Head and Holding Tank Photographs

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  • May 23, 2014 10:48 AM
    Reply # 1556569 on 1370227
    I thought I'd add an update to my earlier post on this thread...

    Having previously unplumbed the LectraSan system last summer, I'm finally taking time to tackle the installation of a holding tank in Drifter. It was not my intention to ever be dock-based for any length of time. But since this is what happened to some extent, I really haven't had the need for a holding tank... I simply use the facilities in the marina. It's time to get this game plan back on track and "Get out of Dodge", as Dave Kall keeps prodding.

    As you all know, current regulations are quickly moving toward "zero discharge" in most coastal areas. Although my LectraSan and Lavac combination provided a suitable solution in the past, it appears the only safe bet today is a system that incorporates a holding tank.

    After finally removing the LectraSan system, I revelled in the recovery of useful storage in the bathroom cabinet. This presented me with the challenge of finding some place else to install the new holding tank without sacrificing my newly reclaimed and easily accessible storage. I've seen holdings tanks installed in many places in the W32, but most of them result in the loss of a good deal of space that could otherwise have been used for storage of varying degrees of convenience. I was hoping to find a location that would otherwise be TOTALLY unused. It finally occurred to me that perhaps the only place meeting that requirement was under the head itself.

    With some reservation, I began cutting the section underneath the head, in order to gain access to the area beneath the raised layup. To my surprise, the floor beneath the head was over an inch thick, comprised a sheet of plywood sandwiched between two layers of fibreglass matting. Considering that the dimensions of this floor is only about 14" x 22", that's about the best description I can imagine for the term "a brick sh_t house".

    Upon viewing the surface beneath, I considered using the hull as the bottom and one side of the tank, laying up the rest of the with cloth and epoxy. I decided not to do so, in case I ever needed to gain access to the bulkhead for repair, and decided to fabricate the tank using West System Epoxy over 1/2" plywood. The exposed area provided a flat surface only 8" x 13". From that point, there was a steep slope toward the Port side and a shallow slope toward the bow. Using 1/2" exterior plywood, I shaped the bottom and sides to maximise the available space. Of course, not one side had a  single90 degree angle anywhere (except for the top)!

    Because of the steeply sloped sides, using an off-the-shelf rectangular poly tank, I could only have incorporated about 6 gallons. By custom fitting the tank, I managed to increase the capacity to 14 gallons! It was a bit more effort, but we'll worth it to me. Some would argue that 14 gallons would be insufficient capacity for a holding tank. But for a solo sailor, I'm sure it will be plenty.


    The following photo shows the available area with the 1"+ floor section removed. Notice the 2" cleat attached to the bulkhead and the sloping sides.



    The tank sides are cut with no 90 degree angles anywhere! At this point, the box is taller than it will end up. I eventually trimmed it a couple of inches above the height of the previous floor. Then I'll build a facade around the tank, providing a platform for the head. Since the Lavac is a little shorter than most marine heads, this actually places the head at a more comfortable height, while providing greater tank capacity.



    Epoxy and glass cloth are applied inside and out for strength and water-
    proofing. Cleats are added so the surfaces will never touch the bottom.





    The project is not quite finished, as I had a slight altercation with my table saw and need a little time to heal, before continuing. (All in the course of progress.)



    I'll provide more details as I near completion and finish with the plumbing, etc.

    The best aspect is that I will meet the newer regulations for zero discharge, yet actually GAIN storage space due to the removal of the LectraSan. Hopefully, someone else can gain from this idea. (The tank fabrication, that is... not the fingernail trimming.)

    Jack Webb

    Last modified: May 23, 2014 11:21 AM | Anonymous member
  • May 23, 2014 12:37 PM
    Reply # 1556619 on 1370227
    Deleted user

    Hi Jack,

    Sorry about your "manicure" - Lucky you didn't end up with nubs.

     

    Where did you have your Lectra San mounted? i'm about to put one in.

     

    Thanks

    Todd

  • May 23, 2014 1:02 PM
    Reply # 1556630 on 1370227
    Thanks, Todd. Considering how many years I've been working with power tools, there really wasn't any excuse for it.

    I didn't do the installation of the LectraSan, and I doubt that I'd recommend doing it the same way. But here are the before and after photos of the cabinet, including one showing the giant hole before filling it.

    Bear in mind that the project is still not finished.


    LectraSan still installed...



    LectraSan removed...




    Gaping hole filled...




    Top of cabinet sectioned for storage..




    Opened cabinets, revealing gained storage...





    Last modified: May 23, 2014 1:10 PM | Anonymous member
  • May 23, 2014 1:15 PM
    Reply # 1556637 on 1370227
    Deleted user
    Thanks.
  • August 03, 2014 11:46 AM
    Reply # 3062727 on 1370227
    Deleted user

    Carl,  I have some photos of my loop installation taken when the head was under reconstruction.  I'll try to email them to you.  Also, I have the holding tank under the port v-berth and wedged it in with wood support braces and upper framing and then reinstalled the berth top above it.  I may have some photos of that as well.  -Tom Koehl

  • August 03, 2014 11:50 AM
    Reply # 3062728 on 1370227
    Deleted user

    Carl, I found a photo of the loops mounted on their blocks - one for the head drain line and one for the head feed line, which Groco told me to eliminate as the EB head won't work with a loop.   Send me your email address and I'll send it on.  -Tom

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