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Homemade waste water tank
I am considering making my own black water tank. Blackwater being toilet
waste. I would like to place the tank under the sole between the centre stringers. The lateral stringers are over 1' off center and 15" deep, giving me a tank of just over 2'W X 15"H. Not sure how long yet but I want a finished size of around 45 gallons. I would leave space under the tank to allow any water to migrate to the back of the boat and be discharged. This would also mean the tank would only touch the hull along the stringers. My understanding is that I can make such a tank using fiberglass cloth and epoxy. I would use marine plywood for the form and glass the entire inside of the box and lid. How would I achieve a good seal on the lid? The plumbing I think I can figure out: discharge, venting etc. Does any one have any cautions, suggestions? I sure wouldn't want this thing cracking and leaking. I should be able to place a toilet right over the tank to eliminate pumping it from toilet to tank. Good idea? Thanks |
Homemade waste water tank
On Sat, 7 Jan 2006 21:05:31 -0500, "Steve Lortie"
wrote: I am considering making my own black water tank. Blackwater being toilet waste. ========== It will be much cheaper and easier to buy one ready made. These guys have hundreds of different sizes and shapes: http://www.ronco-plastics.com/HomeLayers.htm |
Homemade waste water tank
Steve Lortie wrote:
I am considering making my own black water tank. Blackwater being toilet waste. Strongly consider Wayne's suggestion. Ronco Plastics (no relation to the VegoMatic Ronco btw) makes TOP quality poly tanks for a very reasonable price. I would like to place the tank under the sole between the centre stringers. That's a good location for a water tank, but not for waste holding tank. What size is your boat? Sail or power? Where's the head--forward or aft? Also, unless you're restoring a houseboat, 45 gals is a LOT of waste to store aboard...a lot of weight--close to 400 lbs including the weight of the tank. Why do you think you need a waste tank that big? I should be able to place a toilet right over the tank to eliminate pumping it from toilet to tank. Good idea? Maybe...maybe not. What kind of toilet do you have in mind? -- 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://shop.sailboatowners.com/books...ku=90&cat=1304 |
Homemade waste water tank
Hi Peggy,
I have shopped around here in Ottawa Canada and the prices for a custom tank don't seem all that reasonable to me. I am thinking custom because of price but also so I don't have to modify the sole height to accomadate a standard size tank. A tank height of 15" doesn't seem too standard. Headroom is around 6' which isn't a problem for me but if I cut the ceiling height down any, some might find it a little claustrophobic. I'm curious why the location is not good for waste tank. Hope the answer isn't too obvious. You may recall that I am redoing a houseboat. 40 footer. I ended up replacing stringers so the boat is pretty bare right now. The head is not in yet so I am flexible where it goes but right now my plans put it off centre towards aft. The 45 gallons comes from discussions at the marina. If you don't want to be docking/pumping more than once a week, that is the size to use. Also, even though I may not end up living on the hook as much as I think, I am trying to redo the boat to make it appealing to a buyer should I end up selling it. Is 45 gal still too big with this as a consideration? From you experience, what size of tank are you thinking? I am considering of starting off with a manual toilet such as "ITT Par Manual Marine Toilet": http://www.valleymarine.ca/Main.asp?...PageNumber= 1 "Peggie Hall" wrote in message . net... Steve Lortie wrote: I am considering making my own black water tank. Blackwater being toilet waste. Strongly consider Wayne's suggestion. Ronco Plastics (no relation to the VegoMatic Ronco btw) makes TOP quality poly tanks for a very reasonable price. I would like to place the tank under the sole between the centre stringers. That's a good location for a water tank, but not for waste holding tank. What size is your boat? Sail or power? Where's the head--forward or aft? Also, unless you're restoring a houseboat, 45 gals is a LOT of waste to store aboard...a lot of weight--close to 400 lbs including the weight of the tank. Why do you think you need a waste tank that big? I should be able to place a toilet right over the tank to eliminate pumping it from toilet to tank. Good idea? Maybe...maybe not. What kind of toilet do you have in mind? -- 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://shop.sailboatowners.com/books...ku=90&cat=1304 |
Homemade waste water tank
On Sun, 8 Jan 2006 09:15:15 -0500, "Steve Lortie"
wrote: Hi Peggy, I have shopped around here in Ottawa Canada Are you expecting to get out of the river and the Rideau much? Or to anywhere that isn't a no-discharge zone? Peggie may be thinking in terms of warmer, saltier locales. 45 gallons doesn't seem like a bad choice to me if you can deal with the weight and space issues. I suggest you look farther afield for a tank that will fit, and/or consider a location other than the bilge. There should be lots of places possible on a 40 foot houseboat. Remember the tank doesn't have to be located below the toilet. Ryk |
Homemade waste water tank
Steve Lortie wrote:
