Holding Tank or port-a potty

[Brunson Russum]

My wife and I have purchased a 1979 Catalina 27 which currently has a marine head that directly discharges. We have a port-a-potty on board at the moment, but would be interested in installing a holding tank system. Being our first "Larger" boat, we are unfamiliar with marine head systems. The head appears to be original, and we are not certain if it can be adapted to work with a holding tank. Could advise us on what is necessary to adapt our current head or if we should concider replacing it with a new one. Thanks,Brunson RussumDavidson, NC

 

[Mike Golletz]

Holding Tank!!!

We went through the same thing last year on our 1980 C27 when we installed a holding tank (20 gal) under the V berth. I used a sabre saw to cut out the entire storage compartment under the v-berth cushions and installed a tank we bought from "Catalina Direct" I used styrofoam and a spray foam to bed it and prevent chaffe against the hull. The plumbing for the pump-out and the air vent runs through the port hanging locker, while the head connects to the tank through a short hose. This winter I plan on adding a Y-valve and pump into the line so that I can pump out via the through hull when permitted. Borrowing from the experience of other club members, I strongly urge you to use nothing but the best quality hose and fittings. When fibreglassing the v-berth deck back in place, I reccomend you install a 6" removable port in the bottom of the storage compartment. This will give you access to the tank fittings. If you are uncertain as to the plumbing configuration best suited to your needs, I suggest you refer to the discriptive article complete with diagrams in the "West" catalogue.