Pearson Boats - Common Systems > Plumbing and Galley Systems

Holding Tank

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Scott:
Hi all,
I am in the process of purchasing a 323 and the first thing I will have to do to the boat is install a holding tank. I see in the line drawings that one is shown in the area of the V Birth, starboard side. Can anyone tell me where I can find information on rero fitting a holding tank in this area? Thanks, Scott

selene:
Hi Scott,

My 323 has the holding tank installed - I can take photos/answer questions about the setup.

The original installation - as you said, in the starboard side of the v-berth - was a rigid plastic tank similar to the water tanks (but smaller), supported and secured on a simple wooden frame in the locker. Vent out the starboard side, pump-out connection on the starboard deck.

A friend who has an Islander has recently replaced his holding tank with a bladder, instead of a rigid tank.  This may be an easier install - and would be lower down in the hull, putting the weight lower.  Just a thought.

Another option could be a composting head, such as Nature's Head. Much simpler to install, reduced the plumbing. This may be relevant: http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-maintenance/58601-composting-toilet-report.html

Just sayin' . . . a retrofit would be quite a lot of work - Y-valve, vented loop, pump-out pipe and fitting, vent lots of pipes. holes cut here and there...

Good luck, and congrats on your excellent choice of sailboat!

Scott:
Hi Selene,
thanks for the response. In an hour I am heading to the boat with a surveyor and if everything checks out as I suspect it will, I will be the new owner of hull #135! I have admired this model for some time now and am excited about finally being able to own one. I would certainly appreciate photos of the holding tank arrangement in your boat, but you have also given me food for thought on the composting head idea.
Thanks, Scott

Dolce_Vita:
Scott,

  If you do go back in with a holding tank, here's one thing to consider:

Our boats, and most built at that time, have the head plumbed directly to the Y valve.  One side of the Y goes to the tank, and the other side goes to the thru-hull for direct discharge overboard (only legal when youre offshore).  The tank outlet is directly connected to the deck pumpout fitting. The problem with this design is that the only way to empty the tank is thru the deck fitting, which requires a pumpout station.

Later designs changed the plumbing arrangement so that the head was plumbed directly to the holding tank.  The Y valve was on the OUTLET of the tank.  One side led to the deck fitting, and the other led to a manual whale gusher pump and then to the thru hull.  This provided a way to empty the tank (again if you're offshore) without the use of a pumpout station.

Scott:
Whereas I am in Nova Scotia and require the holding tank primarily for cruising in the Bras d"Or Lake, and considering the fact that pump out stations are scarce, I will set up the holding tank as you suggest with the ability to pump the tank out while off shore along the coast.
Thanks again Ed

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