I need to replace the deteriorating black hose that drains my waste holding tank. My holding tank has never been left completely empty after a pump out so I am
Imagining a very disgusting process removing the existing hose and putting on the new one. Any advice from someone who has been through this would be appreciated. I have a plastic tank mounted in the bilge under the cabin sole. Lifting it to tip it up would require disassembly of the floor supports. Not something I’d like to get involved with.
Michael Passero
Born To Run
NS 33. #42
Michael,
I replaced all of the holding tank hoses about 7 years ago. I did not document it so we are working from memory with the following explanation.
Margery too has a plastic tank. It appears to me that the teak and holly sole was replaced when the tank was replaced.
I easily removed the screws holding the cabin sole then, removed screws holding the floor beams in place. After the structure was removed the “empty” tank could easily be lifted out.
I used rigid schedule 40 PVC pipe from the bottom forward, pumpout, fitting up to just below the level of the cabin sole support structure. At that point, I installed a hose barb. Connected to the hose barb is Raritan Saniflex hose. This hose is good at preventing odor permeation. I used the same hose from the head outlet to the holding tank inlet.
The two vent fittings in the tank are connected to the vent fittings on the side of the hull I used Trident 148 hose for the vents.
I also have an overboard discharge with electric diaphragm pump tied into the pumpout hose.
There have been no sewage odors in the boat since I did this plumbing job. The boat as I purchased it had odor problems.
You can come over to NBYC to look at what I did if you desire.
Ward Woodruff
N33 #8 Margery
Niantic Bay, CT
Thank you Ward. This gives me a great overview of the job. I probably should wait until the off season to do it. I don’t have an odor problem yet but during an insurance survey this Spring, the surveyor thought replacement was overdue and odor problems imminent.
I have removed the cabin sole before to refinish it. Sounds like framing shouldn’t be a problem.
My other chronic issue has been the macerator pump. I’m on my second pump and neither has been dependable. I think the length of the lift is borderline. The pump is under the head sink. I’d like to find a better solution or a better model pump. My Ericson 33 had a hand pump that functioned well in a pinch for the few times it’s necessary.
BTW, I am absolutely loving my Doyle stack pack. I wish I did it years ago. May be the best upgrade since the swim platform.
Thanks for the advice
Michael Passero
Born To Run
NS 33, #42
Practical Sailor recently mentioned the value of a hose pick for getting the old hoses off. Just search for “hose pick” or “radiator hose pick” and there are a lot of different offerings.
I’m putting off this task for a while longer, but definitely plan to get one before I do.
I’m also a big fan of fan of hose clamp end covers. I’m tired of getting scratched up by the band ends.
– Bob
My Jabsco macerator pump is at least 20 years old and never gives me
problems. You may have a blockage in the tank or the discharge side causing
the pump to wear out before it's expiration date.
Joe Valinoti
S/V iL Gatto NS30U #221
Sea Harbour YC
Oriental, NC USA
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I have a cheap/inexpensive wet dry vac that I used to empty the last of the contents of the holding tank before I started removing hoses. The vac only had a 2 gallon tank so it was not too heavy to transport to the washroom to dump down the toilet. I did the deed in the evening so I was less likely to offend other patrons. I suggest you spend the money to buy really good quality replacement hose. Shield Poly x or Raritan Flex. I used the Green Line equivalent to the Raritan. As far as I can determine it is the same manufacture but the Green Line was less money.