I have a 1987 Hunter 28.5 with a problem. the holding tank seems to be full after just a few (5-10) flushes and runs out the through-hull vent. This boat was laid up for over a year. Is it possible that the tank has an accumlation of crud that had settled and hardened? If so, how can this be cleaned? The holding tank is molded in the fiberglass hull under the aft bed. Any suggestions?
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Peggie Hall/Head Mistress
I need a little more information
How many gallons is the tank supposed to hold? Have you checked the vent line--and the vent fitting on the hull!--to make sure it isn't blocked? 'Cuz that would prevent the tank from being pumped out...you think it's empty, but only a couple of gallons are gone before the pumpout draws a vacuum. It's possible that it's half full of sludge...but I don't think so. I'd bet money that your vent is blocked.
How many gallons is the tank supposed to hold? Have you checked the vent line--and the vent fitting on the hull!--to make sure it isn't blocked? 'Cuz that would prevent the tank from being pumped out...you think it's empty, but only a couple of gallons are gone before the pumpout draws a vacuum. It's possible that it's half full of sludge...but I don't think so. I'd bet money that your vent is blocked.
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Ray Pollard
Can't seem to find capacity
I cannot seem to find the holding tank capacity. It seems that when I pump, it overflows out of the vent through-hull fitting, so that doesn't seem like it could be stopped up. I will do some further checking. I should mention that when I place the lever in the dry position, I have to force the pump handle down and hold it. there is a great deal of back pressure until it finally forces the fluid into the tank. Doesn't this sound like a sludge build-up? I was glad to see your comment on replacement heads since this is going to have to be done also.
I cannot seem to find the holding tank capacity. It seems that when I pump, it overflows out of the vent through-hull fitting, so that doesn't seem like it could be stopped up. I will do some further checking. I should mention that when I place the lever in the dry position, I have to force the pump handle down and hold it. there is a great deal of back pressure until it finally forces the fluid into the tank. Doesn't this sound like a sludge build-up? I was glad to see your comment on replacement heads since this is going to have to be done also.
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Peggie Hall/Head Mistress
Back pressure not due to sludge in tank
Since you ONLY feel the back pressure when the pump is in the "dry" position, it means that something has failed in the toilet itself, or you'd feel it in both positions. If the toilet is a Jabsco, it's the dry/flush valve. You're still trying "armchair" trouble-shoot instead of rolling up your sleeves and doing the work necessary to find the cause of your problems. However, something is preventing it from being pumped out...and even if it's overflowing out the vent when you flush the head, that doesn't mean the vent isn't partially blocked. The pumpout line may have a blockage...there may be y-valve in the pumpout line that's in the wrong position...a kink in the line.... But neither I nor anyone else has the psychic power tell you what the problem is without pulling the system apart and finding it. The best I can do from MY armchair is to tell you that I've never seen a tank completely filled with sludge so thick it could not be pumped out--an inch or two on the bottom, but that's all--and list all the possible causes. But you (or someone) is gonna have to pull the system apart to find it.
Since you ONLY feel the back pressure when the pump is in the "dry" position, it means that something has failed in the toilet itself, or you'd feel it in both positions. If the toilet is a Jabsco, it's the dry/flush valve. You're still trying "armchair" trouble-shoot instead of rolling up your sleeves and doing the work necessary to find the cause of your problems. However, something is preventing it from being pumped out...and even if it's overflowing out the vent when you flush the head, that doesn't mean the vent isn't partially blocked. The pumpout line may have a blockage...there may be y-valve in the pumpout line that's in the wrong position...a kink in the line.... But neither I nor anyone else has the psychic power tell you what the problem is without pulling the system apart and finding it. The best I can do from MY armchair is to tell you that I've never seen a tank completely filled with sludge so thick it could not be pumped out--an inch or two on the bottom, but that's all--and list all the possible causes. But you (or someone) is gonna have to pull the system apart to find it.
