Using the black tank for storage?

[TooCoys]

What?

Yes, that is exactly what I said. My black holding tank is under my V Berth on the starboard side. Since we aren't doing long cruises yet, and at most it would be weekend bay trips, I'm thinking about removing the flushable head, and putting in a composting head.

If I do this, I'm wondering what the possibility of using the holding tank area is for storage. Or possibly even a location for installation of a marine A/C unit.

Is the tank actually the walls of the boat, or is there a plastic tank that has been built around?

Anyone ever done anything like this?

[a64pilot]

Pretty sure its an actual plastic tank, some are easy to remove, some are not.
Great place for an AC unit, I have had a couple under my bunk in a couple of boats and have never heard or felt any vibration

[TooCoys]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Pretty sure its an actual plastic tank, some are easy to remove, some are not.
Great place for an AC unit, I have had a couple under my bunk in a couple of boats and have never heard or felt any vibration

If I lift the mattress in my vberth, there is a circular plastic hatch that I can unscrew. That's why I wasn't sure if it was just a fitting on top of a plastic tank, or if it was actually part of the boat.

[toddster8]

Almost but perhaps not quite the same thing. I removed the ill-fitting space-wasting black water tank that came with my boat and installed a bladder tank. When not in use, it lays flat on the bottom of the compartment, which is then available for storage. I've toyed with the idea of laying a second potable water bladder on top of it, for longer trips. The potable would only be inflated on a passage and the black would only inflate near-shore. Both would remain empty during daysailing, so that locker might also be used to store off-shore deck gear. Just gotta keep it well ventilated!

[Kenomac]

Just leave things the way they are....

[Tkeeth]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

Just leave things the way they are....

LOL, again, experience there!

[SV Bacchus]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

Just leave things the way they are....

Agreed! Not sure I would make major mods for my 'now' cruising as I might need it for my 'future' cruising and it would be much harder to put it back than it was to take it out.

[taxwizz]

You will never get the smell out of your good shirts

[somanyboats]

We did that in a union 36. worked out great. The tank was built in,so we put in a water tight hatch, Now it was dry storage under the vberth.

[bcboomer]

According to sailboatdata that boat was built from 1974 so I doubt the tank is an integral part of the design. I'd use a big hole saw to make an access in the top and look inside. If it's a glassed-in-place plastic tank then just cut the top off and use the space. If you can lift out the tank, so much the better.

[Calif.Ted]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

Just leave things the way they are....

Really, Ain't it spring in Texas ? Go sailing, have you had that boat a whole year yet ?

[Kenomac]

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

[buzzstar]

While I join Kenomac's good advice from both his posts above, I immediately wondered why you would need the storage space for "weekend bay trips" and how distant were the implications of the word, "yet." You need not answer, but I do urge your to think further on the subject.

[dakno]

All the above comments are true. I have a 1981 H27, your sister boat. The tank is molded in, integral. It is not a separate bladder. I would leave it alone, add a Y valve to make it Coast Guard compliant. The labor involved to chop it up, purchase a composting toilet to gain the minimal space where your 20 gal tank is simply not worth it. You also reduce the market value and functionality of your boat.

[SV Bacchus]

Originally Posted by dakno

You also reduce the market value and functionality of your boat.

A fact often overlooked!