Holding tank installation

[jleblanc30]

Hi,

I just bought a 1987 Catalina 30 that had a pretty bad smell in the cabin. We found out it came from the hoses and the holding tank. We first changed all the hoses, but the bad smell remained. So we decided to change the holding tank.

The tank was a Ronco B-123. I tried my very best but couldn't get it out in one piece as it seems to be too large to fit in the port side settee opening. I had to cut a portion of it to get it out.

I'm currently ordering a new Ronco B123 to replace it.

Has anyone done this job? Any tips on how to install it without cutting the fiberglass?

Many thanks

Jean

 

[Lost Parent]

My 1982 came in and out through the cutouts

 

[jleblanc30]

Hi Lost Parent,

Was it an easy job to get it out and put back in or did you struggle?

Thanks

Jean

 

[Lost Parent]

It was real easy it was a tank I ordered from Catalina for this boat

 

[jleblanc30]

Thanks for the feed back. I place my order and will let you know how the install goes. I order a B123 from Ronco, since it was cheaper then Catalina Direct and they make all the tanks for Catalina.

Regards,

Jean

 

[Mike Floyd]

My 1986 has small plywood and fiberglass partitions holding the holding tank in place. I have removed the port side partition and I'm thinking about moving the aft partition. The forward partition doesn't appear to be an obstacle. Did either of you remove these small partitions to get it out through the opening in the seat?

 

[jleblanc30]

Mike,

I removed all plywood pieces as they were smelly from the holding being fouled after some years of poor or no maintenance. The new tank I bought from Ronco was a perfect fit. I made new plywood pieces that I fiber glassed back in place. We painted all wood and interior hull with epoxy paint. I also used a 90 degree connector at the tank output so the hose could come out almost straight up in order to make sure the tubing doesn't fill too much.

I definitely suggest you change all the hoses, in, out and vent, if your boat has any smell. I also replaced the two water hoses that lead from the galley sink to the head sink.

You may also want to take a look at your blower flex tube. We found a mouse or bird nest in it and the tube was fouled. We replaced that also.

Good luck with your project.

 

[Mike Floyd]

I had had all the hoses replaced a year ago and that eliminate the odor. Noticed dampness below the output fitting and though it was the fitting. Replaced the fitting and the leak continued. I have a new Ronco tank ready to install, but can't get the old tank out. Removing the plywood and fiberglass pieces was my next move. Was you boat in the water or on the hard when you removed the tank? I'm thinking that the hull may be putting pressure on the tank (normal distortion of the hull) as my boat is in the water. Also is you boat a Catalina 30'?

 

[py26129]

Hi,

I just bought a 1987 Catalina 30 that had a pretty bad smell in the cabin. We found out it came from the hoses and the holding tank. We first changed all the hoses, but the bad smell remained. So we decided to change the holding tank.

The tank was a Ronco B-123. I tried my very best but couldn't get it out in one piece as it seems to be too large to fit in the port side settee opening. I had to cut a portion of it to get it out.

I'm currently ordering a new Ronco B123 to replace it.

Has anyone done this job? Any tips on how to install it without cutting the fiberglass?

Many thanks

Jean

On option would be to build a cardboard mock-up of the tank before you order it form Ronco. i did thiswhen I installed a larger tank in my boat. Building the mockup did not take much time I can tell you I slept a lot better knowing I could get the tank to where it had to go.

BTW, the rRonco tank I orderd is absolutely great, very sturdu andwell made. Also, their people are friendly and helpful. I have no afilliation with them other than being a satisfied customer

Cheers

Matt

 

[Mike Floyd]

Thanks for the response. Sounds like the same problem I'm having.

 

[jleblanc30]

Mike,

A couple more things, from the aft cockpit locker, poured liquid cleaner and hose down. Make sure you go through all openings, especially under the companion way and the engine, to remove any water that stays trapped. Buy some cowboy charcoal, and place many small containers everywhere under the seats, it absorbs odors. Also put some coffee in small bowls. If you find anything (nests) in the aft vents, add aluminum gutter screening, that can be found at home depot for a few dollars to prevent further intrusion.

If you then close the boat for a week or so you will want to do a good cleaning of the cabin ceiling as when the stuff evaporates under these warm days it will stick there.

Good luck.

Jean

 

[Mike Floyd]

I have also found that spraying the confined areas under the seats etc. with TSP cleaner and water eliminates odors. TSP (trisodium phosphate) is used by painters for cleaning prior to painting and is available at any hardware store. You can also mix a 1/2 cup of TSP, 1 gallon of water and a quart or less of bleach and spray the solution with a garden sprayer.

 

[rgarrison@gmail.com]

good stuff, my wife complains about the "odors". I tell it is a boat, get over it. She doesn't like that response, at all. I tell her "then fix it". Now I can tell her how!!

 

[Mike Floyd]

I didn't believe it when I was told that the Hoses to the holding tank were causing the odor. Had them all replaced with the new white odor resistant hose. Sprayed the confined areas with a TSP and water mixture and the odor was gone.

 

[Mike Floyd]

I had had all the hoses replaced a year ago and that eliminate the odor. Noticed dampness below the output fitting and though it was the fitting. Replaced the fitting and the leak continued. I have a new Ronco tank ready to install, but can't get the old tank out. Removing the plywood and fiberglass pieces was my next move. Was you boat in the water or on the hard when you removed the tank? I'm thinking that the hull may be putting pressure on the tank (normal distortion of the hull) as my boat is in the water. Also is you boat a Catalina 30'?

I just completed removing the old Ronco 123 Holding tank and replacing it with a new one. I did this while the boat was in the water.

To remove the old tank first remove the hoses and hose connectors. You will want to replace these hoses with the new odor shielding hoses after the new tank is in place. Next, you need to remove the top or port side plywood and fiberglass partition holding the tank in placed. You will also need to cut the bottom of the aft plywood and fiberglass partition, at the outlet end of the tank, free from the hull from the upper end of the partition to the outlet fitting. This should allow this plywood and fiberglass to swing to aft toward the water pump and macerator allow you room to move the tank upward along the hull. You can move the tank up the side of the hull and out toward the bow lifting the bow end of the tank first.

Things you will need and need to do:
1. Pump-out and flush holding tank (several time) and get as much out as possible.
2. A heat gun to heat the hose ends that go on the hose connections for both removal of the old hoses and installation of the new hoses. New odor shielding hoses of the same lengths.
3. A new tank and tank fittings. I ordered mind from Catalina Direct. Shipping to Virginia was $91.
4. A hand held power tool to cut the fiberglass holding the bottom of the partitions to the hull. I used a Dremel tool.
5. TSP (Tri-sodium Phosphate) and Bleach and a garden sprayer to wash down and sanitize and deodorize the area around and under the tank and hoses.

 

[jwadd]

I removed the holding tank in my 1988 Cat 30 only by cutting a small (1/4") strip from the cutout. Tried every which way to remove it without cutting anything, but ended up cutting one long side. There doesn't seem to be any intergrity problem with the panel board under the berth. It appears that Catalina put in the tank before the interior pan was attached in boats of the late 80s...John