holding tank condition

[Carl Reitz]

First, hello Peggy. It was good to see you at the Hunter Rendezvous and especially good to chat with you over dinner at Stoney's.Now the questions about our 1987 Hunter 40 with original (manufactured 9/86) aluminum holding tanks. The alum nipple for the 3/4" vent hose from the aft tank is about 50% eaten away. It still holds the vent hose satisfactorily, but is not too long for this world.We could repair the tank by welding on a new nipple; or by cutting a hole in the top of the tank and mounting a plate with a nipple. Question #1 - How long might we expect the 17 year old tank to hold up if we repair it. Outside of the tank looks good despite the serious corrosion of the nipple. (From your prior recommendations we do know where to get a replacement tank.)Rather than repairing or replacing the tank, we're considering your recommendation to install a lectra/san. (We have a second head with another 17 year old tank for transiting no-discharge zones.)Question #2 - Do we need to add salt if we operate a lectra/san in the Chesapeake Bay? That is where we do most of our sailing. We also go "south" for the winter every few years.Question #3 - Where is a good source of info on wiring lectra/sans? Unit would be within five feet of our two Group 31 house batteries and within five feet of the main electrical panel. Run from batteries via panel to unit would be about twelve to fifteen feet.Looking forward to your reply. Reading your e-mail will be a pleasure, albeit not as much of a pleasure as dining with you.Carl & Sue ReitzS/v Windrose

 

[Carl Reitz, S/v WINDROSE]

homework first

After posting the article, I read Peggie's material and found that my 17 year old alum holding tank is living on borrowed time.I also found Raritan's Tech Support on the web and found #6 wire is sufficient. I may go to #4 anyway.Still seek guidance regarding need to add salt to a Lectra/San when on the Chesapeake Bay.Thanks to all,Carl

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

You need a salt tank on the Bay

'Twas a nice evening at Stony's...the company AND the good were excellent. I suggest you go with the 4 gallon model that uses rock salt 'cuz rock salt lasts much longer than the brine and doesn't require mixing and carrying it in gallon jugs.I wouldn't even try to repair the tank...and as long as you have to pull it out, you might as well get rid of the other one in favor of a smaller plastic tank too...get it over with.