CD-31 holding tank

[Fred]

My recently purchased CD-31 #004 has the holding tank for the head in the keel. It has been bypassed with a Y-valve and doesn't appear to have been used much, if at all. (Smells OK.) The holding tank has a pumpout fitting in the cockpit sole and can also be pumped overboard manually.

I'd like to start using the holding tank again and I am wondering if any other CD-31 owners out there have this set-up and have had any problems with holding tank in the keel. I guess I'm worried about odors since the "tank" is essentially just a sump in the keel.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Fred
Astrea CD-31 #004



fnav@digital.net

[Al Levesque]

...holding tank in the keel. I guess I'm worried about odors since the "tank" is essentially just a sump in the keel.

Your description sounds a lot like the holding tank in our CD33. We have been using it a couple of years and have had no problems with it. The separation between the tank and the bilge seems as good as the separation between inside and outside the hull.

Perhaps the only inconvenience is knowing how full the tank is. There has been some discussion here on that point that may be useful.

Al



albertlevesque@cove.com

[Jay Ankers]

Sounds kind of gross, but I installed one of the clear 4" port holes in the same spot that Cape Dory installed a white one. Keep the threads lubricated with vaseline and there is no odor from the port hole. Now I don't have to be surprised by the toilet not pumping because it is full.

During the winter I hose out the tank with a stream of water and leave the tank clean and empty...with the cover on.

Jay
CD-30 "Per Diem"

[M.R. Bober]

Our CD330 has the same arrangement. We found a small hole--caused by chafe--in the hose between the tank & the fitting in the cockpit. This hole prevented the creation of the vacuum needed to evacuate the tank. I STRONGLY suggest that you partially fill the holding tank with liquids sweeter than sewage and test the pumpout, just to be sure.
Every best wish,
M



thebobers@erols.com