Supporting a Holding Tank

Status
Not open for further replies.
C

cs27ravat

.
Aug 16, 2009
5
CS Yachts 27 Port of Rochester
Hello,

I'm finishing up a 2 year refit, and last on my list is re-commissioning the head. I have all winter to do it as I'll be hauled out in a week, so no hurries on the design phase. I have purchased and read the famous book, and have a good feel for how things need to go together overall, but I'm uncomfortable in one area...

I'm not completely convinced that the structure which supports my holding tank is well designed. For that matter, I'm not convinced about my fresh water tank which sits further up on the bow either.

As I will be replacing my holding tank with one not exactly the same as the original I will need to do some customization. Are there any good resources you can point me to with best practices or recommendations for securing holding tanks (or water tanks)?

My specific application is going to be somewhere around an 18-24 gallon tank mounted right under the V-berth (high) on the boats centerline. I have a feeling this is a pretty typical location and size, but I haven't seen a lot of examples or pictures of installations. I would appreciate any pointers folks could pass along. Even if it's not the same as mine, seeing or hearing what has worked will help me design what I need.

Thanks in advance,
Chris
 
Peggie Hall HeadMistress

Peggie Hall HeadMistress

.
Dec 2, 1997
8,946
- - LIttle Rock
Tank material, mfr?

Wall thickness and material have a lot to do with how much support a tank needs. It may be necessary to support all the walls as well as the bottom of a thin (1/4" or less) plastic tank...whereas, a sturdy thick walled tank only needs as much support on the bottom as it would have sitting on a pair of sawhorses. Tanks don't bounce much, so unless the walls need support, they mostly just need to be secured from sliding around.

So I need a lot more information about the kind of support your current tank has before giving you any advice. Some photos would help.
 
Ed Schenck

Ed Schenck

.
Jun 2, 2004
5,802
Hunter 37-cutter, '79 41 23' 30"N 82 33' 20"W--------Huron, OH
I glassed side braces on the hull and glassed/screwed a support on the v-berth bulkhead. That gave me three supports for a one inch shelf. My 22 gal. Ronco tank is very thick so I wasn't too worried. I secured it there with two of those ratchet tie downs. I think they are rated for 3000 pounds. You can see some of it here: http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/in...&cat_id=38&aid=7012&page=article&mn=37-cutter

P.S. here is my tank gauge(pic). ;)
 

Attachments

Bill1565

Bill1565

.
Jan 22, 2008
1,483
Hunter 37 C sloop Punta Gorda FL
I did what Ed did, but I put a half inch plywood shelf on the 3 supports, tank on the shelf.
 
Last edited:
C

cs27ravat

.
Aug 16, 2009
5
CS Yachts 27 Port of Rochester
This has been very helpful - thanks! It sounds like job #1 is making sure I get a tank that is thick so I minimize the need for structural work. Time to start making some cardboard models and pick out a new tank. I feel like I can come up with an appropriate structure now...

-Chris
 
Peggie Hall HeadMistress

Peggie Hall HeadMistress

.
Dec 2, 1997
8,946
- - LIttle Rock
Ronco Plastics best source for a thick tank

They make TOP quality rotomolded water and waste tanks for a VERY reasonable price (that's even more reasonable if you order it through the online store at this site), and have more than 400 shapes and sizes, over 100 of which are non-rectangular. And they install fittings in the sizes and locations specified by the customer when they make the tank. Their marine tank catalog is here: Ronco Plastics

Btw...you'll also need a tank level indicator. The Profile gauges are your best choice: Profile Tank Monitors
 
C

cs27ravat

.
Aug 16, 2009
5
CS Yachts 27 Port of Rochester
Peggie Hall-HeadMistress said:
They make TOP quality rotomolded water and waste tanks for a VERY reasonable price (that's even more reasonable if you order it through the online store at this site), and have more than 400 shapes and sizes, over 100 of which are non-rectangular. And they install fittings in the sizes and locations specified by the customer when they make the tank. Their marine tank catalog is here: Ronco Plastics

Btw...you'll also need a tank level indicator. The Profile gauges are your best choice: Profile Tank Monitors
Click to expand
Thanks Peggy. Ronco is on the top of my list - I just keep getting dizzy when I try to sort through their catalog! My old tanks are Kracor (and not very thick), so I'm currently trying to translate what I have into the closest thing that Ronco sells.
 
Peggie Hall HeadMistress

Peggie Hall HeadMistress

.
Dec 2, 1997
8,946
- - LIttle Rock
Thanks for stopping by, Dennis!

If y'all don't know who he is, Dennis makes the Profile Tank level monitors, and provides the best customer service on the planet as all the folks here who've bought his systems will attest.

His systems are compatible with the Snake River gauges that Hunter installed for a few years--that no longer work!...so if you need repair parts for it, give Dennis a call.
 
D

Dennis Ferriello

.
Jan 24, 2006
63
- - -
Re: Supporting a Holding Tank (you are very welcome Peggie)

Peggie:
As usual you are very kind.
I try and give the service level I like to get. I do help my customers on Saturday and Sunday if need be, I figure that most people are on there boats on the weekend so If I am in cell range I answer the phone.
I do have all the paper work for the hunters with the snake river to make a change to our panels and all the Snake River manuals or anything else you might need.
I am now having a fall super sale, call me for specials. Best prices of the year but you
have to call to get them.
Thanks

Dennis Ferriello
435-656-0042
www.ferriellosales.com
dennis@ferriellosales.com
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Status
Not open for further replies.

Top Bottom