Holding Tank Question

[Lori Wheeler]

I am a new owner of a 1987 Hunter 28.5. I use to just be a bareboat sailor. I now have all these things on the boat that I am learning about. At the marina on Sat. I planned to have the holding tank pumped out, but when my friend and I looked around we could not see where the air vent was for the tank. We followed the system around and under the starboard aft seat area we saw sort of an elbow with a vent that looked like it went to the holding tank. I was afraid to just go up there and connect the pump and have them do something I know nothing about. The only access to the tank is in the aft bunk area. A lot of screws and caulking so did not undo any of that.What steps should I follow before having the holding tank pumped out in a Hunter 28.5 1987. Thanks in advance for any assistance.

 

[Terry]

Hi Lori, the tank vent on our 1989 H28...

came out to a scupper beneath the walk through transom seat starboard side. Yours could be different being a 28.5. If it were my boat I would go ahead with the pump out, but use care. Pump it out several times (4) after flushing with fresh water each time then fill with fresh water up to the pump out fitting. You should see water come out the tank vent scupper unless it's plugged.The vent scupper is close to the tank. The only other stern scupper would be for the fuel tank. Check each one before attempting to clean out the vent line to make sure you have the right one.Terry

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

Good thinking to check for a blocked vent before

pumping out! However, if you still can't find the vent thru-hull, you can do this:Start pumpout and watch the sight glass on the pumpout hose carefully...if waste flows through it freely, the vent is open. Following Terry's advice will allow to you discover which vent thru-hull is the holding tank when you see water coming out it. If waste doesn't flow freely till the tank the tank is empty, stop pumpout immediately and find the vent through hull. Since 99% of vent blockages occur at the thru-hull, you should be able to open it up again by scraping it out with a screwdriver.I think you'll find my new book useful in helping you maintain your toilet and and holding tank...the online store here has it (see link).

 

[Brian]

Vent on my 28.5

I have a 1985 28.5 hunter. There are two vent holes on the starbord side. One has a silver cap over it, that is for the fuel tank. The second one should be just a small hole. Mine is about 18 inches down from the deck. Just look in the lazerette and you should see where the two hoses lead to the hull.