Is there a clean no mess trick to replacing the holding tank on a 35.5 Legend? Already have an access panel cut out at the aft cabin bulkhead, but a little hesitant in proceding to a potentially messy scenario,... Yes, the aluminum tank is leaking yucky fluids. Thanks! Any advise appreciated,...
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Peggie Hall/Head Mistress
First, read the article on replacing hoses
In the Head Mistress forum reference library. (And btw...if you're gonna replace the tank, replace all the hoses too). Rinse the entire system according to those directions. Before removing the discharge hoses from the tank, tip and shim it just enough to make whatever is left in the tank run "downhill" away from the discharge fitting. After removing the hoses, put plugs in the fittings before removing the tank. As the article says, have plenty of rags handy...and if there's any way to work a big trash bag around the tank before disconnecting hoses and lifting it out, it'll help to minimize drips from the leaks. After you've gotten the tank and all the hoses out, clean the area very throughly with detergent and water. Don't use bleach...it won't help. Then spray every surface with K.O. ...don't be frugal with it...don't rinse, let it dry for a day with the whole area open so that plenty of fresh air can circulate. Now the messy/stinky work is done, and you're working with all new clean materials in a clean odor-free environment. If you haven't bought the tank, I recommend Ronco Plastics. They were our prime vendor for more than 10 years because they make the best tanks--extra thick walls, more than 400 shapes and sizes to choose from--more than 100 non-rectangular--and you can spec the sizes and locations of your fittings, eliminating the need for "fitting relocation kits" and/or convoluted plumbing. You can find 'em online at http://www.ronco-plastics.com or you can call 'em for a catalog at 714-259-1385
In the Head Mistress forum reference library. (And btw...if you're gonna replace the tank, replace all the hoses too). Rinse the entire system according to those directions. Before removing the discharge hoses from the tank, tip and shim it just enough to make whatever is left in the tank run "downhill" away from the discharge fitting. After removing the hoses, put plugs in the fittings before removing the tank. As the article says, have plenty of rags handy...and if there's any way to work a big trash bag around the tank before disconnecting hoses and lifting it out, it'll help to minimize drips from the leaks. After you've gotten the tank and all the hoses out, clean the area very throughly with detergent and water. Don't use bleach...it won't help. Then spray every surface with K.O. ...don't be frugal with it...don't rinse, let it dry for a day with the whole area open so that plenty of fresh air can circulate. Now the messy/stinky work is done, and you're working with all new clean materials in a clean odor-free environment. If you haven't bought the tank, I recommend Ronco Plastics. They were our prime vendor for more than 10 years because they make the best tanks--extra thick walls, more than 400 shapes and sizes to choose from--more than 100 non-rectangular--and you can spec the sizes and locations of your fittings, eliminating the need for "fitting relocation kits" and/or convoluted plumbing. You can find 'em online at http://www.ronco-plastics.com or you can call 'em for a catalog at 714-259-1385
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Roy Mosteller
Ronco Plastics
Want to add my comment re Ronco Plastics. Replaced holding tank on my 30T with a Ronco tank and they were wonderful to work with and make great tanks. When my tank was ready I went to plant (Orange County) and showed them exactly where I wanted all the fittings which they installed while I looked on. They also charged me only 1/2 the catelog price. Recommend anyone in So.Calif. visit their factory when you are ready to get a replacement holding tank.
Want to add my comment re Ronco Plastics. Replaced holding tank on my 30T with a Ronco tank and they were wonderful to work with and make great tanks. When my tank was ready I went to plant (Orange County) and showed them exactly where I wanted all the fittings which they installed while I looked on. They also charged me only 1/2 the catelog price. Recommend anyone in So.Calif. visit their factory when you are ready to get a replacement holding tank.
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Larry Watkins
Holding tank replacement
Arvel; Have you tried to repair the tank with an epoxy? Marine-Tex is very good for that sort of thing. A seven dollar/fifteen minute investment might be better than going thru the mess and hassle of replacing the tank.
Arvel; Have you tried to repair the tank with an epoxy? Marine-Tex is very good for that sort of thing. A seven dollar/fifteen minute investment might be better than going thru the mess and hassle of replacing the tank.
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jv
Plug source?
regarding Peggy's response: where wold one get the plugs for the tank that your refer to? There was a special focus on marine sanitation in the Sept. 2000 issue of Practical Sailor. They tested holding tanks and picked Sealand as the best, but I can't figre out why based on their detailed comments - I though Ronco did the best. jv
regarding Peggy's response: where wold one get the plugs for the tank that your refer to? There was a special focus on marine sanitation in the Sept. 2000 issue of Practical Sailor. They tested holding tanks and picked Sealand as the best, but I can't figre out why based on their detailed comments - I though Ronco did the best. jv
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Peggie Hall/Head Mistress
One would find that information
...in the article I refer to in the very same post that caused you raise the question.
...in the article I refer to in the very same post that caused you raise the question.
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Peggie Hall/Head Mistress
Bad idea, Larry...
The first leak in a metal holding tank is ONLY the first leak...urine is so corrosive that the tank is turning into a collander. Marine tex on a leak that's easy to get to might be ok to try to finish the season before tearing the boat apart to replace the tank, but if you have to tear it apart to repair the leak the only smart thing to do is replace it.
The first leak in a metal holding tank is ONLY the first leak...urine is so corrosive that the tank is turning into a collander. Marine tex on a leak that's easy to get to might be ok to try to finish the season before tearing the boat apart to replace the tank, but if you have to tear it apart to repair the leak the only smart thing to do is replace it.
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Dick McKee
No nice way
I used the marine tex to seal the holes only to get it out of the boat with out dripping everywhere. If your is as bad as ours was I'de recommend cutting the hose off 6" from the tank, if possible, and tapeing them off to get the tank out. We removed the clamps, used a razor knife to make 2 or 3 cuts in the old hose to loosen it on the fitting. When we tried twist and pull the hose off the entire fitting pulled out of the tank. Wana talk about a nasty mess!!! That's why I suggest cutting the hose away from the tank and tapeing off. Good Luck!!!!! Dick McKee S/V Constellation
I used the marine tex to seal the holes only to get it out of the boat with out dripping everywhere. If your is as bad as ours was I'de recommend cutting the hose off 6" from the tank, if possible, and tapeing them off to get the tank out. We removed the clamps, used a razor knife to make 2 or 3 cuts in the old hose to loosen it on the fitting. When we tried twist and pull the hose off the entire fitting pulled out of the tank. Wana talk about a nasty mess!!! That's why I suggest cutting the hose away from the tank and tapeing off. Good Luck!!!!! Dick McKee S/V Constellation
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Arvel Q
Thanks for all the great advise everyone,...
These are all great ideas,... Just wondering if there is anyway of (tricking)I mean talking my wife in taking on this job? I glad this is the end of the boating season here in the Great NW I can SIT on it for awhile. Thanks again...
These are all great ideas,... Just wondering if there is anyway of (tricking)I mean talking my wife in taking on this job? I glad this is the end of the boating season here in the Great NW I can SIT on it for awhile. Thanks again...
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