Tank vents plugged by insects/arachnids

[zoowoodplaner]

We have a chronic problem with our mid-80's O'Day 34. Spiders and/or other insects in northern Lake Michigan plug up our above the waterline through-hull vents connected to our water and waste tanks (not so much the Diesel fuel tank). Do more modern venting systems have an alternative to these vulnerable though-hull vents? It's a real pain to detach the hose from inside, pull off the vent casting on the outside, and ream the holes open again, then re-install. I don't dare just poke them clean from the outside without detaching the vent hose, in order to avoid forcing foreign matter down into the water tank. I appreciate this forum and I thank anyone kind enough to respond.

Marty

[goboatingnow]

Water and diesel vents should have insect screens in them

[zoowoodplaner]

Thanks! I see Defender has them. I just ordered one for every one of our tanks. Appreciate the suggestion greatly.

Marty

[peghall]

Screens become clogged with dust and pollen...metal screens corrode and become clogged. I'm not sure how else you'd deal with the insects-in-the-vent thru-hull on your water tank...I'd research different types of thru-hulls...perhaps some type of removable cap that's easy to clean out.

The holding tank is another matter. What I'm about to recommend seems counterintuitive, but it's actually the best solution: replace the "vent" thru-hull with an open bulkhead or "mushroom" thru-hull. This will allow you to put a hose nozzle against the vent thru-hull and backflush the vent line every time you wash the boat and/or pump out, or even more often if necessary. Any critters who've tried to set up housekeeping the vent will just get a water slide ride into the holding tank.

--Peggie

[Lepke]

I use a Raid Bug Barrier spray from the hardware store. I have a lot of trees by my dock and without spraying the places spiders like to nest, I'd have 50 nests on the boat in a couple days.
The barrier seems to last a season.

[GreenWave]

To repel spiders buy peppermint oil and then mix this with water in a bottle sprayer 4:1 water to peppermint. Spray everywhere you don’t want spiders. Repeat every two weeks.

[Russ]

Copper "brillo" pads work great. Don't rust and can be replaced very cheaply. Also if you get a small diameter wire and bend it into a SMALL hook, you can penetrate the crap in the vent and then tease it out.

[MJH]

Originally Posted by zoowoodplaner

We have a chronic problem with our mid-80's O'Day 34. Spiders and/or other insects in northern Lake Michigan plug up our above the waterline through-hull vents connected to our water and waste tanks (not so much the Diesel fuel tank). Do more modern venting systems have an alternative to these vulnerable though-hull vents? It's a real pain to detach the hose from inside, pull off the vent casting on the outside, and ream the holes open again, then re-install. I don't dare just poke them clean from the outside without detaching the vent hose, in order to avoid forcing foreign matter down into the water tank. I appreciate this forum and I thank anyone kind enough to respond. Marty

I had that problem on one of my fuel tanks. I was suspicious because I always measure my fuel tanks before pumping fuel and the numbers did not match. I corrected the problem by clearing the lines and then inserting a small piece from a plastic scouring pad...no issues since then.

~ ~ _/) ~ ~ MJH

[AT34MorStar]

I made a suction cup looking device from Home Depot parts in the plumbing department. I hold it up over the thru hull with a hose screwed on it and blow water through the vent. For fuel I use an electric (West Marine) dinghy pump to blow air into the vent.. Work great. There will always be spiders and other insect to plug up the screens.

[mitiempo]

Originally Posted by peghall

Screens become clogged with dust and pollen...metal screens corrode and become clogged. I'm not sure how else you'd deal with the insects-in-the-vent thru-hull on your water tank...I'd research different types of thru-hulls...perhaps some type of removable cap that's easy to clean out.

The holding tank is another matter. What I'm about to recommend seems counterintuitive, but it's actually the best solution: replace the "vent" thru-hull with an open bulkhead or "mushroom" thru-hull. This will allow you to put a hose nozzle against the vent thru-hull and backflush the vent line every time you wash the boat and/or pump out, or even more often if necessary. Any critters who've tried to set up housekeeping the vent will just get a water slide ride into the holding tank.

--Peggie

Peggie is correct - the holding tank vent should be a mushroom through hull. Mine is 1".

As far as water tank vents, there is no good reason to have them exposed outside the boat. They can be installed inside high up or run into the sink like Swan did.