how to measure for holding tank

[Halifax Sailor]

Purchased a boat circa 1980. has never had a holding tank, no Y valve, i need to get legal. Have flexible water tank under V berth, there is a lot of room still. There appears to have been an original install as i see holes in bulkheads and a plate where tank may have been. Obviously tank would have to fit through hole in V berth to install but what else do i need to look at? Cruising only, club has pump out and do go offshore so macerator pump is available. Thru valves for intake and outflow are right in same area where i think tank was originally. Boat is Mirage 27, anyone have any ideas or specs on what i should do?

[deblen]

Have a gander at this:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...type=1&theater

If I install a holding tank,I think this is the way I will go. Can be built to fit available space & drains overboard by gravity.

Cheers/ Len

[deblen]

Here is another idea.The tank doesn't have to go under the sole.

Ocean Trekker » Projects

[Reefmagnet]

If you are not against a DIY solution, try a custom build out of fibreglass. I made my own to fit an available space. Measured and made a mock up out of coreflute (the stuff real estate for sale signs are made from) and gaffer tape to test fit which then served double duty as a mold for a vinylester and glass tank. If you go this way make sure to allow for internal access and all the plumbing that needs to protrude.

[Kim Klaka]

Before doing anything, read a copy of "Getting rid of boat odours" ISBN-10: 1892399156, or anything else by Peggie Hall. There are lots of misconceptions about holding tanks, and you really don't want to learn the hard way!

[steamgoat]

Best supplier of tanks,hundreds of sizes , Kracor Kracor Incorporation Rotational Molders - Marine Industry

[peghall]

Originally Posted by steamgoat

Best supplier of tanks,hundreds of sizes , Kracor Kracor Incorporation Rotational Molders - Marine Industry

I beg to differ. Ronco Plastics Ronco Plastics Marine Catalog (no relation to the VegoMatic Ronco) makes TOP quality thick walled ( at least 3/8" vs Kracor 1/4") rotomolded tanks for a much more reasonable price than Kracor and has more than 400 shapes and sizes, over 100 of which are non-rectangular...and--also unlike Kracor--they install fittings in the sizes and locations specified by the customer when they make the tank.

We (my company, which I sold in 1999) were distributors for Kracor and dropped them in favor of Ronco because there's really no comparison between the two, especially when it comes to customer service.

[Nicholson58]

We cruised the RONCO and other sites for specialty tanks made to fit various shaped holes. Selected one and made a cardboard model to make sure it would fit. We found the largest standard goofy tank that would fit.

[steamgoat]

Peg,thank you for correcting me !! Brain fade. I replaced my old Kraco with a Ronco. Ronco are good I just got confused !!!!!!!!!!!

[peghall]

Originally Posted by steamgoat

Peg,thank you for correcting me !! Brain fade. I replaced my old Kraco with a Ronco. Ronco are good I just got confused !!!!!!!!!!!

[UNCIVILIZED]

You need to determine what kind of system it is that you want to install, in terms of pump out options. And also, measure the space where you'd like to put the tank, & then decide on what size & type of tank you'd like to install.

This 2nd part may, or may not, entail a bit of "surgery" on your boat's furniture, in order to get access to some of the better places to locatee your tank. Also, you may need to install some tie downs for the new tank. As you definitely don't want it "coming adrift" when the boat encounters heavy weather.

BTW,there are plenty of diagrams of a variety of systems, available, to help you decide what you want to go with. And if finding them is giving you fits, let us know.

After that, it's time to pick up the; tank, valves, pumps, hoses, & clamps, & get to work. And hoses are NOT the place to cheap out. As inexpensive hose material is where head odors typically come from.