Peggy, Found a Hunter 37C that I'm interested in however, the holding tank smell is very strong and there could be some diesel fumes also involved. If I remove all hoses and replace the holding tank and trace the engine fumes down what is the likelihood I will have a pleasant smelling Hunter 37c in the end or is this the time to move on to a new search and boat?. Just Wondering Peggy,
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I'm sure Peggie will weigh in to your post...
I would find the source of the smell before replacing tank, etc. Does the tank leak? At one point I thought the same on our boat but as it turned out it was the shower sump...rotting shower waste water. Cleaned it up and the smell went away. Terry
I would find the source of the smell before replacing tank, etc. Does the tank leak? At one point I thought the same on our boat but as it turned out it was the shower sump...rotting shower waste water. Cleaned it up and the smell went away. Terry
Terry's right...prob'ly not the tank itself
Unless the tank is leaking, it's rarely if ever the source of odor INSIDE boat...'cuz unless it's leaking, the only place any odor from inside it has to go is out the tank vent. The most likely sources of odor inside the boat are permeated sanitation hoses, a wet dirty bilge, a dirty sump. Hunters in particular are notorious for areas where water can become trapped, stagnate, and make the boat smell like a sewer. A PITA to deal with, but curable. None of the above are reason to reject a boat...but they make do make excellent bargaining chips. The only thing that's likely to cost you--better yet, the seller--any money is new sanitation hose. So if you like the boat otherwise, make an offer "subject to survey"...hire the best surveyor you can find (one who's highly recommended by those who've used him/her to BUY a boat, but not necessarily liked by brokers and sellers). If the survey reveals that odor is the only major problem, that'll take some serious elbow grease to get rid of it, but it can be done.
Unless the tank is leaking, it's rarely if ever the source of odor INSIDE boat...'cuz unless it's leaking, the only place any odor from inside it has to go is out the tank vent. The most likely sources of odor inside the boat are permeated sanitation hoses, a wet dirty bilge, a dirty sump. Hunters in particular are notorious for areas where water can become trapped, stagnate, and make the boat smell like a sewer. A PITA to deal with, but curable. None of the above are reason to reject a boat...but they make do make excellent bargaining chips. The only thing that's likely to cost you--better yet, the seller--any money is new sanitation hose. So if you like the boat otherwise, make an offer "subject to survey"...hire the best surveyor you can find (one who's highly recommended by those who've used him/her to BUY a boat, but not necessarily liked by brokers and sellers). If the survey reveals that odor is the only major problem, that'll take some serious elbow grease to get rid of it, but it can be done.
Response to Terry, and Oh" that smell
Terry, Thanks so much for your interest. I will check this as another source although when I opened the V-birth the smell was over whelming, coming from the holding bag. What was another concern after leaving the boat we all had headaches and felt nauseas leaving me to think gas fumes may be involved? If the smell has been there for as long as (perhaps 3-4 months) I have been told the upholstery is now infested with the odor and will need to be removed or the odor will linger? Any comments you may have will be welcome! Wonder
Terry, Thanks so much for your interest. I will check this as another source although when I opened the V-birth the smell was over whelming, coming from the holding bag. What was another concern after leaving the boat we all had headaches and felt nauseas leaving me to think gas fumes may be involved? If the smell has been there for as long as (perhaps 3-4 months) I have been told the upholstery is now infested with the odor and will need to be removed or the odor will linger? Any comments you may have will be welcome! Wonder
Holding tank is a bladder?
You left out that little detail earlier.
In that case, I'd strongly recommend replacing it with a rigid plastic tank...'cuz bladders are prone to leaking around fittings. Wet dirty bilges and sumps stink because they're stagnant swamps full of bacteria, molds and fungi that produce hydrogen sulfide gas, which is toxic and which would account for your headaches and slight nausea. If the boat has been sitting closed up all summer in the heat, it's not surprising. All it takes to solve that problem is a thorough cleaning of the bilges and sumps, plus finding and flushing out any trapped water and drying out the bilges...'cuz no stagnant swamp = nothing to generate the gasses. Meanwhile, while you're still looking at it, and during the survey, opening up the boat--including all the hatches--so that plenty of fresh air can circulate will reduce the gasses and the odors enough to keep it from being a health hazard. As for the upholstery and cushions, they can be salvaged...but again, they make excellent bargaining chips if you don't let the seller know you know that. Altogether, a new holding tank, hoses and new cushions should be worth about $2500-$3000 if you also take the labor to install 'em into account. Odor is not a deal breaker...however, the kind of neglect that would create the conditions which let a boat stink THAT bad could be an indicator of neglect that's created other more serious structural or mechanical problems. So if you do go forward with it, don't even think of doing so except "subject to survey"--a complete pre-purchase survey, not just the cursory "condition and value" survey required by lenders and insurance companies.
