holding tank replacement

[jimtraskos]

I am new to this forum. I have a vision 36 1995 and I am having a lot of problems with the holding tank. This is the third season I have owned her and I don't think that the previous owners used the head at all. Just kind of used her as a day sailer.
I can pump it out on the way out of port and after maybe 5 flushes it's pumping out of the vent. It has to work better than that I would think. this year before we splash I was just going to replace tank. It's Alum. so I understand I'm heading for a leak anyway.
Has anyone replaced it? Can I get it out without cutting open somethig?

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[Steve Dion]

Jim:

I think you can remove the tank by removing the mattress in the aft berth. Open the door that is held by the door bolts. There are straps holding the tank in place that will need to be removed/replaced. You also have access from the top where the shore power is located. Have you tried checking out your vent to be sure that it is NOT blocked? Mine had a screen in vent.

Check out Ronco Plastics for a possible replacement.

I am considering replacing mine in the next year or so.

 

[Rick D]

Thoughts

I am new to this forum. I have a vision 36 1995 and I am having a lot of problems with the holding tank. This is the third season I have owned her and I don't think that the previous owners used the head at all. Just kind of used her as a day sailer.
I can pump it out on the way out of port and after maybe 5 flushes it's pumping out of the vent. It has to work better than that I would think. this year before we splash I was just going to replace tank. It's Alum. so I understand I'm heading for a leak anyway.
Has anyone replaced it? Can I get it out without cutting open somethig?

Thanks for your thoughts.

So, what's your thought about why it isn't pumping out? You shouldn't need to replace the tank yet if it wasn't used as you suggest. Have you tried pumping it out at a pump out?

A couple of thoughts:
1. make sure there is a gasket on the pump out deck cap
2. make sure the macerator is properly evacuating the tank.
3. make sure the macerator impeller is working.
4. make sure the vent is not clogged.
5. if all that, it is possible the tank pick up pipe had corroded off internally.

There are quite a few things you need to check out. Start with the most simple first.

Good luck!

 

[jimtraskos]

Thanks for the replies.
From what you guys are saying it sounds to me that the pick-up tube might be toast.
With my home port in RI I pretty much have to use a pump out station all the time as we can't discharge anywhere in RI waters or LI sound. When we pump it I can hear the vent drawing air so it seems like that is OK. I just don't think it's getting it all out.
As I said waste also gets discharged from the vent tube when we flush after 4 or 5 times, that's how I know I have trouble.
I haven't tried the macerator due to the area, but I believe it draws from the same tube as the deck fitting.
Is there a way to just service the pick-up tube? I'm sure there probably isn't and if I have to take it out I would be silly not to replace the whole thing.

I will be uncovering her this weekend and I should be able to evaluate better.

 

[Steve Dion]

I do not believe that there is a pickup tube. The macerator discharge is in the aft of the tank seperate from the pump out discharge. I would still be sure that the vent is clear before you proceed.

 

[jimtraskos]

I do not believe that there is a pickup tube. The macerator discharge is in the aft of the tank seperate from the pump out discharge. I would still be sure that the vent is clear before you proceed.

OK,

I will do some careful investigating before I rip it apart. Certainly don't want to remove it if I don't have to.

Thanks for your help. I'll let you know what I find.

 

[Steve Dion]

Jim: I don't know if you found out any more about your holding tank.

If you start looking for tanks here are the dimensions. 20" x 22" x 13.5" (5940 cu in/231 = 25.7 gal - outside dimensions).

 

[jimtraskos]

Thanks Steve.
I was called out of town this weekend and didn't have a chance to get in there to see.
Don't they know it's spring? and I need to work on my boat?

Is there a plastic tank that size? Or I'm sure I can find one close that will fit.
Thanks for the help.

 

[Phil P]

I've just replaced everything from hoses to tank to macerator in my '91 Legend 375. Also had an aluminum tank and was worried about its remaining life (ultimately tank was fine but I replaced it anyway).

There is most certainly a pickup tube for pumpout. I can't imagine that "it's toast" but certainly if it is not getting all your waste out, the tank would fill prematurely and exit out the vent tube. Replacing the tank is a ***** of a job. The access hatch behind the bunk is not large enough to jimmy the tank out. I had to use a sawzall to make it wider and higher. The hoses are likely frozen on to the tank's fittings and have to be cut off. At this age, the hoses (especially after cutting them off) will need to be replaced - also not a fun job and requires two people.

If you are going down this road, I would asses the tank's condition after you remove it. Perhaps the pickup tube is simply clogged - if the PO didn't use the tank much and waste hardened within the tube it would reduce its ability to empty the waste on pumpout and cause your tank to remain full.

 

[Steve Dion]

There are some Ronco Plastics tanks that would work but you may be better off getting Triple M to make one for you. I don't know where they are located in relation to you but you may want to check it out. The deal here is the freight is going to cost a few buck to ship it from the west coast.

 

[jimtraskos]

Well it looks like I have dodged a bullet. (at least for now).
We flushed the tank repeatedly with fresh water, and had a pump truck on hand.
After about the third flushing, we were able to get the sediment that apparently had formed on the bottom to loosen up and be removed.
After a full weekend it seems to be working fine. I'm not sure if we got everything out but the capacity is much better so I will leave it for this season and see how it goes.
Thanks for the advise.

Jim

 

[lesrrt]

Oh boy! I have a similar problem. Have an 82 27h. Was in the water in havre de grace over 6 years before I pulled it to restore. The original toilet has never been used much secondary to a leak. Boat has been out on land since the beginning of last summer. After tightening the toe rails in the v berth, decides to spin off the waste tank port to take peek see? Like current politicians: full of @&$.!! I will report back. Good info above, did not mean to hijack thread. Well, I am going in. Pics to follow, les.

 

[lesrrt]

Here are some shots of the tank





Full. Wasn't that bad since adding the enzyme last week. Can't believe whaler pump works still. All flushed and cleaned. Now I can remove the head for replacement.



Not a ratitan.