Holding tank or Type 1 MSD for Cal 39

[costaricanwannabe]

I have a 1983 Cal 39 with a 9-gallon holding tank mounted under the V-Berth. The tank is too small, the hose runs too long, and the whole unit smells bad. There is a manual pump for overboard discharge, which probably causes some of the smell. I need to overhaul the whole system.

Does anyone have experience with the Electro-Scan Type 1 MSD? How does it compare with a holding tank? I am considering replacing the existing tank with a 25-gallon tank made to fit the space under the V-Berth, and replacing the manual pump with a macerator.

[svsirius]

We have the older version an elctrosan.. uses a little more power than the new one but same treatment -- very happy with the unit. realize that it still does not solve the no discharge zone issues however most places very helpful. we have 2 heads so one is electrosan/overboard the other is a holding tank/overboard. 90+ percent of the time we use the electrosan.

[techjunc]

Our 1980 Cal 39 had a similar holding tank. We replaced it with a 20+ gallon tank shaped to fit in the V-berth. You can get them pre-made. Just measure your space carefully.

The smells you have are probably hoses that have worn out. Replace them, and make straight runs. Heads are a consistent problem.

J. Williams
Spindrift Cal 39 (#105) 1980
San Francisco CA

[costaricanwannabe]

Thanks, J. Williams. Where is a good place to get a ready made 20 gallon tank to fit under the V-Berth? I saw some non-rectangular tanks at the Raritan web site, but I would be interested in finding out where you got the tank for your Cal 39, and what model it is. The boatyard at our marina gave me an estimate for a custom fabricated aluminum tank that would hold 30 gallons, but it was really expensive, and I would rather do it myself if I could find the right parts.

[roline]

For a Cal 9.2, I had a bladder tank under the V-berth. Mid summer was not very pleasant, we have limited pumpout facility access. I fabricated a 3/8 to 1/2" thick tank out of epoxy resin and fiberglass, sanding the inside smooth with 40 grit and poured a slick coat on all surfaces, also poured a little in every corner. Its been a couple yrs now and the stench is gone. I used the eternal level sensor that you lay down the 2 foil traces trimming the bottom for "0". It works great and no extra holes in the top.
It fits right behind the head so the hoses are as short as possible.
http://www.angelfire.com/tn/santana5...ding_tank2.JPG