"Tanks" for the memories

[seathumper]

My original mission was to abate the sewage oders in my boat, a 1992 Hunter Legend 43. I removed the floor boards and discovered a corroded nozzle on my holding tank. I removed the old hose, cleaned the nozzle as good as I could and connected on a new hose with double clamps. Things were better but still not right. Madam Head Mistress related to me and others that it was time to replace the tank that aluminum tanks are good for 10 years...mine is 17 years old. (Great Lakes sailing might give it added years). I sought from Hunter a line drawing for my tank and received someting that had absolutely no resemblance to what I had observed. I again removed the boards, tightened and siliconed a drip in the new connection and noticed a manufacturers label on the tank. I contacted that company, EZELL in Florida and while the old tank was .090 gauge, they quoted me a price on a new one of .125 gauge for $375.00 plus shipping. I sent the drawing that they provided to Triple M and they quoted a price of $487.00 plus shipping. No mention of material thickness. I then contacted Ronco. They quoted me a price of $1,230.00 for making the mold plus $225.00 (discounted from $450.00) plus $17.85 ( discounted from $35.69) for the Stand Pipe for a total of $1,472.85. Which way to turn? Ronco may be the best but the set up fee is too exorbinate for me. It woud help the next guy but I would have to shoulder all the set up expense my self. Triple M is $112.00 more than EZEll but can not promise delivery until August (not an issue). My real question is why not go back with the aluminum. I got 17 years on .090 gauge, how much time can I get out of .125 gauge? 25 years? That will make me 85 and I am not sure I will still be sailing at that age...Of course if I am, I may be more dependant on the holding tank then than I am now! What is the verdict? Aluminum or plastic? Thanks, Art Butler
P.S. The tank is accessible by the removal of only one floor board so it does not appear to be much of a challenge. It is held in place by a spray in foam that hardened. Any idea what material that was?

 

[Rich Stidger]

Go with Triple M in Maine. Class act. I dealt with them personally, my h40.5 tank was the one from which they built all the replacements.

Don't forget resale value too.

17 years? You must live really right. Many aluminum tanks are like swiss cheese looooong before that.....

Just my opinion. I have no connection to Triple M except that I am a satisfied customer.

 

[Phil Herring]

If it's helpful to anyone, we've got a customer looking for the same tank. Give us a call, maybe we can gang 'em up.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

I'm not sure there is an answer to how much longer a thicker walled aluminum tank may last but unless you want to stake the cost on your guess it will last another 17+ years, and it is quite possible it won't, why not do it properly and avoid aluminum which is never a good choice for a holding tank regardless of where you are located.

The other thing to consider is the presumption you made regarding the new aluminum tank's expected lifetime compared with that of plastic. Although salt water exacerbates the failure rate, the real cause of tank failure is the contents being acidic enough to promote corrosion.

 

[Art Butler]

Phil, I can be reached at abutler@plymouthlegalgroup.com. Ronco would be competitive if we could find a third. If we go with Triple M, how thick should the tank be?
Art Butler

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

I'll answer that one Art...3/8"

But don't do anything yet...I have an idea I want t kick around with Phil. I'll call him tomorrow

 

[seathumper]

Thanks, Peggie

Thanks, Peggie, I can wait.
Art

 

[seathumper]

Peggy

Peggy have you had any success with talking to Phil or other suggestions? Whereas Triple M is good, would not a tank without seams as with Ronco be a better gamble? But, at what cost.
Thanks, Art