Oceanis 45 Sewage Holding Tank Questions

[LordByron]

Can someone please answer a couple of basic questions re the holding tank on my Oceanis 45? (and yes this is my first ever yacht so I am learning as I go).

1. Are only "solids" retained in the tank or is everything that is flushed including the flushing water stored?

2. Assuming I am your average male human being, how often will I be looking at needing to empty the tank? (I am in a marina for the next 4 weeks so cannot just empty it as and when I please).

Thanks.

 

[Captn TJ]

Everything that is in the toilet bowl goes in the waste tank - including all fresh water that you put in the bowl to clean it.

Regarding how long before pump out is a question with a lot of unknowns. Unless they have either a mobile pump out or a location where you can take the boat for pump out you may want to change your use of the head.

Since you are in a marina I would suggest using the marina facilities. Nothing worse than filling the holding tank beyond capacity and dealing with a geyser when you take the cap off.

FYI I would also suggest installing a tank monitor which will give you a good idea of use.

 

[LordByron]

Thanks TJ.

I have this very moment changed the way I use my main head.

 

[Ron20324]

I get 12 "people-days" in a 13 gallon tank. One person, 12 days, 4 people, 3 days, etc. Here, we have a pumpout boat that can be called as needed to come to the marinas. Doesn't your marina have a golf cart or such that can come to your boat? Good, that you start being aware of how much you pump into the tank. The solids and papers should break down and flow out with the pumpout water.

You don't need to add water to pump out just liquids. If any solids stick to the bowl, I find the pressure water from the shower hose works better, with less water. Just pump enough to empty the bowl. You don't need addtional strokes and water to pump everything all the way to the tank. When departing the boat the last time, then, pump enough to clear the pipes to the holding tank. If you use mouthwash, spit it into the bowl till the next flush.

 

[LordByron]

Useful tips Ron, much appreciated.

Just curious now. When appropriate, is it just a case of opening the big thru hull sea-cock and gravity (holding tank is above water line) takes care of the rest, or do I need to -

a. do some flushing?
b. have the boat moving?
c. ?

 

[TropicalSeattle]

LordByron, do you have the vacuflush system? If so the system has a bultin tank monitor, no lights are on unless the tank is completely empty, more than 3/4 full, or full in which case the vacuum pump will not turn on to prevent the aforementioned overflow accidents.

Depending on the year of your Oceanis I hear they added some additional valves in the system that you need to operate to flush it. In my system on the main head, to pump out you need to (all from memory):
Turn off water pump
Turn off vacuum pump
Flush the toilet and lock it in open position
Open the red valve above the tank in the shower compartment (this valve is on newer boats)
Open the deck connector and pump out, rinse with water, pump again

If you need to use the macerator pump to empty the tank into the ocean (which is yucky anywhere your boat is standing, and illegal in the US), you do:
Same steps as above, replacing the last one by
Open the big red valve under the sink
Use the key to turn on the macerator pump until the empty line comes on

 

[Grouperhound]

I have the OC45 with Vacuflush. TropicalSeattle is exactly right in the steps for pump out. Being in the US I've never used the Macerator feature.

The only time I use my head when docked is if I awaken in the night and need to tinkle. Otherwise I make the walk down the dock. It's good exercise.

 

[Ron20324]

If the macerator is used, after pumping out, run alot of water through the macerator to flush it. Otherwise, "stuff" will harden and seize the blades.