Peter
Well-Known Member
A rough estimate of how long a 13 gallon holding tank will last before before it's full. I know it depends on how often and quantity, but based your guesses on average usage.
Thanks
Peter
Thanks
Peter
Holding tank duration
- Thread starter Peter
- Start date
Salty John
Well-Known Member
Typically allow 0.75 gallons (water plus waste) per flush. Vacuum toilets use a bit less.
A bog standard bog would probably fill your tank in 3 -4 days with two aboard.
A bog standard bog would probably fill your tank in 3 -4 days with two aboard.
MoodySabre
Well-Known Member
I thought that the required size in some countries was for 4 litres a day per max no of persons for 2 days. So for my six berth boat that would be 48 litres. Something like that. So on that basis you could work out how long your tank of nearly 60 litres would last depending how many using it.
vyv_cox
Well-Known Member
If you have the option of a diverter valve that allows you to send liquid waste straight overboard and solids plus paper and flush to the tank, then your 13 gallon (well over 50 litres) will last quite a few days. Used this way our 25 litre wrap-around tank will do at least three days for two of us.
maxi77
Well-Known Member
My caravans holding tank holds about 10 litres and will last 24 to 36 hours, but does use less flushing water than a sea toilet. Perhaps there is an opportunity to examine ones flushing routine when using a holding tank to make it last longer
steve6367
Well-Known Member
90ltr tank on my boat is good for a week with 2 onboard.
jimbaerselman
Well-Known Member
Paper?
If you dispose of paper through the holding tank (rather than using the well tried E Med system of separately disposing of it) then you'll need to clean deposits out of the tank more frequently - say, once every 2 years or so.
And there's a separate advantage. Wodges of paper (used by some) will no longer create blockages at pipe bends, and there's less likelyhood (once your crew are in the habit) of 'other' items finding their way into the bowl, inducing smelly hours with the spanner in hand . . .
The trouble is, getting out of the habit once you're ashore again in UK.
If you dispose of paper through the holding tank (rather than using the well tried E Med system of separately disposing of it) then you'll need to clean deposits out of the tank more frequently - say, once every 2 years or so.
And there's a separate advantage. Wodges of paper (used by some) will no longer create blockages at pipe bends, and there's less likelyhood (once your crew are in the habit) of 'other' items finding their way into the bowl, inducing smelly hours with the spanner in hand . . .
The trouble is, getting out of the habit once you're ashore again in UK.
vyv_cox
Well-Known Member
I clean out my holding tank every year anyway, at layup. Wouldn't want the inevitable last remains sitting there all winter. As I'm sure you know, Greek toilet paper has the strength and thickness of the finest rice paper, so passes through without hindrance.
However, even with western paper we have never had a blockage in more than 20 years of cruising.
Thanks to RM, I have spent many hours with spanner in hand in the heads compartment, not to mention screwdrivers, Sikaflex and various other bits of kit, trying to keep this lousy design operating properly.
However, even with western paper we have never had a blockage in more than 20 years of cruising.
Thanks to RM, I have spent many hours with spanner in hand in the heads compartment, not to mention screwdrivers, Sikaflex and various other bits of kit, trying to keep this lousy design operating properly.
Tranona
Well-Known Member
Then chuck it away and buy a Lavac! Very modestly priced these days.
vyv_cox
Well-Known Member
If only!
Although I believe the Sadler 34 to be an excellent design of yacht, unfortunately the designer's talents did not extend to the heads. The toilet, sink and small stowage are crammed into a tiny space that leaves no space for modification. Without carrying out a considerable amount of work it would be impossible to fit a Lavac (or any other) plus holding tank into the space provided. After years of complaint and replacement by RM, carried out on my behalf by the excellent Bob Stok chandler at Hellevoetsluis, we have just about achieved a reliable system which was not opened up once last season, after a total rebuild in the yard before launch. So we'll stick with the RM and hope its reliability continues.
Although I believe the Sadler 34 to be an excellent design of yacht, unfortunately the designer's talents did not extend to the heads. The toilet, sink and small stowage are crammed into a tiny space that leaves no space for modification. Without carrying out a considerable amount of work it would be impossible to fit a Lavac (or any other) plus holding tank into the space provided. After years of complaint and replacement by RM, carried out on my behalf by the excellent Bob Stok chandler at Hellevoetsluis, we have just about achieved a reliable system which was not opened up once last season, after a total rebuild in the yard before launch. So we'll stick with the RM and hope its reliability continues.
Tranona
Well-Known Member
Yes, forgot the boat you have. Have a similar problem on one of my boats (is it sensible to have more than one?) I have a Bavaria 37 in Corfu without a holding tank. That too has a compact design loo compartment without even space for the tank under the loo like yours. The loo is a Jabsco and is fine fortunately. The only way I can fit a holding tank is mounting a gravity one on the bulkhead in the wet locker behind the wash basin. However, that means a re-configuring of the pressure water pump, changeover valve and accumulator to make space so I keep putting the job off.
On the other boat a good old fashioned wooden one I have just fitted a Lavac and bulkhead mounted tank and am very pleased with both.
Having a trouble free loo removes one of the best conversation pieces at the club bar!
On the other boat a good old fashioned wooden one I have just fitted a Lavac and bulkhead mounted tank and am very pleased with both.
Having a trouble free loo removes one of the best conversation pieces at the club bar!
vyv_cox
Well-Known Member
What bulkhead tank did you fit? All the ones I found so far are too big for the Sadler. I know of a few owners who have had tanks custom built but they are quite expensive. It would be nice to find a standard one to fit the space.
Tranona
Well-Known Member
Vetus have a 25L one on p91 of their catalogue about £230. However I had mine which is about 30 litres made by Tek Tanks. Not a lot more - just over £300 with all the fittings including the outlet ball valve. The Vetus one was not available then - the next size up is 60 litres, but I think I would have gone for the custom anyway as the method of attachment - a flange - is superior to the straps on the Vetus and I arranged all the fittings to suit my installation. Most important is that the inspection hatch is immediately above the outlet for unblocking if necessary.
If I do my Bavaria I will use the same design but with different proportions to suit the shallower front to back locker.
If I do my Bavaria I will use the same design but with different proportions to suit the shallower front to back locker.
peterb
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
If you have the option of a diverter valve that allows you to send liquid waste straight overboard and solids plus paper and flush to the tank, then your 13 gallon (well over 50 litres) will last quite a few days.
[/ QUOTE ]
There are those who say "If it's yellow, let it mellow; if it's brown, flush it down."
If you have the option of a diverter valve that allows you to send liquid waste straight overboard and solids plus paper and flush to the tank, then your 13 gallon (well over 50 litres) will last quite a few days.
[/ QUOTE ]
There are those who say "If it's yellow, let it mellow; if it's brown, flush it down."