holding tank odor

[geheber51]

i have a 1993 40.5. there is holding tank odor mostly in the main salon and aft toilet. I had a mechanic check everything and flush the tank but the odor is still there. Its also getting ito the bilge and is more prevelent after a sail in rough water.

Any ideas about what to do next would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Do you have the original aluminum holding tank? If so, you have identified the source.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

You've Gotta Wonder ..........................

..................... what Hunter and other boat builders were thinking when they installed these aluminum holding tanks.

I've still got my old (and I mean old) metallurgy text books which were course requirements and even back in the '60s, aluminum was not known for its ability to resist chemical attack. They should have known MUCH better than to use aluminum ........... and these boats were built well after the '60's.

 

[Steve Dion]

RJ:

It is called cost containment.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

RJ:

It is called cost containment.

Is that a euphemism for just plain dumb ?

 

[Rick D]

As has been said, the likely source is the holding tank if it is the original aluminum one. You can source a plastic, custom, tank through Triple M Plastics where the rest of us have gone.

Also, of course, check the hoses. Rather than recap the technique here, check the archives for 'checking odor permeation in hoses'.

BTW, my ten-year-old aluminum tank was not leaking enough to puddle anywhere, but it still stank to heaven likely due to seam failure which is the same place my aluminum tank on my Vision 32 failed.

 

[Bill Murray]

I would also check to see if smell is coming from bilge items such as...
A. shower sumps / leaks to bilge - make sure pumps are working properly
B. refrigeration drain leaks to bilge
C. AC drains leaking to bilge

All of these things can result in organic matter getting in your dark, moist bilge spaces and make a horrible smell similar to holding tank odors

D. Check your AC vents too

Good luck