I have shopped around here in Ottawa Canada and the prices for a custom tank don't seem all that reasonable to me. I am thinking custom because of price but also so I don't have to modify the sole height to accomadate a standard size tank. I don't think you'll have to resort to a custom tank...Ronco has 400 shapes and sizes, including over 100 non-rectangular....I just checked their site. They have over a dozen in the 44-48 gal range, almost all under 15" deep. Check their site. If they don't have one you like...try these folks: http://www.triplemplastics.net/ They make custom tanks to your drawing and their prices are considerably lower than any other custom tank fabricator. You can also save a bundle on shipping--for everything you buy from the US--if you rent an address at one of the Mailboxes etc type places in the nearest town on our side of the border. Won't save you any applicable duty, but you won't have to pay internation shipping rates and those huge "customs brokerage fees" that UPS etc charges to ship stuff into Canada. Can't do anything about the rate of exchange, though. :) I'm curious why the location is not good for waste tank. Hope the answer isn't too obvious. Because a tank buried on the keel is almost impossible to vent to keep the contents aerobic, which is what's needed to prevent odor. However, in a houseboat, which has a fairly flat bottom, that may not be as much of an issue as it would be in a deep keel boat. If you can vent to both sides of the hull, using at 1" or 1.5" vent that's no longer than 3-4', doesn't rise more than 45 degrees and is straight as an arrow, you may be ok there. Is 45 gal still too big with this as a consideration? From you experience, what size of tank are you thinking? For a houseboat that size, 40-45 gals is about right. For a sailboat or cruiser under 40', it would be a bit big. I am considering of starting off with a manual toilet such as "ITT Par Manual Marine Toilet" A manual toilet isn't the best choice for the resale value of a houseboat, but it's ok if that's what you want. But go with one that's decent quality, not that one. A Raritan PH II will cost you about $100 USD more, but it'll last at least 20 years with minimal maintenance...you'll be lucky to get 2 trouble-free years out of a Par/Jabsco. If you're thinking of putting the toilet directly over the tank, you might want to consider going with an RV direct drop gravity toilet from SeaLand. Check out the Traveler and Traveler Lite he http://www.dometicusa.com/sanitation.php It does use pressurized flush water from the onboard supply, but very little (and you can add water to the bowl ahead of use, which you can only do by pouring it in with cup to manual toilet)...how much fresh water do you plan to carry? If you want to discuss specifics of your proposed installation in more detail than is practical in a public discussion, you're welcome to email me: peggie(dot)hall(at)gmail(dot)com (that's a new address, btw). Meanwhile, you MIGHT want to check out the link 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://shop.sailboatowners.com/books...ku=90&cat=1304 |
Homemade waste water tank
Ryk,
At some point I am sure I would like to venture farther afield but I somehow doubt it will be in this boat. I would certainly like to give it a try but the St Lawerence might even be a bit much for this boat. Don't know yet. I suppose I will look a little harder for a tank. I was trying to stay away from pumps and what not, but you are right. I could, using pumps, put the tank almost anywhere. Steve "Ryk" wrote in message ... On Sun, 8 Jan 2006 09:15:15 -0500, "Steve Lortie" wrote: Hi Peggy, I have shopped around here in Ottawa Canada Are you expecting to get out of the river and the Rideau much? Or to anywhere that isn't a no-discharge zone? Peggie may be thinking in terms of warmer, saltier locales. 45 gallons doesn't seem like a bad choice to me if you can deal with the weight and space issues. I suggest you look farther afield for a tank that will fit, and/or consider a location other than the bilge. There should be lots of places possible on a 40 foot houseboat. Remember the tank doesn't have to be located below the toilet. Ryk |
Homemade waste water tank
As I mentioned to Ryk, I will keep looking. Perhaps in the end it might be
cheaper to go states side. There is what used to be a Mailboxes etc, in Ogdensburg, just over an hour from here. I think you are right, doing that would cut the cost. I will check out the links you mentioned plus yours of course :o), thanks. Could I have a raincheck on emailing you directly till I have done more research? It seems I make up my mind but then end up revisiting once I talk to the more creative minds like some here. I am having more grief trying coming up with on a head design/solution than with anything else so far! I think maybe I'm just trying to get off too cheap. The prices on some boat heads are down right ridiculous. Thanks, Steve "Peggie Hall" wrote in message . com... Steve Lortie wrote: I have shopped around here in Ottawa Canada and the prices for a custom tank don't seem all that reasonable to me. I am thinking custom because of price but also so I don't have to modify the sole height to accomadate a standard size tank. I don't think you'll have to resort to a custom tank...Ronco has 400 shapes and sizes, including over 100 non-rectangular....I just checked their site. They