I've chartered Beneteaus twice before and the cabin seems to have a distinct smell. Not entirely unpleasant but a smell nonetheless. I recently bought a Beneteau 321 and found that same odor which, at the time, was nostalgic. Well, as the past two years have passed, the smell is no longer all that fun. It seems overwhelming when we first go into the cabin until we get used to it. I can't trace it to any particular place. It seems to permeate everywhere. I've tried car deodorizers, pans of vanilla, sprays, etc all to no avail. Does anybody have any suggestions how to simply neutralize the cabin smell. It's not stinky or foul like a head can be or like stagnant water. It's just smells like Beneteau.
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It's French!
That is why Lance Armstrong was stripped of his title for the Tour. He was tested for illegal substances! Soap, shampoo and toothpaste. <g> Actually you need to inspect you head for any leaks. If there is not a problem there, then I suggest that you start with the hoses. This is generally the biggest source of odor. You can also eliminate much of the problem by using a good quality chemical. Get rid of the "French Perfume". I suggest that you try using Odorloss and/or KO. Be sure that you are using something to clean the toilet that is not killing the odor eliminating qualities of the product that you use in the tank. If you use bleach products it is going to kill the little guys that are helping to eliminate the odor. You may also be eminating odor from your raw water intake. You suck in these little critters that are dying in your intake hose. Lots of considerations, but not difficult to cure. I would start with the correct chemicals and then think about replacing plumbing.
That is why Lance Armstrong was stripped of his title for the Tour. He was tested for illegal substances! Soap, shampoo and toothpaste. <g> Actually you need to inspect you head for any leaks. If there is not a problem there, then I suggest that you start with the hoses. This is generally the biggest source of odor. You can also eliminate much of the problem by using a good quality chemical. Get rid of the "French Perfume". I suggest that you try using Odorloss and/or KO. Be sure that you are using something to clean the toilet that is not killing the odor eliminating qualities of the product that you use in the tank. If you use bleach products it is going to kill the little guys that are helping to eliminate the odor. You may also be eminating odor from your raw water intake. You suck in these little critters that are dying in your intake hose. Lots of considerations, but not difficult to cure. I would start with the correct chemicals and then think about replacing plumbing.
Hoses
I bought a 1999 321 in 2003 and it had the same problem. One of the first things I did was to replace the factory (black) head hoses with the white non-permeating type and I have had no odor problems at all. When is Beneteau going to get it???
I bought a 1999 321 in 2003 and it had the same problem. One of the first things I did was to replace the factory (black) head hoses with the white non-permeating type and I have had no odor problems at all. When is Beneteau going to get it???
I agree with Steve: sanitation hoses
At least, that's the first thing to check. Wet a clean rag in HOT water...wring it out and wrap it around a low spot in the hose. Let it cool...then remove it and smell it. If you smell the same odor on the rag, that hose has permeated...the only cure is new hoses. Check all sections of all the sanitation hoses...use a separate clean rag for each test. If you can't smell the same odor on any of the rags, the hoses are not the culprit. Other possibilities are bilges and sumps in need a real cleaning that includes flushing all the dirty water out and the chain locker. You might want to check out the link below.
At least, that's the first thing to check. Wet a clean rag in HOT water...wring it out and wrap it around a low spot in the hose. Let it cool...then remove it and smell it. If you smell the same odor on the rag, that hose has permeated...the only cure is new hoses. Check all sections of all the sanitation hoses...use a separate clean rag for each test. If you can't smell the same odor on any of the rags, the hoses are not the culprit. Other possibilities are bilges and sumps in need a real cleaning that includes flushing all the dirty water out and the chain locker. You might want to check out the link below.
My smells
I've just finished fixing the last of my smells. 1) Had a smell from the exhaust hose. I replaced the Y pipe and the impeller. FIXED. 2) Had a leak from the prop shaft packing...I think that added a smell. FIXED 3) Had a problem with the raw water intake to the head. Combined it with the sink so now I can do the last flush with fresh water. FIXED. 4) Head would bubble up a smelly gas at times. This was because the holding tank vent was clogged. Fixed that this weekend. Don't know how long that has been a problem but it was at least longer then I've had the boat. No more smells
I've just finished fixing the last of my smells. 1) Had a smell from the exhaust hose. I replaced the Y pipe and the impeller. FIXED. 2) Had a leak from the prop shaft packing...I think that added a smell. FIXED 3) Had a problem with the raw water intake to the head. Combined it with the sink so now I can do the last flush with fresh water. FIXED. 4) Head would bubble up a smelly gas at times. This was because the holding tank vent was clogged. Fixed that this weekend. Don't know how long that has been a problem but it was at least longer then I've had the boat. No more smells
It may be the wood
I've noticed the same thing on brand new Beneteaus at the boat shows. To me, it is the chemicals used on the woods, - almost smells like uric (sp) acid which is used for staining and smells like urine.
I've noticed the same thing on brand new Beneteaus at the boat shows. To me, it is the chemicals used on the woods, - almost smells like uric (sp) acid which is used for staining and smells like urine.
Urine Smell
That would remind me of all of my trips to France. One of my happiest days was when NATO was kicked out of France. I was lucky enough to end up in Germany where the beer, wine, food, and smells were much better and the people much friendlier.
That would remind me of all of my trips to France. One of my happiest days was when NATO was kicked out of France. I was lucky enough to end up in Germany where the beer, wine, food, and smells were much better and the people much friendlier.
Let's stick to boat related issues...ok?
Interjecting politics--geo or domestic--is a lot trying to teach a herd of pigs to sing...it's rarely successful because it annoys the hell out most of the pigs...and the rest leave.
Interjecting politics--geo or domestic--is a lot trying to teach a herd of pigs to sing...it's rarely successful because it annoys the hell out most of the pigs...and the rest leave.
I'll give it a try
Thanks for all the input. I'm going to the boat next weekend and will try the hot rag cloth. Sounds like a brilliant idea. It's funny though that it smelled like this from day one when we got the boat basically brand new. Still, the plumbing may be the culprit. If not, maybe I'll try washing the woodwork with vinegar to see if that works. I'm fortunate to have the unheard of "dusty bilge." Really. It actually is dusty. I get absolutely no water in there. Dry as a bone. So it can't be that. Chain locker is clean as a whistle and is sealed to the exterior of the cabin anyway. It's just got to be the hoses. I'll let you know if I find out the answer.
Thanks for all the input. I'm going to the boat next weekend and will try the hot rag cloth. Sounds like a brilliant idea. It's funny though that it smelled like this from day one when we got the boat basically brand new. Still, the plumbing may be the culprit. If not, maybe I'll try washing the woodwork with vinegar to see if that works. I'm fortunate to have the unheard of "dusty bilge." Really. It actually is dusty. I get absolutely no water in there. Dry as a bone. So it can't be that. Chain locker is clean as a whistle and is sealed to the exterior of the cabin anyway. It's just got to be the hoses. I'll let you know if I find out the answer.
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