Anyone have experience on how to pump out holding tank on a 2006 Hunter 38 foot sailboat while it is in the cradle? Thank you
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Manual Holding tank pump out while boat is in the cradle
- Thread starter carriemeaway
- Start date
I think you're in a tough spot. It's hard to assess since you don't provide a lot of information about where the boat is located, and what services are available nearby. Andrew's suggestion is best, google nearby septic pump out services and see if they can help. Otherwise, without other than spending a lot of money on a pump out waste caddy, you could jury-rig something using a RV waste tote (18 gal., $115) combined with a diaphragm-type pump, and the appropriate adapters for your boat's pump out fitting (Jabsco 50890 Series Marine Filter-less Waste Pump Robust Single Diaphragm Design, 5 GPM, 1.5 inch, 12VDC, $235 on Amazon). Then you'd just have to get that caddy to an appropriate waste disposal facility. (I was thinking you might try making an adapter for the through-hull for your macerator, and connecting a hose to the caddy, but the risk of making a septic mess is high.)
These babies will set you back about $650. If there's no other options, do what I've done. Buy a tool, use it and sell it again as "like new". May turn out cheaper in the end compared to hiring someone..
https://www.tank-depot.com/product.aspx?id=755
https://www.tank-depot.com/product.aspx?id=755
A poop caddy used once is not "like new."
I once sold two bathroom sinks, a cast iron tub and color matching stool that were probably 15 years old for several hundred dollars. Don't underestimate the buying public. A like new poop caddy means "used once".
I'm reconsidering the macerator option. I could probably make a pretty good adapter to plug in to the through hull on the outside - secure with lots of duct tape - and pump it into a $115 RV waste caddy.
But first I'd call around for the local septic pump out guys.
But first I'd call around for the local septic pump out guys.
How's your access to the tank?
Perhaps remove the hose that goes to the pump out, then using some sort of transfer pump with a short hose on the intake (the other end going to the bottom of the tank) and a long hose going from the output to some buckets.
Perhaps remove the hose that goes to the pump out, then using some sort of transfer pump with a short hose on the intake (the other end going to the bottom of the tank) and a long hose going from the output to some buckets.
I'll share my experience (so you don't repeat it). I had a hand operated emergency bilge pump, you know, the long 2" tube with a flexible hose attached. I pumped my old holding tank contents into a home depot bucket with a waste hole and a vent hole cut into the top. It took 3 or 4 trips to empty it out, and not only did I almost throw up each time, but the bathroom reeked for hours. I thought the bleach water I pumped through the hand pump when I was done would renew it. Nope. I left it in my back yard for a week but you could still smell it once you goy within five feet of it. I threw the $40 hand pump out. The $5 homer bucket was long since thrown out. The smell on my skin lasted about a day, even though I wore latex gloves that fell apart.
The takeaway? DON'T DIY!! Oh, in case my marina manager is reading this- it was at a different marina.
The takeaway? DON'T DIY!! Oh, in case my marina manager is reading this- it was at a different marina.
macerator hooked to a 12v battery, with input end in holding tank to suction it out, , and long output hose feeding into a series of disposable lidded 5 g buckets. (and lots of vicks vaporub to put under your nose. ) OR: depending how full it is, dump some antifreeze in , take the lid off and let it stay full all winter. next year fit a Y valve and a macerator to dump into the sea --- beyond the legal limit of course...