Leaky aft H2O tank on Pearson 36-2

[BubbleCuffer]

As far as I can tell, the aft water tank on my Pearson 36-2 has no overflow. Its large surface oil-cans when people are in the berth, which is the top of the tank. This causes the water to leak, out and around the inspection port, quite profusely if the tank is full. We have resealed the base of the inspection port a couple of times, and have even sealed the transparent lid that screws in and out. We have replaced the O-ring a couple of times. I do not like sealing where the O-ring goes, because then I have to use a heat gun to unseal it to clean the tank.

I am thinking of installing a larger inspection port to spread the load, and installing a vertical support to minimize the flexing. I am also thinking of creating an overflow from the aft end of the tank. (What a fun space that is to work in!)

Has anyone else experienced this problem and solved it?

Thanks, Mark

 

[RON20406]

As far as I can tell, the aft water tank on my Pearson 36-2 has no overflow. Its large surface oil-cans when people are in the berth, which is the top of the tank. This causes the water to leak, out and around the inspection port, quite profusely if the tank is full. We have resealed the base of the inspection port a couple of times, and have even sealed the transparent lid that screws in and out. We have replaced the O-ring a couple of times. I do not like sealing where the O-ring goes, because then I have to use a heat gun to unseal it to clean the tank.

I am thinking of installing a larger inspection port to spread the load, and installing a vertical support to minimize the flexing. I am also thinking of creating an overflow from the aft end of the tank. (What a fun space that is to work in!)

Has anyone else experienced this problem and solved it?

Thanks, Mark

Mark, I don't think your problem is the seal itself, I believe you might have a clogged/obstructed vent for the tank. I have the same tank in my 34-II and you should have a water inlet, a vent, and the gasketed cover. You need to look at your tank and trace the inlet line and the vent line and check that the vent hose is not crimped, clogged, etc. When you fill your tank to its capacity, the excess water should come out of the vent tube (not really recommended). It either vents on your stern through an air vent fitting or, in the case of my starboard tank, vents through a stanchion on starboard with a hole in it. Check these out and I'm sure you'll find your problem. If you need to replace your tanks, I bought one from Kracor in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Hope that helps, Ron

 

[BubbleCuffer]

Thanks, Ron. I have yet to determine where the overflow actually exists. There seem to be only two possible places; on the aft end of the tank, (accessible, with lots of scrunching and crawling around from the port side cockpit locker, behind the steering mechanism and then under then under the propane locker.) or, on the inboard side of the tank, vented to the bilge (totally inaccessible.)

So, have any of you Pearson 36-2 owners actually located the overflow for this tank on your boat? Thanks again. Mark

 

[Blue Eyes]

The vent for my aft water tank is on the starboard aft quarter below the rub rail. It is connected with a 5/8" hose that runs behind the bulkhead at the back of the aft cabin. I, and a number of other 36-2 owners, have cut an access panel in this bulkhead to get to the space below the propane locker. Nor sure where the vent actually attaches to the tank.

 

[BubbleCuffer]

Thanks very much. I will check it out. I already had it on my list to install an access panel in that area.

Fair seas. Mark

 

[RON20406]

As far as I can tell, the aft water tank on my Pearson 36-2 has no overflow. Its large surface oil-cans when people are in the berth, which is the top of the tank. This causes the water to leak, out and around the inspection port, quite profusely if the tank is full. We have resealed the base of the inspection port a couple of times, and have even sealed the transparent lid that screws in and out. We have replaced the O-ring a couple of times. I do not like sealing where the O-ring goes, because then I have to use a heat gun to unseal it to clean the tank.

I am thinking of installing a larger inspection port to spread the load, and installing a vertical support to minimize the flexing. I am also thinking of creating an overflow from the aft end of the tank. (What a fun space that is to work in!)

Has anyone else experienced this problem and solved it?

Thanks, Mark

Mark, you might want to consider removing the bulkhead access panel in your lazarette or quarterberth to take a look at the routing of the hoses. I enlarged my access panel on starboard with a saw and made a new panel door so that in an emergency I could have unrestricted mechanical access to that area.It did not sacrifice the athwarthship strength of the aft bulhead The access hole in my boat would not accomodate a normal sized man. This will also allow you to service your quadrant, rudder post, etc. Making an access hole in your cockpit storage area aft will not do that for you. Best, Ron

 

[NYSail]

Sounds like a clogged vent hose....

On my boat (P36-2 #101), the vent is at the rear of the tank and does not vent outside of the boat. Just runs up the rear bulkhead wall and does a turn downwards when reaches the top. I cut an access door on the Starboard side aft to gain access to the rear area.... lots of storage room and peace of mind in case of emergency. But make sure if you put an access door you just dont cut. My propane supply attaches to this wall...hate to cut it. have pictures if you need them...

Good Luck