Hi Peggy, a quick observation and a question. I was pumping out this weekend and after the tank was empty, I pumped water throught the toilet to flush the hoses and ran water down the pump out fitting, when I pumped this out of the tank, it was running clear (so far so good). While I was pumping out, I double checked that the vent was pulling air and it was, no obstructions etc. so I thought why not flush some water down the vent with a little assist from the vaccum caused by pumping out. I did and was amazed to see the amount of gunk that this caused to show up in water being pumped out. Observation: This worked Great in getting additional gunk out, from what appeared to be a clean tank (water ran clear earlier)! The question, is this something that I should do again in the future (assuming the conditions were as stated above i.e. no blockage in the vent)? Or could I be doing some damage that will cause me distress in the future? Regards. Bruce Neon Moon
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Bill O'Donovan
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Peggie Hall/HeadMistress
Do it every time you pump out or wash the boat
You can't hurt a thing, and it'll ensure that you never have a clogged vent.
You can't hurt a thing, and it'll ensure that you never have a clogged vent.
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David Strong
Where to find vent on 340
Like the idea of flushing thru the vent on empting the holding tank but im not sure were to access the vent on 1998 model 340 any help please?
Like the idea of flushing thru the vent on empting the holding tank but im not sure were to access the vent on 1998 model 340 any help please?
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Peggie Hall/HeadMistress
You don't know where your vent thru-hulls are?
Find 'em! 'Cuz keeping the fuel, water and holding tank vents clear of obstructions is essential...and the thru-hulls are all too attractive to insects, in addition to being real dust and pollen catchers. All your tanks have a 5/8" ID hose coming off them on or at the top...trace each one to its thru-hull. And while you're finding things on your boat, find all your seacocks too...'cuz when the boat is taking on water due to a failed hose connection is NOT the time to START looking for the source and how to close the hole. All hose connections and seacocks should be inspected regularly for signs of corrosion, loose clamps, and failing bedding...and serviced (tightened, replaced, lubricated, rebedded) as necessary.
Find 'em! 'Cuz keeping the fuel, water and holding tank vents clear of obstructions is essential...and the thru-hulls are all too attractive to insects, in addition to being real dust and pollen catchers. All your tanks have a 5/8" ID hose coming off them on or at the top...trace each one to its thru-hull. And while you're finding things on your boat, find all your seacocks too...'cuz when the boat is taking on water due to a failed hose connection is NOT the time to START looking for the source and how to close the hole. All hose connections and seacocks should be inspected regularly for signs of corrosion, loose clamps, and failing bedding...and serviced (tightened, replaced, lubricated, rebedded) as necessary.
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David Strong
learning curves and tank vents
Many thanks HM (Peggy) yes i have found the fill and pumpouts and the sea cocks but did not realise the vent went(im a poet?)to a thru hull. Regards David
Many thanks HM (Peggy) yes i have found the fill and pumpouts and the sea cocks but did not realise the vent went(im a poet?)to a thru hull. Regards David
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Pete
David Strong/ vents
David, on my 336 (should be the same on your 340) the holding tank vent is on the starboard side in the last 2 feet by the stern. It is a chromed "shell" that opens to the stern.It should be just below the rub rail. There is a vent on the port side in the same location for the fuel tank DO NOT confuse them as you don't want to put water in the fuel tank.You should be able to see it from inside the battery locker.Your holding tank should be located below the battery locker.
David, on my 336 (should be the same on your 340) the holding tank vent is on the starboard side in the last 2 feet by the stern. It is a chromed "shell" that opens to the stern.It should be just below the rub rail. There is a vent on the port side in the same location for the fuel tank DO NOT confuse them as you don't want to put water in the fuel tank.You should be able to see it from inside the battery locker.Your holding tank should be located below the battery locker.
Bruce....
Bruce: If your environment is anything like ours is in the California Delta you may end up with all types of critters thinging that this a nice home. We sometimes find mud daubers, wasps, spiders etc. You name it and they think that the tank vent is a place for them to hole up. I typically pump the tank, rinse the tank and then rinse the vent (every time that we pump out the holding tank).
Bruce: If your environment is anything like ours is in the California Delta you may end up with all types of critters thinging that this a nice home. We sometimes find mud daubers, wasps, spiders etc. You name it and they think that the tank vent is a place for them to hole up. I typically pump the tank, rinse the tank and then rinse the vent (every time that we pump out the holding tank).
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Peggie Hall/HeadMistress
Where did you think it went?
FYI, CG safety regs require that ALL fuel and waste holding tanks be vented to the outside of the boat. Reason: because methane and fuel are flammable. There's more a LOT more to owning a sailboat than just sailing it. There's a lot to learn too...the regs, the Rules, and how to operate and maintain every system and piece of equipment in every system on your boat. Why? because a) there are no plumbers or mechanics at sea--there aren't even any available on weekends in coastal waters...and b) Ben Franklin was right: A little neglect may breed mischief… For want of a nail, the shoe was lost; For want of a shoe the horse was lost; And for want of a horse the rider was lost. Or, when it comes to boats, it's the vessel and its crew that can be lost.
FYI, CG safety regs require that ALL fuel and waste holding tanks be vented to the outside of the boat. Reason: because methane and fuel are flammable. There's more a LOT more to owning a sailboat than just sailing it. There's a lot to learn too...the regs, the Rules, and how to operate and maintain every system and piece of equipment in every system on your boat. Why? because a) there are no plumbers or mechanics at sea--there aren't even any available on weekends in coastal waters...and b) Ben Franklin was right: A little neglect may breed mischief… For want of a nail, the shoe was lost; For want of a shoe the horse was lost; And for want of a horse the rider was lost. Or, when it comes to boats, it's the vessel and its crew that can be lost.
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David Strong
VENT PLACEMENT
Many thanks Pete,that was all I wanted to know and I can safely assume that I can stick a hose in there and flush it?yES MY HOLDING TANKAND PUMP OUT IS ON THE STARBOARD SIDE.
Many thanks Pete,that was all I wanted to know and I can safely assume that I can stick a hose in there and flush it?yES MY HOLDING TANKAND PUMP OUT IS ON THE STARBOARD SIDE.
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