vetus rigid tanks - avoid

[thealoi]

Have just fitted a Vetus rigid tank to my boat. The inlet needs to be tightened with a large plastic nut on the INSIDE of the tank, i.e through the inspection hatch. Almost impossible. Have used adjustable spanner at maximum stretch, but doubt whether the connection will be watertight. Lots of silicone sealant, but expecting leaks.

FWIW Vetus rigid tanks to be avoided - choose another manufacrurer who understands what yachtsmen need.

 

[maxi77]

We have a vetus holding tank and had no problems with any of the connections and it has worked very well.

 

[thealoi]

fittings

It is now 36 hrs since I refitted my tank. It is 5 years old, and I had to address a problem with a significant leak around the inlet. As I explained above, the problem is the 90 degree elbow inlet fitting - there are two other outlets from the tank that work normally. The inlet, however, needs to be tightened on the inside, and trying to do so through the inspection hatch is impossible. I have just checked my fitting, and it is best described as "loose". Clearly one needs a fitting with a nut on the OUTSIDE of the tank, so as to be able to tighten it properly. The one I have does so in the inside, and it is impossible to do so adequately. Loads of silicone sealant are no alternative.

My advice remains: if using these tanks ensure the fittings have a nut that tightens on the OUTSIDE. Maybe my boatbuilder chose a non standard fitting or whatever, but to be watertight the nut must be on teh OUTSIDE of the tank.

 

[dash300]

It is now 36 hrs since I refitted my tank. It is 5 years old, and I had to address a problem with a significant leak around the inlet. As I explained above, the problem is the 90 degree elbow inlet fitting - there are two other outlets from the tank that work normally. The inlet, however, needs to be tightened on the inside, and trying to do so through the inspection hatch is impossible. I have just checked my fitting, and it is best described as "loose". Clearly one needs a fitting with a nut on the OUTSIDE of the tank, so as to be able to tighten it properly. The one I have does so in the inside, and it is impossible to do so adequately. Loads of silicone sealant are no alternative.

My advice remains: if using these tanks ensure the fittings have a nut that tightens on the OUTSIDE. Maybe my boatbuilder chose a non standard fitting or whatever, but to be watertight the nut must be on teh OUTSIDE of the tank.

I think you have hit the nail on the head. The problem you have is with the fitting supplied by your builder rather than the tank. Change your fitting rather than the tank. I have Vetus tanks throughout and no problems; all externally tightened with seal on the inside of the tank.

 

[maxi77]

I think you have hit the nail on the head. The problem you have is with the fitting supplied by your builder rather than the tank. Change your fitting rather than the tank. I have Vetus tanks throughout and no problems; all externally tightened with seal on the inside of the tank.

Indeed and the Vetus bits are easy to get a good seal with as well, if the nuts had been inside I am sure I would have got a good seal working through the inspection hatch, a Vetus part too.

 

[Ariadne]

I've used one for a holding tank for the 4 years no problem at all. All the fittings worked and never leaked to date.

Vetus make some good kit!