You left out that little detail earlier.
In that case, I'd strongly recommend replacing it with a rigid plastic tank...'cuz bladders are prone to leaking around fittings. Wet dirty bilges and sumps stink because they're stagnant swamps full of bacteria, molds and fungi that produce hydrogen sulfide gas, which is toxic and which would account for your headaches and slight nausea. If the boat has been sitting closed up all summer in the heat, it's not surprising. All it takes to solve that problem is a thorough cleaning of the bilges and sumps, plus finding and flushing out any trapped water and drying out the bilges...'cuz no stagnant swamp = nothing to generate the gasses. Meanwhile, while you're still looking at it, and during the survey, opening up the boat--including all the hatches--so that plenty of fresh air can circulate will reduce the gasses and the odors enough to keep it from being a health hazard. As for the upholstery and cushions, they can be salvaged...but again, they make excellent bargaining chips if you don't let the seller know you know that. Altogether, a new holding tank, hoses and new cushions should be worth about $2500-$3000 if you also take the labor to install 'em into account. Odor is not a deal breaker...however, the kind of neglect that would create the conditions which let a boat stink THAT bad could be an indicator of neglect that's created other more serious structural or mechanical problems. So if you do go forward with it, don't even think of doing so except "subject to survey"--a complete pre-purchase survey, not just the cursory "condition and value" survey required by lenders and insurance companies.Wonder, Peggie hit the nail on the head about...
the "bag". Usually a good surveyor can confirm whether the bladder is leaking and tell you about how much it will cost to replace with a rigid plastic tank. If this is the only item that is standing in the way of your new boat: 1. Have seller replace at their expense. 2. Discount the seller's boat price to cover the labor and material cost of a new tank. Then, if you are handy, do it yourself. Steam cleaning or washing (I'm assuming it is fabric) may take care of the upholstery odor. Ask the owner if you can borrow one of the cushions, remove the fabric cover and see whether that takes care of the problem. The owner should be cooperative on this matter. These issues are minor compared to structural problems. All the more reason to hire a good surveyor as Peggie suggests. Make a list of these issues for your surveyor and have them confirm whether they are serious or just cosmetic. Terry
the "bag". Usually a good surveyor can confirm whether the bladder is leaking and tell you about how much it will cost to replace with a rigid plastic tank. If this is the only item that is standing in the way of your new boat: 1. Have seller replace at their expense. 2. Discount the seller's boat price to cover the labor and material cost of a new tank. Then, if you are handy, do it yourself. Steam cleaning or washing (I'm assuming it is fabric) may take care of the upholstery odor. Ask the owner if you can borrow one of the cushions, remove the fabric cover and see whether that takes care of the problem. The owner should be cooperative on this matter. These issues are minor compared to structural problems. All the more reason to hire a good surveyor as Peggie suggests. Make a list of these issues for your surveyor and have them confirm whether they are serious or just cosmetic. Terry
PEGGY,PEGGY,PEGGY
Has it gotten to the point where whenever you respond to someones concern about head odor or problems....must you ALWAYS plug one of your books... we all know that you are now a FAMOUS published author but the constant advertisment...is it necessary...and now back to our sponser.....
Has it gotten to the point where whenever you respond to someones concern about head odor or problems....must you ALWAYS plug one of your books... we all know that you are now a FAMOUS published author but the constant advertisment...is it necessary...and now back to our sponser.....
