Working on the Plumbing

[wufibugs]

I've attached some pictures of the plumbing system on my Hunter 31. I don't know if this is all OEM or the PO had some work done. I am thinking of replacing many of these hoses with solid pvc to the extent possible based on the notion that they are very old and probably contributing to my head odor. I am going to flush/sanitize as Peggy suggests before I make a final decision.

1. Picture 1 is the pumpout lever, which does not want to move. I don't want to pull to viciously on the extension handle because it is a plastic pump. Is there some secret to this?

2. In picture 2 there is a handle but I don't know what it does, nor can I get it to turn. Does it press or pull before turning? What does it do.

3. Picture 4 is another valve. Again, not sure what it does in its various positions. I have not tried to turn this.

4. Picture 3 is, I assume, the seacock for the salt water flush. I suppose I could mount a tank under the sink and put a y-valve after the seacock to choose between fresh and salt water flushing.

 

[Steve Dion]

Richard:

It has been a while since I messed with this stuff, but photo 3 appears to be the thru hulls. The forward one is the discharge and the aft one is the raw water intake for the head.

This is a complete replumb job. The original from the factory was different but as I remember you could pump directly overboard or pump into the holding tank.

The hose that is being used on this system is NOT sani hose and should be replaced. I suggest that you remove the manual (plastic) pump and install a macerator in it's place. You can probably simplifiy this system with a little work.

The WM catalog had a good drawing of a simplified system this system if you are interested. It would also make life easier if you could make a bigger opening under the vberth so you would have better access.

Good luck! Getting that hose off the deck fitting is really a chore so be prepared.

 

[wufibugs]

I am talking to Peggy and she seconded replacing the hoses. I do not see signs of any serious leaks under the V-berth, but access to replace the hoses looks daunting. I will have to rebuild the pump in the first picture above since I cannot move the handle at all. You suggest enlarging the access door. I note that there is a triangle of screws atop the V-berth beneath the cushions, which I assume secures the holding tank. However there is no cover or anything to remove to access the tank. I guess Hunter contemplates that one would make a cutout if replacement of the holding tank became necessary? This appears to me to be a very structurally important area of the boat. I am wondering if accessing that area from above will compromose the structure more, or less, than enlarging the access door. Certainly working from above would be easier than from the access door, even if it were larger. I also assume that replacing the tank will become necessary at some time in the future.
Also, when I shut off the seacock under the sink [put the handle at right angles to the hose], and pump the toilet, I am still getting water in the bowl. Is there another source of water? A different shut off? That can't be the outflow can it?? Boy, do I feel dumb.