Holding tank Pump Out placement

thepoco · #1 (**permalink**) 10-20-2010

Greetings all,
I recently bought a 26' Seafarer. Nice little boat built in 1978 w/o a holding tank. As I plan the installation a question of where to install the pump out fitting arose. Is there a practical reason why they are always on the deck. I am wondering if a thru hull just below the rub rail would work. It would seem to be more easily accessed by the pump out boat and reduce the risk of on deck spillage. Am I overlooking something here? (wouldn't be the first time.) Thanks in advance for any advice you can share

SVAuspicious · #2 (**permalink**) 10-20-2010

High probability of losing the cap?

wwilson · #3 (**permalink**) 10-20-2010

Same poster on another thread or a different Q?

Watch a boat being pumped out. The nozzle and hose are partially full on shut off of the pump. The valve on the nozzle is somewhere in the middle of the device. All of the effluent in front of the nozzle has to go somewhere. With a horizontally oriented fitting it will drain down into the tank as you slowly remove the hose. With a vertically oriented fitting some will drain and some will spill - down the side of the boat.

I have never seen a manufacturer install a vertical pump out fitting. It may be the kind of thing a DIY'er might try, but will almost certainly regret. Or at least nearby boats in the marina will certainly regret over time. (A corruption of the name "Old Iron Sides" comes to mind)

Is there a structural or access reason that you are considering a top side mounted pump out?

HeadHoncho · #4 (**permalink**) 10-20-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by SVAuspicious

High probability of losing the cap?

+1

Also, there is far more likelihood of a spill with a vertically-mounted fitting than one that is mounted on deck. Take the word of a pumpout service owner, don't mount it on the hull.

thepoco · #5 (**permalink**) 10-21-2010

Thanks for the feedback. I hadn't considered those possibilities. They make sense and as a result traditon will be followed.

By the way, the Seafarer will be re-named to "My Front Porch." My grandson (aged 1.5yrs) can supply the necessary antidote for the bilge to ward off any bad vibes for not keeping the original name. Traditon must be followed.

Pete