Pearson 34 holding tank

[SailingGestalt]

Hi All!

Looking to replace my Pearson 34's original waste water holding tank (flexible Nauta) sometime in the spring. Currently located under settee, starboard side forward. Has anyone found a rigid tank that fits in this location? Can anyone recommend a company for rigid? What are the arguments for going back with flexible tanks? Anyone install a composting head in their P34?

Thanks!

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

I'll start by saying you definitely don't want another bladder. In addition to all the reasons you'll find if you search the archives of this forum, they're more expensive than a rigid tank and have an average lifespan of only 10-15 years. For that reason, and the fact that Kracor, who makes rigid plastic tanks, was Pearson's OEM tank supplier, it's unlikely that your bladder is the original.

I'm not a fan of "composters" (the AirHead and Natures Head are actually dessicators, not composters), for a whole bunch of reasons you'll find if you search the archives...but people who have 'em claim to love 'em, so I'll let them make their case for it.

Your best source for a rigid plastic tank is Ronco Plastics (no relation to the VegoMatic Ronco) Ronco Plastics Marine Catalog They make TOP quality rotomolded PE tanks for a very reasonable price and have more than 400 shapes/sizes to choose from, over 100 of which are non-rectangular...and they install fittings in the sizes, locations and quantity specified by the customer when the make the tank. They WILL have a shape to fit your space--a triangular wedge...you'll want to orient it to put the point at the bottom, flat surface on the top.

This should be enough to get you started... This would prob'ly be a good time to replace all your hoses too...and maybe even the toilet. I'm glad to answer questions and/or even help you spec it all out one-on-one.

 

[SailingGestalt]

Well, after thoroughly searching the only tank that looks like it will fit is the B199 model from Ronco but its only 12 gallons which is about half of what I was hoping to find. If they made the same tank but about 15 inches longer I could probably do with about 22 gallons or so. I guess I could always ask Ronco if it could extend it but I would imagine this would be terribly expensive to custom make a tank. I guess I could consider finding a tank for under the V-berth but I would prefer to avoid that. Any other ideas I'm missing?

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Under the v-berth is the best place for a waste tank on a sailboat.

 

[RoyS]

Try Plastic Mart (on line). They have a huge inventory and will put the pipe fittings wherever you want them.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Fwiw, Plastics Mart doesn't make anything...they're a retailer for Ronco tanks. Their huge inventory of marine water and waste tanks is the entire Ronco tank catalog...for a considerably higher price than you can buy the same tanks--also custom fitted--directly from Ronco.

 

[druid]

I ended up getting the holding tank custom-made for my Catalina 36. That was 20 years ago and the company was local here in Langley, but I'm sure you can get a company to make one for you to Peggy's specifications

druid

 

[RoyS]

Thanks for that revelation about plastic mart, Peggy!

 

[SailingGestalt]

Ok everyone, especially Peggy, I have a few questions as I am about ready to place some orders for a new holding tank, hoses and head. I've decided on the West Marine brand compact manual head. Its received good reviews, is very economical and my boat does not see heavy use in that "department." I don't think I need to spend a fortune on a fancy head for the occasional day sail with maybe 1-2 trips a year overnight.

The backstory. I am married with a wife who likes sailing but does not LOVE sailing. I have a two year old and a 6 month old, both boys, who will grow into sailing with me but are more just along for the ride at the moment. We have plans to do some mild overnight trips from our home port in Norfolk to other marinas within a day sail away - probably no more than a couple times a year. Minimal, if any, anchoring in the plans for quite some time and no offshore sailing unless we move and need to get the boat somewhere long-distance. Our normal sailing is a day on the water with a return in the evening where pump-out is available and free.

Now my issue: I have found two holding tanks that will fit. Both manufactured by Todd. One is a 25 gallon tank and the other a 20 gallon tank. The 20 gallon will fit below the starboard settee where the current bladder is now with minimal demolition. The 25 gallon could also fit but I'll need to cut into the settle and fiberglass it back when I get the tank mounted. My question for you all is: should I go for the larger tank of 5 gallons knowing it will be a huge headache to install and will make inspection of the inlet/outlet fittings very difficult in the future? Or, is 20 gallons more than enough for my needs as described above?

Another question: I've read a lot about hoses and I know everyone has their own opinion. It looks like Sealand's OdorSafe hose is preferred by many, is this a good buy? Its about $8/ft from most vendors. Should I use this same hose for the tank vent? What about from from the Y-valve to the overboard discharge (its equipped but I don't intend to use it - while I'm replacing everything I want to get this plumbed properly too).

Final questions: should I use a brass vented loop or is the Marelon just as desirable?

Thanks for all your comments above and for help with this final push on this project!

 

[Sublime Sail]

Hi Sailing Gestault,
I was thrilled to find this thread as I'm trying to deal with same situation on my P34. After cleaning everything top to bottom, we put up with lingering odor last year (1st season since purchase), and now plan to replace Nauta bladder holding tank which I believe is original. Can you provide part number of Todd tank that fit in settee. Also very eager to hear how the upgrade went for you.
Thanks, Mark