 days when we do stay overnight. There is me, my wife, and my soon to be 4 yr old girl. How big of a "holding container" do we need? Our shower and galley sink drain directly into the bilge. Thank you for your help. Lining the toilet with a garbage bag, just in case, is causing complaints from my little girl.
Tony

 

[wetass]

I think this is what your looking for: http://www.fisheriessupply.com/productgroupdetail.aspx?cid=102894&keywords=flexible+holding+tank

I would do something about the sink drain and shower drain going directly into the bilge - that will make for some not so nice smells.

 

[wetass]

My holding tank is about 38 gallons and my family of 5 (3 kids) seem to fill it in about 5 days or so (maybe sometimes a bit less) when were out cruising (were not very stingy with pumping the toilet) - Only the toilet is plumbed in there. Not sure if there is a rule of thumb on holding tank size, but if there is, I'm sure someone here will know it.

 

[Steve Dion]

Tony:

I would suggest that you look at Ronco Plastics for a holding tank to replace a flexible tank.

I would think that a 20 gal. tank would be a minimum and larger would be better (25-35) depending on the space available.

I think that Ed Schenck has some photos of what he did for his tank.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

It was either a Nauta or Vetus bladder tank

I do NOT recommend that you replace it with another bladder. As others have already suggested, you'll be much happier with a rigid polyethylene tank...the best source is Ronco Plastics (no relation to the VegoPocketFishomatic Ronco). They make top quality tanks for a very reasonable price and have more than 400 shapes and sizes, over 100 of which are non-rectangular...and they install fittings in the sizes and locations specified by the customer when they make the tank. I'll be glad to help you spec out the system, fittings, hoses etc.

You might also want to spend some time reading the discussions in this forum and you may find the link in my signature worth checking out too.

 

[Stu Jackson]

I would do something about the sink drain and shower drain going directly into the bilge - that will make for some not so nice smells.

Absolutely. I am amazed that a boat of your size has this arrangement. You can get a shower sump with a built in pump from any chandlery. The sink drain is even stranger. You may seriously want to consider correcting these shortcomings. May require one or two additional thru hulls, unless you have them already and they are unused or from a PO making a strange change.

 

[Joe23455]

When Ipurchased Trinity - 1980 36 Hunter, it had the +/- 5 gallon bag.
Knew this wouldn't work due to age and family. Replaced toilet, bag and all related piping. Installed a 30 gal. Ronco tank under V berth, handles family and guests,Built a cradle to secure, Ronco will build at a reasonble price a custom dimensioned unit to fit your space. The bag you have is very old and probably has the potential to be a very unpleasent experiance. The sink should drain overboard, Investigate that a little more, the ice box does drain into the bildge. I have that plugged and drain any water out with a super soaker water gun.
Does your shower drain into a sump pann with its own bildge pump?
Enjoy your 36
Regards,

Joe, S/V Trinity

 

[rhythmsurfer]

No telling

There is no telling what the PO did. Hunter could have made some changes for the better on a boat this size. I guess they learned as they went along. Peggy I am going to purchase your book. Apparently I have a lot to figure out on redesigning the systems on this boat.

 

[Stu Jackson]

There is no telling what the PO did. Hunter could have made some changes for the better on a boat this size.

I understand. But it still sounds REALLY odd that the sinks go to the bilge, because even small boats, like our previous C22 and C25, both built in 1981, didn't have the sinks go to the bilge. So, please, just look around underneath and figure out what's going on, 'cuz it really is strange. Good luck, you'll really enjoy Peggie's book.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

I'll be glad to help you...

Once you've learned just enough from reading my book to be dangerous :dance:, send me an email (EMAIL please, not a PM?) and I'll help you spec out a new system.

 

[rhythmsurfer]

Well this is what happens when you try and post while at work and you are tired. The kitchen and bathroon sink do drain through thru hulls. Sorry for the confusion. Joe the bag was removed when I put the boat on the hard. The only thing was I forgot to get pumped out before I was hoisted out. The hoses were old and split open when I removed the bag. NASTY MESS. It toook a awhile to clean that up! I will take a look at Ronco.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Ronco Plastics They make TOP quality tanks for a very reasonable price (even more reasonable if you order through the online store at this site), and have more than 400 shapes and sizes, over 100 of which are non rectangular. And they install fittings in the sizes and locations specified by the customer when they make the tank. Don't order anything yet...we need to find the best location for your tank...it may NOT be where the bag was.

From your description of everything else, it's almost certain that you're gonna need a new toilet too. Marine toilets, unlike household toilets, have moving parts and therefore a limited lifespan....how limited depends on the quality of the toilet to begin with...anywhere from 2-25 years, IF maintained.

For now, you need to do is thoroughly clean the bilges (and everything else) and get rid of the residual odor from your bag spill...search the forums here for PureAyre...the stuff works! PureAyre

Check ALL your hoses--engine, exhaust, fresh water...lifespan of most hoses is about 10 years before they become hard and brittle and start to crack and fall apart.

Then investigate getting a second job, 'cuz you're about to learn why B.O.A.T. stands for "Break Out Another Thousand!"