Fight Club____for Sailors

[Cruisingdad]

Originally Posted by smackdaddy

I'm off to install a shiny new holding tank - purchased right here on Sailnet - on the esteemed S/V Smacktanic.

Then, I'm going to proceed to do unspeakable things to it.

Wish me luck chums. This could get messy.

Smack,

I know you are new to sailing and all that, so I just want to help you out. Make sure you do not allow any tubes to vent that tank. It may come with small tube which some cheaper manufacturers run outside the boat. But the proper method is to totally seal it up so no air can get out.

Now, when you go to use the head next, it will be a little hard to pump. That is because the tank is new. It has to be broken in a little. The best thing to do to use the head until you cannot pump it anymore, then get a high amperage wet/dry vac and shove the output into the toilet bowl. You will hear a slight gurgling and creaking from your new tank. This is normal. Just leave the hose in the head on high and go take the deck cap off. Don't forget to smile as you do so because you have just finished your first major boat project!!!

Report back when you are done.

- CD

[ssneade]

Originally Posted by Cruisingdad

Smack,

I know you are new to sailing and all that, so I just want to help you out. Make sure you do not allow any tubes to vent that tank. It may come with small tube which some cheaper manufacturers run outside the boat. But the proper method is to totally seal it up so no air can get out.

Now, when you go to use the head next, it will be a little hard to pump. That is because the tank is new. It has to be broken in a little. The best thing to do to use the head until you cannot pump it anymore, then get a high amperage wet/dry vac and shove the output into the toilet bowl. You will hear a slight gurgling and creaking from your new tank. This is normal. Just leave the hose in the head on high and go take the deck cap off. Don't forget to smile as you do so because you have just finished your first major boat project!!!

Report back when you are done.

- CD

talk about head pressure....

[ssneade]

i just recently installed my new holding tank. what a job! didn't think i'd ever get the lid off that five gallon sheet rock mud bucket.....

[ssneade]

you don't sail if you can't take a crap in a bucket.....

[CalebD]

Been there, done that Smack.
There were a few chitty aspects to doing this job on our boat. The first was removing the old holding tank - what a crappy job. Not sure if your C27 has an old holding tank or not but be sure to hold your nose when removing if it does.
The next worst aspect of this job was when it was done I would not let anybody use the damn thing; I reasoned that other people would 'help' to fill it up but would not help to empty it. The bucket ruled for a season or two until the inevitable christening.
We put 2 vent hoses into our tank and lashed the damn thing down with material similar to a car's seat belts to keep it in place. We always treat the tank with KO.
Good luck with this project.

[tabascoisacondiment]

Rum is good....

[wind_magic]

Originally Posted by Cruisingdad

Now, when you go to use the head next, it will be a little hard to pump. That is because the tank is new. It has to be broken in a little. The best thing to do to use the head until you cannot pump it anymore, then get a high amperage wet/dry vac and shove the output into the toilet bowl. You will hear a slight gurgling and creaking from your new tank. This is normal. Just leave the hose in the head on high and go take the deck cap off. Don't forget to smile as you do so because you have just finished your first major boat project!!!

Report back when you are done.

- CD

Why is this never mentioned in the gun threads as a way to repel pirates who board your boat ?

[St Anna]

In response to CD's advice.
Welcome to cruising dad's evil twin.

[CalebD]

Originally Posted by ssneade

you don't sail if you can't take a crap in a bucket.....

While I agree whole heartedly with this sentiment, the EPA or local DNR may not.
Earlier this summer I was on a 2 night/2 day trip on the Chessy with 3 old high school sailing friends. One of us brought along a kayak which we lashed to the starboard side deck for our trip across the bouncy open waters of the Chessy under a full moon; we left the dock around 10 pm on a Friday and anchored on the eastern shore around 5 am, having sailed all night by moonlight, navigating by gps lat/lon and charts. The next morning we crossed back over to our home port river and anchored again for the night.
I have spent other overnights on this boat and even worked on the head applying a service kit for it. On these occasions all of us were able to wait until we got back to the home marina to use the facilities; can you say: "anal retentive"? But this 2 night overnight trip was a bit longer but the stigma of being the one who put chit in the head still remained; can you say: "macho"? So by Sunday morning each of the other fellows took the kayak and paddled to woodsy shoreline to take care of their business. I never paddled to shore as when nature called and I knew I could not wait till we got back to the marina, much less paddle ashore, I just jumped into the water and swam around the boat. Once back aboard my anxiety was relieved and I enjoyed watching my friends and other people on their boats swimming in the water. Needless to say I did not mention my little secret to my friends until well after that trip.
All this to say: You are not a sailor if you can't take a crap in the water while swimming. I doubt that the EPA or DNR will be able to pin it on you, if they can find the evidence.
That said, if you want your ladies and kids to join you then you will have a working head and holding tank and you will use it to set an example. The best way to get young kids to wear a life preserver is to wear one yourself.

[smackdaddy]

CD - thanks for the holding tank installation advice. I will put it in "The Salt's Corner Table" thread later.

I did everything you said except take the deck plate cap off. I was amazed at how it went from rectangular to perfectly round after I'd pumped sludge into for 3 hours. It has an interesting "booonnnngggggggg" when I thump it now. So I think it's inflated enough. I thought I'd let it heat up for a few days before I check the deck plate.

Again - thanks for the valuable help. I keep telling everyone Sailnet is where you get the very best sailing advice from EXPERIENCED salts. Had I followed those stupid instructions that came with the tank I bet the stupid thing would have still been rectangular. Idiots

Next...the deck plate and a smile!

PS - Caleb, I gotta know...is this REALLY the moral of your story of crapping like a duck?

Originally Posted by CalebD

The best way to get young kids to wear a life preserver is to wear one yourself.