In at the deep end - Page 2

JohnS · 03-31-2018, 07:51 PM

The decision to do something about the heads is forced by the condition of the existing drain plumbingof the aft head, all behind cabinets or tanks. This drain line has been plugged for years.
PO used it as a urinal, draining directly overboard, with the forward head only draining to the waste tank.
First estimate was 2k to redo or repair bc of location of the line. The existing y valve and related plumbing at the forward head also fail current regs.
That led me to the composting heads, but as little as I know about the alternatives, I am open to any suggestions.
We intend to live aboard at a marina near Stuart FL for 6 mos to a year, while learning about our boat and getting experience cruising in her.
We may later cruise the east coast and the Bahamas, or even try the great loop. She should be capable of the loop as she draws only 4' 8", and the mast is hinged.
Thanks all for the welcome and the advice.
John

O C Diver · 03-31-2018, 08:14 PM

Congratulations on the new boat!

If the forward holding tank has a deck pump out fitting, bringing the forward head into compliance could be as simple as removing the Y valve.

If the back head still functions, routing a flexible hose from head to tank shouldn't be that expensive. You may find more competitively priced head mechanics in the Indiantown area.

Ted

Wxx3 · 03-31-2018, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RT Firefly

Greetings,
Welcome aboard. Life moves in mysterious ways. I note your comment regarding replacing the heads with composting models. May I strongly suggest you hold off on making any changes of this magnitude for at least a year.

Welcome aboard.

JohnS · 03-31-2018, 09:07 PM

Trying some pics. Hope it works.
John

OldDan1943 · 03-31-2018, 09:15 PM

Get a plumber and or replace the hose to the aft sanitary tank.
Lift the throne and run a snake down to the tank.

Comodave · 03-31-2018, 09:30 PM

Are you handy as in DIY? If so there is always a way to get a hose from one place to another. There are 2 really good sewage hoses made, one of which is really flexible. You may have to do some surgery to route it. It really isn’t rocket science, maybe just hard physically to do. Don’t rely on just an estimate on holding tanks hoses, it isn’t much fun so the estimate may be high to discourage you from having the work done. At least if you are not able to DIY then get a couple of estimates.

OldDan1943 · 03-31-2018, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnS

Trying some pics. Hope it works.
John

Nice interior.

drb1025 · 03-31-2018, 11:08 PM

Sounds like a well cared for boat and a good find for you. Good luck with your plans!

**Peter B** · 04-01-2018, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markpierce

How is a composting toilet different from an outhouse???

Surprised you have to ask that Mark. An outhouse is, as the name implies, outside, and the lot can go down it. A composting toilet is inside with you, in close proximity, and also you have to separate wet waste from essentially dry.
But you knew that...

Star0210 · 04-01-2018, 03:50 AM

Congratulations!
Life works in mysterious ways. I think it’s great you acted and bought the boat you fell in love with. Better to not have any regrets on letting it get away. The rest will all work itself out.
Best wishes to you. Fun times ahead.

High Wire · 04-01-2018, 06:19 AM

BTDT with the aft cabin head line clogged. Years? Its probably rock solid all the way to the tank. Nothing you put in there will dissolve the piss-crete over that long distance. I had to pull and cut 1 ft at a time for 20+ ft to get it all out. Not fun but not impossible.
One more thing. Use premium odor barrier hose like Raritan Saniflex. That cheaper white 148 hose will permeate in less than two years meaning you WILL replace it again!!!

ranger58sb · 04-01-2018, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnS

The survey went well, only one medium problem, disclosed in advance, that the rear heads drain to the black tank was plugged.
We are researching replacing the heads and tank with composting heads.

Could be a simple fix, with some SewClean in the line for a while. Especially if it's just a uric acid build-up in the line, which is quite possible. Google.

In any case, I'd suggest you use the boat for about a year before making major changes. Confer with Peggie Hall first about any changes in your sanitation systems.

If you know Kelly Flynn in Indy somewhere, he probably still has a big boat, 65 GB I think, something like that, maybe still kept in Hampton Roads area. Might be a good resource for discussion and so forth...

-Chris

ranger58sb · 04-01-2018, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by High Wire

BTDT with the aft cabin head line clogged. Years? Its probably rock solid all the way to the tank. Nothing you put in there will dissolve the piss-crete over that long distance. I had to pull and cut 1 ft at a time for 20+ ft to get it all out. Not fun but not impossible.
One more thing. Use premium odor barrier hose like Raritan Saniflex. That cheaper white 148 hose will permeate in less than two years meaning you WILL replace it again!!!

We had a rock solid blockage, even got the plumber's snake stuck in it for a while.

SewClean fixed it. Don't know if it's universally effective, but our experience was pretty impressive.

Not a bad idea to replace hose if necessary, of course, and premium hose seems well worth the cost.

-Chris

OldDan1943 · 04-01-2018, 06:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by High Wire

BTDT with the aft cabin head line clogged. Years? Its probably rock solid all the way to the tank. Nothing you put in there will dissolve the piss-crete over that long distance. I had to pull and cut 1 ft at a time for 20+ ft to get it all out. Not fun but not impossible.
One more thing. Use premium odor barrier hose like Raritan Saniflex. That cheaper white 148 hose will permeate in less than two years meaning you WILL replace it again!!!

Wear eye protection, breathing mask, gloves glovers gloves.
We all know what that stuff is.
No need to beg for trouble.

On my AT34, my second head is a bucket.