|
Post by DMBekus on Oct 9, 2021 15:11:46 GMT -5
Those that watched my video , saw some of the issues with my 245DC. One more: which I was aware a few months ago, but did not tackle till today. I could not get all the waste out of the holding tank. I was pumping it myself and could never get the hose all the way in. The discharge hose was kinked, you can see in the 2nd picture. I decided to add a Y valve for discharge, once beyond 3 miles out (which I often am). The scariest part was the thru hull, but it all worked out. I can lock off the valve, as per regs, and either pump out or discharge overboard. I still have to modify the boards, for the new hose location and valve access and put a 6" access cover on. I do have a no poop policy, which anyone who enters the head must sign in triplicate, but I also have a wife-even when we are swimming off the boat will not pee in the Ocean.
|
|
|
Post by abouttime2fish on Oct 9, 2021 16:39:18 GMT -5
My CC is pump out only as well. I’m assuming you had to add a pump somewhere? Or is holding tank still pump out and Y is between potty and tank?
|
|
|
Post by DMBekus on Oct 9, 2021 16:59:03 GMT -5
Maserator pump is at head. Just gravity to get from holding tank to thru hull. Works great now, if maseratorated solids end up in tank, well see....
|
|
|
Post by abouttime2fish on Oct 9, 2021 17:55:37 GMT -5
Tested in water yet? I’m assuming thru Hull is below waterline. Even if gravity doesn’t work, running boat with it open might.
Mines not used often (guess my stink eye works!), but it costs my $20 or so to get it pumped, and it’s dockside so I have to remember every year to do it when boat in water last time before freezing temps….
|
|
|
Post by hookedup on Oct 9, 2021 19:03:28 GMT -5
Great idea. I often used the discharge when offshore on my Albemarle and really miss it on the 245DC. Ended up with a full tank once when I had several girls on the boat and luckily was able to anchor in warm water over the sandbar. Wish the tank had some indication of fullness, but it appears most boats don't. For now, I'm having the tank pumped based on how often I take the girls out and guessing.
Can't make out your last picture, but I get the idea from the other two. What was your parts list? And as abouttime2fish asked, have you tested it in water yet? With the additions I've got so far, I've run out of switch positions, but I'll find a way to add another.
|
|
|
Post by DMBekus on Oct 10, 2021 6:55:36 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by hookedup on Oct 10, 2021 7:50:34 GMT -5
The Admiral won't believe it! This would be my most inexpensive project to date. When you drilled the thru hull, how did you line everything up? I was thinking small bit from inside to create a locator, then drill correct size hole from outside.
I was also thinking you could close the Y valve and add water via the deck waste opening to help flush it out, but I know that raw water is BAD for tank smells (Albemarle used raw and it was problematic on bad smelling). Guess I could always bring a few gallons of water on board if that turns out to be needed.
Last question: From your testing so far, approximately how much is left in the tank once drained by the thru hull?
|
|
|
Post by DMBekus on Oct 10, 2021 8:57:11 GMT -5
Right now when I empty the tank about 2” stays in the bottom. But that was function of the hose length I had. I had to cut about 1½” off the existing hose, which did not allow me to put the valve below the bottom of the tank. I could get a longer hose, but I decided that having some liquid stay in the tank is better than being completely empty. I figure some liquid would prevent crud from forming on the walls. But for the price of a new hose (and my labor) it could drain all the way.
The thru hull gave me the most apprehension. I first tried a magnet and metal, then a powerful light. I ended of measuring and sighting off the bolt for the top, to get close. The I had my son tap from the inside with the end of a wrench. By putting my finger on the outside I was pretty confident to the exact location. I located the vertical by measuring the other thru hulls (to center line) off the chine. I used a lead pencil to draw light marks. I first used a 1/8” bit, from the outside, in case we screwed up. It ended up dead on and I finished from the outside with a 1 3/8” hole saw.
I put tank deodorizer in the head every so often, mostly because it makes the tank water a nice blue. Most importantly, though I know someday it will fail, we do have a no poop policy. I also only allow marine toilet paper in the head. Any first trippers get instructions…..
In my case the head only gets used a few times a year. My boat 75% fishing = no use. Then a few trips with friends and family with somtimes 6-10 people on board and that’s when I’ll get 10+ uses in one day. My tank does have a level sensor, which I believe will stop the head from adding water, once the capacity is reached- but maybe only be a warning light on the control- cant remember at this moment.
Yes I can add water, tank treatment from the deck or pump out, that is the default postion of the Y valve.
|
|
|
Post by hookedup on Oct 10, 2021 12:07:20 GMT -5
Thanks for the quick reply. As some of my grandkids are still kids, the no poop isn't a good option for me. I do ask them not to unless it's an emergency. I figure if the macerator works correctly it shouldn't be a problem.
And yes a red light comes on when the tank is full and flush lockout occurs. You can override it by holding the flush button for 8 seconds, which I'd forgotten. Hoping with the discharge set up I won't ever see the red light again.
|
|
|
Post by DMBekus on Oct 10, 2021 14:17:59 GMT -5
I agree about maceration, I have no experience. Though I have heard stories, head or no head, here's a bucket....
|
|
|
Post by noslackline on Oct 12, 2021 18:51:22 GMT -5
Next time "the shitters full" I'm calling you guys!!! LMAO... Nice fix and great write-up...
|
|
|
Post by jpettittwo on Apr 3, 2023 10:30:02 GMT -5
I have a 2008 - 2660 .... want to take holding tank and complete toilet system out as we do not use it. It is empty so we are safe there. Is there some type of drain and seacock cutoff thru-hull below tank to the outside that we need to be aware of?? Or any other advice on this removal plan?? Thanks John
|
|
|
Post by DMBekus on Apr 6, 2023 6:42:51 GMT -5
I dont have a 2660, but 1st determine if the tank even drains overboard, my 245DC did not - unitl I added it. If no overboard drain, just take out eveything connected to the system and be sure the water supply is properly terminated, as the freshwater pump for your hand shower or any other freshwater, also supplies the head.
|
|