head work on cape dory 27

[hd1975]

Hi, will be removing head and tank--should we replace hoses with flexible or solid pvc(does it matter). The boat is a 1981 and the head hasn't been used in a few years(at least that's my understanding). I think water holding tank will be coming out to clean as well. Any advise will be greatly appreciated--hd

[sailingdog]

Solid PVC pipe is a really bad idea on a boat, as it tends to break under the vibration and movement that it normally is exposed to on a boat.

Use a high-quality marine sewage rated hose, like Sealand OdorSafe or Trident 101, and you should be fine.

[hd1975]

thanks saildog, I'll look into those hoses

[camaraderie]

HD...typically no need to remove a tank either. Just get some water in there and do a few pumpouts unless you find a leak and make sure the VENT hose of the tank is clear. Most smelly heads have everything to do with the tank and everything to do with the hose and the head itself. Do NOT use any bleach compounds in the head or any oil as there is good bacteria that kills the smell that will be wiped out by such materials in the tank.
Get one of those hoses recommended by the Dawg!

[sailingdog]

IF you're cleaning the tank out, you can use bleach, but just make sure you rinse the tank thoroughly before it is used for waste, since Cam's point about bleach killing off the good bacteria is a very good one.