Holding Tank Failure

[BillG501]

The welded aluminum holding tank on our Packet Cat 35 is experiencing severe corrosion where the discharge fitting is welded to the tank. I''m looking at replacing the tank - probably with a good quality poly tank. It looks like it will require a chop saw to extract the tank. Has anyone experienced this before who might have some helpful tips?

[sstonecliffe]

Our aluminum holding tank corroded in several places over 15 years of use resulting in sewage in the bilge! No wonder it stank, especially after pumping. You should be able to remove the tank as we did to measure it and/or the space for a new one. Ours was specially made to fit our space. Unfortunately for us, we can't find another polyethelene one to fit the space. Perhaps it would be easier for you. Good luck and let me know what you find!
--Sue
1982 Custom Peterson 44

[Lecy]

Check out:

http://www.ronco-plastics.com/ http://www.kracor.com/pages/marinecatalog.html

for plastic tanks. Ronco also has some installation tips on their website.

[SmartCaptain]

Hi Bill,
I had the same problem on my IP38 holding tank. The tank corroded at weld points on the seams and around fittings. I was able to remove the tank without cutting it up (I was lucky). I replicated the old tank in stainless steel at a cost of about $600. It was expensive, but was the "no-brainer" solution that allowed me to swap new for old tank in about 10 minutes.

If I had to do it all over again, I would consider cutting the top off the old tank, cleaning thoroughly, then installing a flexible bladder tank inside the old tank.

Hope this helps,
Jeff