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Stephen Ostrander
tankage
the holding tank capacity for the 28.5 is listed at 12 gallons. Mine came with a WC Seaclos Head Mate head, but yours may or may not be the same.
the holding tank capacity for the 28.5 is listed at 12 gallons. Mine came with a WC Seaclos Head Mate head, but yours may or may not be the same.
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Ray Pollard
O.K., O.K.! I'll do the dirty work!
Thanks to Peggy and others who have sent helpful information. I will tear in to the thing. It is a SeaLander head for which there seems to be no replacement parts. I know it needs a new pump assembly, so I think I am just going to replace the whole thing.
Thanks to Peggy and others who have sent helpful information. I will tear in to the thing. It is a SeaLander head for which there seems to be no replacement parts. I know it needs a new pump assembly, so I think I am just going to replace the whole thing.
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Kevin
Was There Last Year
I had simular problems with my 28.5 head system. I replaced all the hoses and the head itself. One suggestion is to look at the system as it was set up at the factory, and it will be appearent that it is way to complicated. If you have a West Marine cat. in the head section it describes this type of set up as the most complicated and having as many valves as Cernoble (sp.). I reduced the system to having to always flush to the holding tank and having the option to pump over board or a pump out fitting. I did not have to do much work to accomplish the reduction. The results were six less connnections ( eliminated two T fittings) and about ten less feet of hose. I reused the existing Y valve, Rule manual pump, the deck pump out fitting, and sea cocks, just reran the hoses. Make sure you do not have any low spots to collect "water", the factory set up was one big low spot. Also by the way I too had a flush problem with the "water" exiting the vent line. It was so bad when I was trying to figure it out I shot "water" out the vent and on the boat in the next slip. All the problems and smell went away with th repump job and NEW hoses. One last thing I used the example in the West Marine cat. which is decribed as the "most desirable" as a model for my set up.
I had simular problems with my 28.5 head system. I replaced all the hoses and the head itself. One suggestion is to look at the system as it was set up at the factory, and it will be appearent that it is way to complicated. If you have a West Marine cat. in the head section it describes this type of set up as the most complicated and having as many valves as Cernoble (sp.). I reduced the system to having to always flush to the holding tank and having the option to pump over board or a pump out fitting. I did not have to do much work to accomplish the reduction. The results were six less connnections ( eliminated two T fittings) and about ten less feet of hose. I reused the existing Y valve, Rule manual pump, the deck pump out fitting, and sea cocks, just reran the hoses. Make sure you do not have any low spots to collect "water", the factory set up was one big low spot. Also by the way I too had a flush problem with the "water" exiting the vent line. It was so bad when I was trying to figure it out I shot "water" out the vent and on the boat in the next slip. All the problems and smell went away with th repump job and NEW hoses. One last thing I used the example in the West Marine cat. which is decribed as the "most desirable" as a model for my set up.
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Kenny Logsdon
Here's a "Heads Up"
It seems all of you folks have a good head on your shoulders. Okay, no more puns, I promise. I too own a H28.5 (1987) that has the Sealander model that needs rebiulding. There is considerable pressure on the handel, enough that I think it will break something. I think I have decided to just replace the darn thing especially since it appears parts are nonexistent. My suggestion is the Jabsco(Par)head. West has is listed in thier 1999 sailboat catalog for $129. Everyone else I have seen lists for $150 to $180. Even West lists it for $169 on previous books. I hope this isn't a miss print; if not is seems to be a deal. This model has the pump slanted forward which would make it easier to pump in the tight space on a 28.5. If there is a better head for the application this boat or price please fill me in. Kenny s/v (well we havn't named it yet, only owned it a week)
It seems all of you folks have a good head on your shoulders. Okay, no more puns, I promise. I too own a H28.5 (1987) that has the Sealander model that needs rebiulding. There is considerable pressure on the handel, enough that I think it will break something. I think I have decided to just replace the darn thing especially since it appears parts are nonexistent. My suggestion is the Jabsco(Par)head. West has is listed in thier 1999 sailboat catalog for $129. Everyone else I have seen lists for $150 to $180. Even West lists it for $169 on previous books. I hope this isn't a miss print; if not is seems to be a deal. This model has the pump slanted forward which would make it easier to pump in the tight space on a 28.5. If there is a better head for the application this boat or price please fill me in. Kenny s/v (well we havn't named it yet, only owned it a week)
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Ray Pollard
Likewise on Jabsco
I have about decided on the Jabsco, although the Wilcox-Crittenden looks so much like the Sealander that I think they borrowed the blueprints! The pump housing on my Sealander has begun to just crumble, so it has to go. Let's keep in touch on these heady matters.
