Holding Tanks

[Brian Hofler]

Hello all:

Has anyone installed a holding tank/system on a Vega? If so, please
share the details.

Regards,

Brian

 

[reefmagnet]

Brian,

I installed on in my Vega when I first got it back in 1989, so I'm a
little rusty on it. Keep in mind I use my boat for daysailing on
Lake Michigan, and wanted something large so I would not have to pump
it out every day. It is positioned on the port side, in the area
just behind the water tank. It runs aft to the next Bulkhead. It
runs from the starboard hull to about the center of the boat.

I made a mockup out of cardboard, so I was sure it would fit. It was
also easy to cut, so I could get the angles correct to be sure it
followed the contour of the hull. I have the benefit of access to
alot of welding and cutting equipment, so I then disassembled the
cardboard mockup, and used those pieces as templates. Using a plasma
cutter, I cut the pieces out of 16 ga stainless. Mig welded the
pieces together, put in the necessary lines and I have a 24 gallon
tank that works quite well.

That's it in a nutshell. If you have more questions, send me an e-
mail.

Jeff Noland
Vega #1472

 

[n6ric]

I was wondering how many people, if any, are still using the bladder style holding tank? I removed mine today as a part of my remodel and except for the hoses it looked in pretty good shape. Not that I would use that one again, but I might be tempted to buy a new one, if they're still made as it would be a lot easier installing it. The only thing I'm not sure of is whether or not it would work the vacuum system of a Lavac toilet? Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Ric
s/v Blue Max
# 2692

 

[tiempo2010]

It shouldn't have any problem with a Lavac as the suction is on the raw
water intake and has nothing to do with the holding tank. The same goes for
the pumpout, whatever pump type is used. Same with the deck pumpout. But
bladders are not generally recommended for holding tanks due to smell which
is more of a problem with bladders. The best solution is a solid tank and
gravity drain, which I believe Peter has installed on his Vega. I plan on
doing the same. I have a Lavac as well and I think this combination will be
the simplest and most maintenance free of any.

 

[dougpol1]

I have a holding tank on board but it has never been used. We have a
head which we pump overboard for urine and a 2 1/2 gal buckit with seat
on top and we use wag bags in it when in creeks and environmental areas
that need to be protected. It is legal to put them in dumpsters or dig
a hole and bury them ashore as they are bio degradable. Unlike
permeable hoses and holding tanks they don't smell. You don't have to
stay aboard with 30 gallons human waste inside your boat which I find
disgusting. When cruising we generally go into protected water every
night and we can go ashore to dispose of the bags. The coast guard
seems happy with the set up.

Doug

 

[n6ric]

Brian,
Are you having the tank custom made, making it yourself, or did you find an off the shelf one that fits?
Thanks,

Ric
s/v Blue Max

 

[tiempo2010]

Ric
I haven't decided yet. A holding tank is easy to make with thin plywood well
glassed inside and out with epoxy and cloth. But it leaves the problem of
knowing how full it is. I haven't looked extensively at standard tanks, one
may fit well. The other choice is to get one custom made of thick
polyethylene to fit the space and put the fittings where I want.