I have acquired a 81 Hunter 30, and I need to know how to open it up for the season. I have opened the engine water intake, but I am curious about the two sinks, and the head. Is there any way to know when it is time to pump out the waste tank. Is there a guage to tell if it is full? Any tips and advice would be appreciated, thanks !!!
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You need to do a LOT more than just "open up"
All the systems on the boat need to be "recommisioned" and thoroughly inspected for any deterioration over the winter. Read the article "Spring Recommissioning" in the Head Mistress forum Reference Library...on the forum homepage, and follow every step in it. . As for whether there's a holding tank level gauge, only you or previous owner can know that...it's either there or it isn't. If it isn't, I strongly recommend adding one, because overflowing the tank out the vent is a major no-no...not only for environmental reasons, but--more importantly--because it can result in a clogged vent...and you don't even want to know what kind of trouble that can cause!
All the systems on the boat need to be "recommisioned" and thoroughly inspected for any deterioration over the winter. Read the article "Spring Recommissioning" in the Head Mistress forum Reference Library...on the forum homepage, and follow every step in it. . As for whether there's a holding tank level gauge, only you or previous owner can know that...it's either there or it isn't. If it isn't, I strongly recommend adding one, because overflowing the tank out the vent is a major no-no...not only for environmental reasons, but--more importantly--because it can result in a clogged vent...and you don't even want to know what kind of trouble that can cause!
Hunter Plumbing
I recently purchased a 1984 Hunter 31 and if your's is the same, and I believe it is, there are no gauges for the waste holding tank, the fresh water tank, or the diesel tank. There is a retrofit item available in the chandlery called 'accuguage' that you can install to monitor all three. Good Luck! Joe S/V Charis
I recently purchased a 1984 Hunter 31 and if your's is the same, and I believe it is, there are no gauges for the waste holding tank, the fresh water tank, or the diesel tank. There is a retrofit item available in the chandlery called 'accuguage' that you can install to monitor all three. Good Luck! Joe S/V Charis
Don't think that the holding tank was even...
a factory installed item. Seems that in this vintage it was an aftermarket item. Joe is correct that you can add an Accugage IF the tank is plastic. Does the boat have seacocks/ball valves or are they still gate valves. If they are still gate valves, you should replace them first. Follow the Head Mistress advice and you will be off to a good start.
a factory installed item. Seems that in this vintage it was an aftermarket item. Joe is correct that you can add an Accugage IF the tank is plastic. Does the boat have seacocks/ball valves or are they still gate valves. If they are still gate valves, you should replace them first. Follow the Head Mistress advice and you will be off to a good start.
Thanks, any advice on the sinks?
Thanks for your replies. I believe that the valves are gate valves (like a home outdoor facuet?). I am planning on having them replaced at the next haulout. I assume that the sinks drain to the outside. Do I need to open them all the time, or only when in use? Also, do I need to do anything special to get the sinks to have fresh water service (is there a pump I need to turn on?). I know there is a fresh water tank, but I do not know if there is a pump (electric or manual). Thanks again !!!
Thanks for your replies. I believe that the valves are gate valves (like a home outdoor facuet?). I am planning on having them replaced at the next haulout. I assume that the sinks drain to the outside. Do I need to open them all the time, or only when in use? Also, do I need to do anything special to get the sinks to have fresh water service (is there a pump I need to turn on?). I know there is a fresh water tank, but I do not know if there is a pump (electric or manual). Thanks again !!!
Can't say for sure!
Fred: I believe that you galley sink has a thru hull for the drain. Not sure on the head sink. Our H'31 drains above the water line. The water tank for your boat is on the port side under the settee. The deck fill is probably midship on the port side too. Being that these boats probably did not have a holding tank, I am not sure where your waste fittings are located. You should be able to turn on your fresh water via a pump switch. If the tanks have been drained and winterized you will need to go thru the post winterization process to clear the anti-freeze from the system. You should also purify the system. Once you refill the fresh water you can just turn on the faucet and the water will flow (if the switch is on and the tank is full).
Fred: I believe that you galley sink has a thru hull for the drain. Not sure on the head sink. Our H'31 drains above the water line. The water tank for your boat is on the port side under the settee. The deck fill is probably midship on the port side too. Being that these boats probably did not have a holding tank, I am not sure where your waste fittings are located. You should be able to turn on your fresh water via a pump switch. If the tanks have been drained and winterized you will need to go thru the post winterization process to clear the anti-freeze from the system. You should also purify the system. Once you refill the fresh water you can just turn on the faucet and the water will flow (if the switch is on and the tank is full).
More reading.. 
Check "Fresh Water Maintenance"...also in the HM forum reference library. In fact, it would be a VERY good idea to read ALL the articles there...and the one at the attached link.
Check "Fresh Water Maintenance"...also in the HM forum reference library. In fact, it would be a VERY good idea to read ALL the articles there...and the one at the attached link.
Check manual at:
the link below. It shows a pump from the water tank. It also mentions a "waste bag"?
the link below. It shows a pump from the water tank. It also mentions a "waste bag"?
Water and stuff
Fred, I have a 82 H30 so I do not know if all the tanks and equipment is located in the same place as yours. First, the 82 H30 holding tank is under the port side V berth. It has an inspection cover on the top but no gauge. Its not pleasant to stick your head down close to the opening with a flashlite to look around. Second, the head sink drains thru a thru hull right at the water line on the port side. Third, the water tank is under the starboard main cabin seat. It has three inspection covers. One for each compartment on the water tank. Forth, the water pressure pump is located under a small locker at the bottom of the starboard sail locker in the cockpit.(I had to replace mine last year) Fifth, The sink(I only have one in the galley) drains thru a seacock at the bottom of the hull. I replaced this in a haul out last year. It was a gate valve and I changed it to a ball valve. You can leave this open. I close and open it about once every month or so to ensure it does not freeze up on me. Like I mentioned there may be differences but if you have any other questions you can contact me at Bgammon320@aol.com. I am in Florida so I sail year round and do not have the winter layup problems. Sounds like a bummer.
Fred, I have a 82 H30 so I do not know if all the tanks and equipment is located in the same place as yours. First, the 82 H30 holding tank is under the port side V berth. It has an inspection cover on the top but no gauge. Its not pleasant to stick your head down close to the opening with a flashlite to look around. Second, the head sink drains thru a thru hull right at the water line on the port side. Third, the water tank is under the starboard main cabin seat. It has three inspection covers. One for each compartment on the water tank. Forth, the water pressure pump is located under a small locker at the bottom of the starboard sail locker in the cockpit.(I had to replace mine last year) Fifth, The sink(I only have one in the galley) drains thru a seacock at the bottom of the hull. I replaced this in a haul out last year. It was a gate valve and I changed it to a ball valve. You can leave this open. I close and open it about once every month or so to ensure it does not freeze up on me. Like I mentioned there may be differences but if you have any other questions you can contact me at Bgammon320@aol.com. I am in Florida so I sail year round and do not have the winter layup problems. Sounds like a bummer.
Acugage
Joe: Yes the Acugage is available on this site. If your tanks are plastic you use our standard unit if metal you need one of our metal tank rods. If I can answer any questions for you please mail me at: Dennis@snake-river.org Dennis Ferriello Sales Manager Snake River Electronics
Joe: Yes the Acugage is available on this site. If your tanks are plastic you use our standard unit if metal you need one of our metal tank rods. If I can answer any questions for you please mail me at: Dennis@snake-river.org Dennis Ferriello Sales Manager Snake River Electronics
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