Sealing the Holding Tank Compartment

[off-the-grid]

My holding tank is located in my sail locker. I had to gain access to it, to change a hose. When resealing the compartment, what should I use?

Looks like the manufacturer...or a previous owner used 5200. I'm wondering if something a little less perminent would be a better idea, considering how hard it was to remove the panel (plexi, plywood, fiberglass hull)?

[rebel heart]

So you're trying to seal up the sail locker? Sorry but I'm missing it a bit. I thought you had to open the holding tank when I first read this.

[SabreKai]

I'd make the lid removable so you can get it off again at some point. Bedding it down with 5200 is not a good idea as you found. I'd go with automotive gasket goop. Run a bead around the flange, put the lid on and screw it down. The bead will form a gasket that matches the lid and flange and will be airtight but easy enough to remove.

5200 eh? My holding tank is sealed off behind a half inch plywood lid that was epoxyed in place and screwed down.

I plan on using my skilsaw set to 1/2 depth and just open up the panel then put in flanges so the old lid can be reused.


Sabre

[MarkJ]

At least on my boat they expect the holding tank to need servicing. the covering pannel is just screwed on.

What about a few screws?

And if you need a seal for smell reduction then Sabres gasket goo and a few screws must be the go

[SabreKai]

Yeh, I don't think I've ever seen anything quite so daft as the methods used on my current boat. I've been mucking round in boats since 77, and this is a first for me. There are all kinds of hidden bits on Sabre Dance. I'm going to spend this summer seeking them out. Should be interesting as some of the spots will require a rope around the ankle to pull me out when I'm done.

Sabre

[off-the-grid]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

At least on my boat they expect the holding tank to need servicing. the covering pannel is just screwed on.

What about a few screws?

And if you need a seal for smell reduction then Sabres gasket goo and a few screws must be the go

Nothing to really screw into. And the tank pretty much sits on the floor of the locker. Needs to be sealed at least on the bottom and part way up the sides.

[SabreKai]

Cut some thin strips of wood about 3/4x3/4 and make flanges on the bottom and sides that are flush with the wood strip at the top. Epoxy them in and then you can screw a panel in to close off the tank.

Sabre