New Holding Tank?

[BungalowBill]

I posted a week or so ago about a leak in my 91 Hunter 28 when healed over. I found the leak (leaks) this weekend and you were right on about the rotting metal tank. I now need some advice on replacing the tank with a plastic one. The main problem is the old metal tank is too big to fit through the hatch opening. The only way to get it out that I can see is to cut the tank in half and that will be a real mess even though I have just had the tank pumped and rinsed. Just wondering if there are any 'magic' tricks that you have heard about for getting tanks out of small hatches. Also if there are any tank suppliers you recommend (so far I looked at West Marine). Thanks in advance for any help. (I recently ordered your book but it has not arrived yet.)

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Create a larger opening

That's the only alternative to cutting up the tank.Your best source for a new tank is Ronco Plastics http://www.ronco-plastics.com (no relation to the VegoMatic Ronco)...they make TOP quality molded plastic tanks for a very reasonable price and have more than 400 shapes and sizes, over 100 of which are non-rectangular...and they install fittings in the sizes and locations specified by the customer when they make the tank, eliminating the need for any "fitting relocation kit."

 

[casmith]

We have the same problem

The tank on our '89 H28 is currently "out of commission" for the same reason. I have been putting off the repair/replacement hoping someone else had some good input. It looks to me like unstrapping the tank, possibly moving the fuel tank, working the waste tank around and forward, cutting an access hole in the rear bulkhead where the tank would fit through is a start. Ronco has a tank size that is slightly higher which may not fit under the stern step. I was considering adding blocks to the existing tank to match the larger tank to see if I could get it back under the step before ordering the new tank. I would prefer not to install a smaller tank.Please get in touch with me at casmithms at comcast.net. I'm not planning our repair until it gets cooler but would love to hear how your replacement goes.C A

 

[BungalowBill]

Tank on order

I ordered a 'Todd' tank from West Marine yesterday along with the fittings kit.The tank I ordered is 13 gal. and is two inches higher than the original in the boat. (I think it will fit under the step) I am considering cutting thru the bulkhead on the rear port side in order to get access. I even wrote into Hunter Marine to inquire if they had a better idea or if they thought cutting that bulkhead would compromise the structural integrity of the boat. I have not heard back from HM yet, but I see no other way to do this. The opening in the seat hatch is only 10" x 15" and I don't think I could fit through it to get to the tank, plus the tank is too big to get out opening without cutting it in half (yuk!).