Topsy Turvy Tank

[sailski3]

I am preparing to install a holding tank on my 1973 Sabre 28. Currently it is overboard discharge only. I plan to insall the tank in the hanging locker behind the head rather than under the port sette. I intend to install a rectangular shaped 22 gal. tank in the "upright" position with the long sides of the rectangle extending vertical. I am doing this so I can retain easy access to the overboard discharge through-hull in the event I need it. All of the rectangular shaped holding tanks I have seen installed lay with the long sides of the rectangle paralell to the bottom of the boat rather than perpendicular to it as my set up would have it positioned. My question is - is there a downside to this type of installation or a reason it will not work well.

Thank you for any light you may shed on this subject.

Mike

 

[py26129]

Mike

The original holding tank in my boat was installed upright. The only downside was that it was way too small for us. (Sailing in the Great Lakes with the admiral and our two daughters board)

Matt

 

[sailski3]

Thanks Matt. One vote for vertical configuration!

 

[navigator97]

About 8 years ago I made a trip in NOV-2004 from Portsmouth, RI to Annapolis, MD on a friends 2003 Jeanneau 40.3 Sailboat. His holding than was set up in the vertical configuration that you are talking about. Flow went from the head into the holding tank. The tank had a pumpout outlet on the main deck (topsides), and an overboard discharge at the bottom of the tank with a ball valve shutoff. When at sea (over 3 NM out) you could open the valve and all effluent passed thru the tank into the sea. When inshore or in port the valve was closed and the holding tank did just that and held effluent until pumpout or when 3 NM out to sea next. I thought that that setup made a lot of sense. You just need to find a rectangular tank of your required dimensions with fill and pumpout fittings on top and overboard discharge fitting on the bottom. I wish my boat had that setup. It just makes sense and worked well.

 

[Steve_Catalina]

I find I can pump out my holding tank more complete when the the pumpout fitting for it is on the lowest side or bottom and not the top of the tank.

Steve

About 8 years ago I made a trip in NOV-2004 from Portsmouth, RI to Annapolis, MD on a friends 2003 Jeanneau 40.3 Sailboat. His holding than was set up in the vertical configuration that you are talking about. Flow went from the head into the holding tank. The tank had a pumpout outlet on the main deck (topsides), and an overboard discharge at the bottom of the tank with a ball valve shutoff. When at sea (over 3 NM out) you could open the valve and all effluent passed thru the tank into the sea. When inshore or in port the valve was closed and the holding tank did just that and held effluent until pumpout or when 3 NM out to sea next. I thought that that setup made a lot of sense. You just need to find a rectangular tank of your required dimensions with fill and pumpout fittings on top and overboard discharge fitting on the bottom. I wish my boat had that setup. It just makes sense and worked well.

 

[sailski3]

I've seen where they sell a tube that extends from from a fitting on top of the tank down inside so they can pump right down close to the bottom of the tank from a fitting on top. I think that would probably yield good results. . .

 

[sailski3]

Thanks Navigator 97 for your thoughts. I wondered if a gravity fed overboard discharge would work in a configuration like that.

 

[redhead78]

holding tank install

sailski, I too had a 1977 boat with a direct discharge, that I did over this winter. I chose the head direct to the top side of the tank, with a whale y valve, I asked for and ronco installed a drop from the top tube for pumpout. The way I installed was mentioned earlier, y valve posiion 1, straight up to pump out fitting on deck, y position #2 to a macerator and out the hull discharge.When its closed in the locked position toilet pumps to the tank. I wanted to add asecond whale y valve and have the capability to also go straight out, I used the primo 1.5" sani hose and its a bear to bend so I really could not fit the straight out option. U see pics of a template tank I made to make sure it would fit b-4 I purchased. I think Rich from Ronco(very helpful) said it was a catalina sailboat tank, its 28 gal and is narrow at the bottom wider towards the top, the real tank has a nice sweep moulded like the shape of a hull. They will place the hose outlets any where u want. I Chose the toilet inlet, on the top side, and a downdrop tube for discharge out of the top. U might see a 5/8" vent in the rear. I went to the Ronco site there were hundred of configurations. I was able to narrow it down by only considering 25 to 32 gallons. U can see the tank in position in 1 pic, I forgot to photo the real tank, oops. Sorry so wordy but there is a lot of info to absorb. good luck on the install and if I can help u out just ask.... Red

 

[sailski3]

Hey Red,

Thanks for the detailed input! 4" on center beaded siding for a template tank? Nice!

Lotta good info here. I want to dig into it a little deeper tomorrow, find the Ronco website. The tank you chose is close to the one i am looking into at the "plastic mart" website with a taper to fit the hull shape but i think they may offer a more extensive selection at Ronco.

I really appreciate your offer of further help. I may well take you up on that as I progress.

Mike

 

[Joe2954]

Beneteau 343 Factory tank is vertical. Deck pumpout from bottom of tank, macerator discharge from top via internal tube to bottom. 25" high x 17" wide, depth varies from 10 to 15".