I have about decided on the Jabsco, although the Wilcox-Crittenden looks so much like the Sealander that I think they borrowed the blueprints! The pump housing on my Sealander has begun to just crumble, so it has to go. Let's keep in touch on these heady matters.
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Kenny Logsdon
Found a bargain
Okay, You know how I was talking about West Marine have a good deal on the Jabsco 29090 for $129 (see prevoius response on this thread). Well, yesterday I was checking out the online catalog to find it listed at $109. I called them and they told me it was in error but they honor the prices on the internet, so I ordered it. What a deal. Check them out at www.westmarine.com and go to the onlne catalog. Kenny
Okay, You know how I was talking about West Marine have a good deal on the Jabsco 29090 for $129 (see prevoius response on this thread). Well, yesterday I was checking out the online catalog to find it listed at $109. I called them and they told me it was in error but they honor the prices on the internet, so I ordered it. What a deal. Check them out at www.westmarine.com and go to the onlne catalog. Kenny
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Ray Pollard
Kenny's bargain
I moved to quickly! Due to good weather I went ahead and bought the Jabsco from the West Marine store - for $149! (They said the price had gone up since the catalogue was printed.) At any rate installation was a snap. Two of the holes match, and the hose connections are virtually the same. Works great. Now if I can just get a refund . . . Thanks anyway, and good luck with installation.
I moved to quickly! Due to good weather I went ahead and bought the Jabsco from the West Marine store - for $149! (They said the price had gone up since the catalogue was printed.) At any rate installation was a snap. Two of the holes match, and the hose connections are virtually the same. Works great. Now if I can just get a refund . . . Thanks anyway, and good luck with installation.
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Kenny Logsdon
West Probably Goofed
There are two Jabsco models, the 29090-0000 and the 29090-2000. The latter is the newer re-designed model and I believe West marked down the older model to move them out. The catalog list the -2000 at $129 and the online store lists the -0000 at $109. I think they musy have no availability on the -0000 so they let me have the -2000 at $109. I'm happy. Kenny
There are two Jabsco models, the 29090-0000 and the 29090-2000. The latter is the newer re-designed model and I believe West marked down the older model to move them out. The catalog list the -2000 at $129 and the online store lists the -0000 at $109. I think they musy have no availability on the -0000 so they let me have the -2000 at $109. I'm happy. Kenny
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Kenny Logsdon
West's Goof
None the less, West goof may not be in vain. It is just an example of great customer service and look at all the good PR they are getting right here. Kenny
None the less, West goof may not be in vain. It is just an example of great customer service and look at all the good PR they are getting right here. Kenny
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Ray Pollard
Thanks to all...now let's go sailing!
Sorry I could not get the bargain price, but I am happy with how the new head works - it is the latest model and will have a $149 price in the new catalogue I am assured. It works great. no longer overflows as quickly, and you still crack your knuckles on that swinging wooden seat which drops down over the head. Anway, as long as this beautiful (lower Chesapeake) weather holds out, let go sailing and leave the head 'til next year! Again, thanks to all who gave suggesttions, all helpful!
Sorry I could not get the bargain price, but I am happy with how the new head works - it is the latest model and will have a $149 price in the new catalogue I am assured. It works great. no longer overflows as quickly, and you still crack your knuckles on that swinging wooden seat which drops down over the head. Anway, as long as this beautiful (lower Chesapeake) weather holds out, let go sailing and leave the head 'til next year! Again, thanks to all who gave suggesttions, all helpful!
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