install holding tank

[robby forest]

i have installed a 13 gal holding tank under the starboard settee, i got 3 different tanks from a local supplier and it fit the best. i drilled two 1.75 holes next to the original water line holes. i plan to run a 4' hose from the toilet to the upper fitting on the tank. i plan to run a 5.6' hose through the under side of the cabinet through one of holes that the original vented u pipe ran through up behind the sliding lavatory doors to the deck to a pump out fitting. this route seems to more or less hide everything. i'm not sure what type of vent i need. but a more pressing concern is if i pull the hose off will the gate valve hold the water out? should i stick a rag in the through hull? the water here is kiinda cold. Does the barb screw of the gate valve and can i put a pipe plug in the hole or is it made on and if so will an expandable freeze plug work in fresh water. or do i need to pull the boat and put a through hull with a plug in it in? any comments would be appreciated i'm not rich i saved a year to buy the boat and i don't want to lose her.

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

What???

"i plan to run a 5.6' hose through the under side of the cabinet through one of holes that the original vented u pipe ran through up behind the sliding lavatory doors to the deck to a pump out fitting."Just which hose is this??? And WHY are you running it where you plan to run it?My last question is the most important one: WHY are you running hoses where you plan to run them? What is the purpose/funtion of each hose? What is the function of each thru-hull, and why would you even think of sticking a rag in one of 'em (very bad idea, btw)? Before you start any project, you need to know what you want to accomplish and how to get there. I don't think you do... so let's work it out before you do ANYthing (else?)...'cuz it's always cheaper and easier to to anything right the first time than it is to do it over...and over...and over. And you ARE on a budget.

 

[robby forest]

head instalation

the longer hose goes from the lower tank fitting to the deckside fitting. it is just over 5 foot. the routing is conveniant to hide the pipe. i could get it down to around 4 foot but the pipe will show. the gate valve needs to be plugged on our lake. a 9 gal tank will fit in the vanity above the toilet and the hoses are short but i think 9 gals is to small. the guy will exchange, no problem. both tanks are ronco they seem to fit nice. which would you pick, and how do i plug the gate valve? there seems to be no good place for the tank forward as there is a big, built in, metal tank there.

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

9 gals is way too small on a no-discharge lake

The vanity above the toilet is not a good location, either.... the hose from the toilet to the tank will always be full of waste or flush water which will run back down into the bowl. The location under the settee is better, but 13 gals is kinda small too. If the tank you bought is rectangular, check the Ronco catalog (it's on their website at http://www.ronco-plastic.com)for other options...they make over 100 non-rectangular shapes, including triangular wedge-shaped tanks to fit the space under a settee...I'm betting you can find an 18-20 gal tank that'll fit. You can order directly from them--prob'ly for a lot less than from any local supplier. And, they'll install the fittings where you tell 'em to when they make the tank.You should replace the gate valve on the thru-hull with a proper ball valve seacock...then plug the thru-hull. As for the tank vent thru-hull, it should be a plain bulkhead fitting--the same type that your bilge pump drains out of.Btw...I was on Lake Lanier for more than 20 years...who's your local supplier?

 

[Greg Garner]

On the lake

Yes I was, on Saturday. Friend of mine is on "N". I'll be there on Sunday this weekend (warmer day). 67 F. for the envy of our northern friends... 7708459636