Stephen Trapani wrote:
This '79 Hunter I just bought has a big metal water tank in the bow.
This boat has sat unused for a few years, I understand. My buddy told me
I should by no means drink the water out of it, and should somehow clean
the tank, etc. I've drained the tank and refilled it. I was thinking I
should dump some swimming pool chlorine in it and let it set for a few
days. Bad idea? How should I clean it?

Fresh water system problems--foul odor or taste--are typically caused by
allowing water to stagnate in the system. Although most people think
only in terms of the tank, just cleaning it out only solves half the
problem...because the molds, mildew, fungi and bacteria which cause foul
water also thrive in the plumbing.

To recommission the system, follow these directions, which conform to
section 10.8 in the A-1 192 code covering electrical, plumbing, and
heating of recreational vehicles. The solution is approved and
recommended by competent health officials. It may be used in a new
system a used one that has not been used for a period of time, or one
that may have been contaminated.

Before beginning, turn off hot water heater at the breaker; do not turn
it on again until the entire recommissioning is complete.

1. Prepare a chlorine solution using one gallon of water and 1/2 cup (4
oz) Clorox or Purex household bleach (5% sodium Hypochlorine solution).
With tank empty, pour chlorine solution into tank. Use one gallon of
solution for each 5 gallons of tank capacity.

2. Complete filling of tank with fresh water. Open each faucet and drain
cock until air has been released and the entire system is filled. Do
not turn off the pump; it must remain on to keep the system pressurized
and the solution in the lines

3. Allow to stand for at least three hours, but no longer than 24 hours.

4 Drain through every faucet on the boat (and if you haven't done this
in a while, it's a good idea to remove any diffusion screens from the
faucets, because what's likely to come out will clog them). Fill the
tank again with fresh water only, drain again through every faucet on
the boat.

5. To remove excess chlorine taste or odor which might remain, prepare a
solution of one quart white vinegar to five gallons water and allow this
solution to agitate in tank for several days.

6. Drain tank again through every faucet, and flush the lines again by
fill the tank 1/4-1/2 full and again flushing with potable water.

I have two more suggestions for you:

1. check out the Hunter Owners website at http://www.hunterowners.com/

2. Check out the link in my signature.

--
Peggie
----------
Peggie Hall
Specializing in marine sanitation since 1987
Author "Get Rid of Boat Odors - A Guide To Marine Sanitation Systems and
Other Sources of Aggravation and Odor"
http://69.20.93.241/store/customer/p...40&cat=&page=1