Pearson Boats - Common Systems > Plumbing and Galley Systems

Tiny waste tank issue solved. 38 Gallon Waste Tank Install.

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Valor:
This is not a typo.Like many of you, I was annoyed at the limited amount of time the holding rank allowed between emptying.  If you were not in a location where you could dump overboard, you were pretty much screwed.

After looking at all options and not being sold on any, i decied to create my own solution.

My 78 Pearson 323 came with the 40 gal bow tank option. The bow tank had a large crack in it and wasnt usable. The tank is installed before they install the deck to the hull making removal impossible.

I had to cut 3 inches off the rear of tank  just so it could be wiggled out of the bow and then another inch so it would fit through both head doors and the companion hatch. The bow sliding door needs to be removed to get the tank in and out.

After getting the tank home, I mocked up what I wanted and were. I decided to install all fitting centerline down midship so even if the boat heels, not much of anything would drain back into a hose,  and be allowed to sit.

I'm not pumping overboard in my area so a macerator is not a concern and will not be installed. Since the hoses are the weakest point, I wanted little to no waste sitting in a hose. I wanted a tank drain and waste inlet located on top of the tank with a dip tube running to the aft most deepest section of the tank to get everything out when pumped out. This would eliminate that problem.  I finished it off with a big 1 inch vent and a capped inspection port.

After making some calls and asking around I found a company in Florida named Dura Weld. They  make custom welded polyethylene tanks and were highly recommended by a few people. I spoke with Gaerth and assured me the tank will be built like a tank to any spec I supply.

After a lot of digging on the internet, I found the original schematic from the manufacturer of the original bow tank. I checked their measurements to my tank and they were spot on. I instructed Gaerth to build the tank 4 inches shorter then the schematic and where I wanted the ports. An internal baffle was also a must to limit the fluid movement within the tank.

From the time I placed the order until delivery was less than 3 weeks. It fits absolutely perfect.

I will make a follow up post once the boat is splashed and I have used it.

The starboard bow locker is now completely empty. It can easily hold 2 massive 6v batteries and then some if you want to move the house bank forward.

Full disclosure the tank is less then 900 bucks to build plus freight.  Top of the line raritan hose will set you back about 180 bucks and another 50 for the vent line.

 If you plan on doing this upgrade, please take these 2 pieces of advice.
 1) Do NOT make this tank from this schematic any longer than 28 inches in overall length or you will not be able to get the tank into the companion hatch or the inner doorways. When I tell you butter is needed to slide this in, it is not an exaggeration.
2) The 4 inches must be removed from the AFT END of the tank to make the overall triangle smaller. Do not take it off of the front.

Here are some pictures. Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Michael

Valor:
More pics

m_boone:
Wow that is really something! Useful for those without the bow tank option as well.

AnaMeg:
Michael, I like your solution. And I feel your aches and pains moving that tank through the boat. I did something similar about 15 yrs ago. However, I used the existing bow tank. Your description reminded me of the struggles I went through trying to get the tank out. I finally gave up and used the bow water tank as is. I talked with Kracor and they said the construction was the same as they use for holding tanks so should not be a structural problem.  Although Kracor said it was a 40 gal tank, when I filled it with water it took 29.5 gal. No matter; that's enough. At that time PVC pipe was the talk behind the "proper" scenes so I used it. No problems... yet. Also no odor... yet.

Geoff

Scott:
Hi, How was the vent configured in terms of exit to the exterior of the boat ? Scott

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