have over a dozen in the 44-48 gal range, almost all under 15" deep. Check their site. If they don't have one you like...try these folks: http://www.triplemplastics.net/ They make custom tanks to your drawing and their prices are considerably lower than any other custom tank fabricator. You can also save a bundle on shipping--for everything you buy from the US--if you rent an address at one of the Mailboxes etc type places in the nearest town on our side of the border. Won't save you any applicable duty, but you won't have to pay internation shipping rates and those huge "customs brokerage fees" that UPS etc charges to ship stuff into Canada. Can't do anything about the rate of exchange, though. :) I'm curious why the location is not good for waste tank. Hope the answer isn't too obvious. Because a tank buried on the keel is almost impossible to vent to keep the contents aerobic, which is what's needed to prevent odor. However, in a houseboat, which has a fairly flat bottom, that may not be as much of an issue as it would be in a deep keel boat. If you can vent to both sides of the hull, using at 1" or 1.5" vent that's no longer than 3-4', doesn't rise more than 45 degrees and is straight as an arrow, you may be ok there. Is 45 gal still too big with this as a consideration? From you experience, what size of tank are you thinking? For a houseboat that size, 40-45 gals is about right. For a sailboat or cruiser under 40', it would be a bit big. I am considering of starting off with a manual toilet such as "ITT Par Manual Marine Toilet" A manual toilet isn't the best choice for the resale value of a houseboat, but it's ok if that's what you want. But go with one that's decent quality, not that one. A Raritan PH II will cost you about $100 USD more, but it'll last at least 20 years with minimal maintenance...you'll be lucky to get 2 trouble-free years out of a Par/Jabsco. If you're thinking of putting the toilet directly over the tank, you might want to consider going with an RV direct drop gravity toilet from SeaLand. Check out the Traveler and Traveler Lite he http://www.dometicusa.com/sanitation.php It does use pressurized flush water from the onboard supply, but very little (and you can add water to the bowl ahead of use, which you can only do by pouring it in with cup to manual toilet)...how much fresh water do you plan to carry? If you want to discuss specifics of your proposed installation in more detail than is practical in a public discussion, you're welcome to email me: peggie(dot)hall(at)gmail(dot)com (that's a new address, btw). Meanwhile, you MIGHT want to check out the link 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://shop.sailboatowners.com/books...ku=90&cat=1304 |
Homemade waste water tank
Steve Lortie wrote:
Could I have a raincheck on emailing you directly till I have done more research? Sure...I'm glad to help any time. -- 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://shop.sailboatowners.com/books...ku=90&cat=1304 |
Homemade waste water tank
In article ,
"Steve Lortie" wrote: I am having more grief trying coming up with on a head design/solution than with anything else so far! They ARE head-aches ;-) -- Jere Lull Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD) Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/ |
Homemade waste water tank
In article ,
"Steve Lortie" wrote: I would like to place the tank under the sole between the centre stringers. The lateral stringers are over 1' off center and 15" deep, giving me a tank of just over 2'W X 15"H. Don't forget to leave about 3" for the top-of-tank fittings. -- Jere Lull Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD) Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/ |
Homemade waste water tank
Jere Lull wrote:
Don't forget to leave about 3" for the top-of-tank fittings. 1.5" elbows need 5"...sweeps about 7". -- 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://shop.sailboatowners.com/books...ku=90&cat=1304 |
Homemade waste water tank
Thanks for that. I hadn't thought that far ahead. I wouldn't have thought
that much clearence would be required. "Peggie Hall" wrote in message m... Jere Lull wrote: Don't forget to leave about 3" for the top-of-tank fittings. 1.5" elbows need 5"...sweeps about 7". -- 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://shop.sailboatowners.com/books...ku=90&cat=1304 |
Homemade waste water tank
On Sun, 8 Jan 2006 17:41:16 -0500, "Steve Lortie"
wrote: Ryk, At some point I am sure I would like to venture farther afield but I somehow doubt it will be in this boat. I would certainly like to give it a try but the St Lawerence might even be a bit much for this boat. Don't know yet. I suppose I will look a little harder for a tank. I was trying to stay away from pumps and what not, but you are right. I could, using pumps, put the tank almost anywhere. A basic manually pumped marine toilet will pump uphill just fine. All of my head tank is located above the floor level of the head. Ryk |
Homemade waste water tank
My last boat, I installed the tank 4 or 5 feet above the head. Worked great
and the tank could be drained w/o a pump. "Ryk" wrote in message ... On Sun, 8 Jan 2006 17:41:16 -0500, "Steve Lortie" wrote: Snip A basic manually pumped marine toilet will pump uphill just fine. All of my head tank is located above the floor level of the head. Ryk |
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