Holding tank

[fiestaMojo]

I understand the 33 originally came with a bladder (bag) type holding tank. My new old boat has a 6 gallon plastic holding tank, this could pose serious limitations for female crew (Admiral especially). How and where was the original bag installed (also, what size was it)? As always, thanks. . .

 

[Steve Dion]

I do not think that there was a bladder bag on the early Hunters. I suggest that you try to find a larger thank that will give you adequate capacity.

Bladder bags are really not a good idea. The move around as the boat heals & pounds. This abrades the material and will cause it to leak.

Ronco Plastics has hundreds of tanks that may work and they are reasonably priced and it should be the last time you need to do anything.

 

[Ed Schenck]

According to Terry A. the bladder was original equipment in the H33. His holding tank project and two others can be seen in "Hunter Owner Modifications", always a good place to look for solutions: http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/index.php?option=com_kb&Itemid=267&cat_id=28&page=model&mn=33_77-83 .

 

[Paul F]

To each his own. My 33 has the original bladder bag going strong after 30 years. The size is 15 gallons, it fits hanging on the lazarette side of the head bulkhead. It is important to keep it empty or empty it out as soon as you can. Would I like a fixed large holding tank? Yes. Am I going to put one in? No.

 

[SamLust]

My custom fixed tank which is in the compartment below the floor of the cockpit sail locker only cost me about $500 all told. Worth it to me? Absolutely. I just wanted to use otherwise unusable space and keep the weight as low as possible.

 

[jorgefife]

My H33 also has the original bladder bag hanging inside the SB lazarette
Never used the head, neglected that side of the business, but now that I read about it, how does one empty it?
And how do you desinfect it?
Paul F, this one is for you, mine is also the original, and it looks in good shape, would appreciate input on how to clean it please
Thanks
Jorge

 

[jorgefife]

Just occurred to me about all the pipes... should they also need to be cleaned?
Again, please help any one out there, Paul also, sorry you're not off the hook just yet..

 

[BreakingWind2]

Just occurred to me about all the pipes... should they also need to be cleaned?
Again, please help any one out there, Paul also, sorry you're not off the hook just yet..

The head cleanout is on the starboard side between the toerail and the cockpit coaming. Its unscrewed and the marina pumps it out using the proper connectors and sewage vacuum. Have them pump it out, flush it with clean water and then pump it out again.

I doubt cleaning the hoses is possible or practical. They will tend to smell over time and will have to be replaced. Use straight hose and not ribbed, tend to stay cleaner longer. Be sure to replace the siphon break at the top of the bladder.

Dave

 

[Paul F]

Dave is right the "waste" pump out is on the deck next to the head bladder. Until a month ago I was dumping the waste three plus miles out using the overboard thru-hull which is way back under the cockpit. I made an access cover to get to the valve. This valve must be secured per the regs. A picture of the access cover is attached. (Also, see owner modifications on this site) On my boat there is a "whale gusher" pump next to the bladder that is used to pump the waste out.

Last month I went to the better method which is having the marina pump it out - the service is free here. A problem I ran into was the cap for the waste pipe was composite and had to be chiseled out. These caps can be hard to find. An Attwood S.S. 1 and a half inch worked. It is the same size as the diesel fill cap. Picked it up from Marine Max. Now all that is needed is to pull up to the city marina dock and suck out the waste. I then flush through the toilet with two pails of fresh water and am on my way. Why I did not do this years ago??? If you are concerned with cleaning the pipes. Read Don Casey's suggestions.
http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/04.htm

 

[SamLust]

My custom holding tank has a Beckson screw in access port (same piece Paul F uses as access to his discharge valve). The State marina in Forked River has a do-it-yourself pump out station. There is also a fresh water hose right there. After my first pump I run fresh water into the bowl and pump it through the toilet. I then fill the tank through the access port and pump it out several times. It comes out squeaky clean. Well, maybe not squeaky, but there is no sediment forming in there. The best recommendation for cleaning the hoses is to remove them, place them in the big green container, and put in all new hoses. Old hoses stink. Period.