Flexable versus Ridged holding tanks

[IslandRaider]

When I bought Privateer she originally had a flexible holding tank
(Jabsco Par 15) which still had crap (pun intended) in it after the previous owner had her up on the hard for almost 2 years. Needless to say I deep 6'd it. The new marina requires holding tank for liveaboards, and I was thinking about replacing the old with a new flexible, but I have no experience with them. Input would be appreciated.

[sailingdog]

I would avoid ridged holding tanks, as they are much more difficult to clean out than smooth tanks are. If you're asking about flexible vs. rigid tanks, I would probably say that rigid tanks are the better choice for most boats.

[cpcohen]

Take a look at:

http://www.severnriveryachtclub.org/...sanitation.htm

You want a holding tank that lets the poop degrade _aerobically_. So there has to be air on top of the waste.

Use a rigid tank. Usually, _somebody_ makes something that fits in the available space.

Charles

[cpcohen]

Sorry - that document is at:

http://www.severnriveryachtclub.org/...sanitation.htm

Marine Sanitation: Fact vs. Folklore

by Peggie Hall (used to be the head of Peal Products, bought by Raritan in 1999)

[camaraderie]

Great link CP!

[sailingdog]

I would point out that Peggy Hall is probably one of the foremost experts on marine sanitation systems there is currently.

I would also point you to this link, which I believe is also by Peggy, and does mention the negative aspects to using a flexible bladder as a holding tank, especially on a sailboat.