Lay off Peggy, Please
Thank God for Peggy Hall! Without her knowledge and willingness to share it here (for free) we would all struggle to sort fact from folklore from dubious sources to solve our problems. I have learned sooooooo much from her, and her book, and knew exactly what to do last winter to solve a serious odor problem and now have a sweet smelling boat. She is the official "Head Mistress" and as I understand it, she has permission form Phil to include a link to buy her book from this site. We have a great thing going with Peggy, let's all raise a glass of Chardonnay, ;D and toast to Peggy Hall, and now if we could only get her to become a sailor and leave power boating behind. Russell
Thank God for Peggy Hall! Without her knowledge and willingness to share it here (for free) we would all struggle to sort fact from folklore from dubious sources to solve our problems. I have learned sooooooo much from her, and her book, and knew exactly what to do last winter to solve a serious odor problem and now have a sweet smelling boat. She is the official "Head Mistress" and as I understand it, she has permission form Phil to include a link to buy her book from this site. We have a great thing going with Peggy, let's all raise a glass of Chardonnay, ;D and toast to Peggy Hall, and now if we could only get her to become a sailor and leave power boating behind. Russell
Lest you not forget that its a link to this site
and that helps the sponser's of this site (sailboatowners.com) so any merchandise purchased through this site helps keep you and I with use of this forum. Plus, no I haven't purchased her book yet, but even without her book we all have learned "tons" of information from her posts. While I am not so sure I agree with her all the time, and I will constantly challenge her on some posts/statements, it doesn't mean that we don't all get something out of it. Hooray for her. (ps...if it bothers you so much when you see her posts, then don't click on her posts, or the link at the bottom -- REMEMBER its not like we have pop-up ads for everything under the sun like some other websites and we all should be VERY thankful for that)
and that helps the sponser's of this site (sailboatowners.com) so any merchandise purchased through this site helps keep you and I with use of this forum. Plus, no I haven't purchased her book yet, but even without her book we all have learned "tons" of information from her posts. While I am not so sure I agree with her all the time, and I will constantly challenge her on some posts/statements, it doesn't mean that we don't all get something out of it. Hooray for her. (ps...if it bothers you so much when you see her posts, then don't click on her posts, or the link at the bottom -- REMEMBER its not like we have pop-up ads for everything under the sun like some other websites and we all should be VERY thankful for that)
Thank you, Chet
Every time you post your objection to the link to my book at the foot of my posts, you call attention to it...arouse a few more people's curiosity...and give some of 'em a reason to click on it to see what it's about. (Are you actually working for my publisher?) It's certainly a unique advertising approach, but hey...whatever works! See you in Melbourne next week!
Every time you post your objection to the link to my book at the foot of my posts, you call attention to it...arouse a few more people's curiosity...and give some of 'em a reason to click on it to see what it's about. (Are you actually working for my publisher?) It's certainly a unique advertising approach, but hey...whatever works!
See you in Melbourne next week!It's chet again!
I've got a good spot for you: cruisingworld.com. There's a bunch of saltier-than-thou a-holes over there that you'll like a lot.
I've got a good spot for you: cruisingworld.com. There's a bunch of saltier-than-thou a-holes over there that you'll like a lot.
PAUL....speaking of
A-holes....here's PAUL McGHEE.... who i bet hasn't purchaced peggys book either....just wants the FREE replies like the rest... and now back to paul
A-holes....here's PAUL McGHEE.... who i bet hasn't purchaced peggys book either....just wants the FREE replies like the rest... and now back to paul
Equilibrium... we always find it again
sooner or later. These damnable personal attacks come and (fortunately) go (quickly) on this forum. Most of us are here to share knowledge and information. Annoying folks flame in and soon flame out. We're just not interested in controversy here. Thank God we always find our balance and reaffirm what this forum does best-sharing our hard-earned knowledge so that others don't have to reinvent the wheel (or tiller) time and again. Peggy, I haven't bought your book yet, but I may have to just to p--- off some of these folks who pick at you about it. Tom Ehmke
sooner or later. These damnable personal attacks come and (fortunately) go (quickly) on this forum. Most of us are here to share knowledge and information. Annoying folks flame in and soon flame out. We're just not interested in controversy here. Thank God we always find our balance and reaffirm what this forum does best-sharing our hard-earned knowledge so that others don't have to reinvent the wheel (or tiller) time and again. Peggy, I haven't bought your book yet, but I may have to just to p--- off some of these folks who pick at you about it. Tom Ehmke
Content appreciation
It amazes me how many folks participate in online forums with little to contribute but criticism. I ordered your book when we met at the Jack London in-water show. It solved an aluminum waste tank issue for me. Thanks for your responses to our inquiries and answers to our problems. Links are like ads, one can ignore them, however, if objections mount, you can place a link on my site anytime.
It amazes me how many folks participate in online forums with little to contribute but criticism. I ordered your book when we met at the Jack London in-water show. It solved an aluminum waste tank issue for me. Thanks for your responses to our inquiries and answers to our problems. Links are like ads, one can ignore them, however, if objections mount, you can place a link on my site anytime.
chet, chet, chet
ive been on this site sense 1998, peggy was here before then giving free advise, has it ever occured to you that its not your site, its phils?, if he wants to support someone that has supported the people on this board (for a lot longer then youve been here) he has every right too. why dont you try voicing your opinion about peggy over on the cwbb, im sure they will lend you a sympathetic ear, or maybe just sit back enjoy the board, drink a beer and thank phil for a good place to share knowlage and ideas. just my thoughts
ive been on this site sense 1998, peggy was here before then giving free advise, has it ever occured to you that its not your site, its phils?, if he wants to support someone that has supported the people on this board (for a lot longer then youve been here) he has every right too. why dont you try voicing your opinion about peggy over on the cwbb, im sure they will lend you a sympathetic ear, or maybe just sit back enjoy the board, drink a beer and thank phil for a good place to share knowlage and ideas. just my thoughts
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