Holding tank for a 45C series 1

[Bertramp]

I have a 1970 45 (45C-360). I need to install a holding tank. In some of the later years of the 45C, there was a holding tank built in (not sure of location), mine does not have that.
Questions:
Where have folks installed holding tanks on these earlier 45Cs? (size & location)
How good are Vacuflush systems ?
How expensive is a Vacuflush system to install ?
My setup is a the head to port and the second head in the V-berth area.

 

[Genesis]

The tank on mine (series 2) is under the floor with the front end of it being up against the forward hull bulkhead at the forward stateroom door.

Getting a tank in there would be a hell of a job - you'd have to rip up the floor.

The Vacuflush systems work very well, but FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS for installation. If you don't, you can get "surprises."

My 45C has one and its pretty much original - it still works.

I intend to replace the pump and tank with a newer model and change the hose routing this winter - its on the project list - to radically simplify the plumbing and remove the need to change very long hoses on a regular basis.

 

[saltshaker]

You may have a tank that is not plumbed. There should be a small inspection hatch in front of the door to the master stateroom. Lift that and see if there is a plate with plugs in it. If so that is the holding tank. If you have the original blue prints, there should be a tank drawing that will show location and capacity.

Jack Sardina

 

[Bertramp]

Jack .... if you are referring to the hatch in the galley just before the Vberth, all that I have there is the shower sump.

 

[Liquid Asset]

The Vacuflush system is great, but a PITA to work on. I thank the lord that I will not have to do it for a while sine I just went through rebuilding the entire system. I would recomend it.

 

[saltshaker]

There should be another small hatch just in front of the door to the master stateroom. The tank would be here, just forward of the centerline fuel tank. If you call Hatteras with your Hull ID#, they should be able to tell you if your boat has that tank (I've never seen a 45 or 46 without one). Maybe someone covered the hatch since there were no connections to the tank or maybe yours is used for extra fuel. How much fuel do you carry? 650 gls is standard. A few of these have had the water tank converted to fuel and the holding tank converted to water. This would give you 830 gls of fuel and I think 110 gls of water. The tanks are built to be used for either fuel, water or waste.

As far as the Vacuflush system, they are great but expensive. Sealand will only sell the system through a dealer/installer. They are difficult to buy for a DIY'er. I have a friend who sells them and could get you what you need if that is the route you want to take. North East Marine is the dealer for NY, http://www.northeastsanitation.com/vacuflush.html get some info on price and systems from them. If you think You want to do it yourself, let me know and I'll see if he can get you the system. If not he does work in the Metro NY area and can do it for you.

Jack Sardina

Jack Sardina

 

[Norm Mayer]

I,m not familiar with a 45, but my 44' 1970 tricabin is probably similiar. It has no built-in holding tank. I just installed a 35 gallon tank ahead of the forward shower sump, under the forward cabin. It was a 2 week job. If you want to email me I will be happy to discuss the conversion. (just moved to FL and had to have a holding tank IMEDIATELY!) Email me at normmayer@earthlink with a phone # and good times to call, and I will be happy to discuss.

 

[Bertramp]

I called Hatteras with my hull# .... my boat, a 1970, did not have the holding tank. They started installing them in late 1971.
So ... I need another way out. I think I'm gonna do some shopping at the Lauderdale show.
When folks say expensive for the Vacuflush .... define expensive.
thanks

 

[UNIQUE_NAME]

figure in the neighborhood of 1200 - 1500 per head for the toilet and vacuum pump. they are great systems. i have installed them in 2 hatts.
i purchased equipment thru prior listed link.

 

[DickB]

Norm:

I have a deck freezer in that location. I've been thinking of removing it and replacing with a holding tank, but the area just didn't look large enough to make it worthwhile.

How did you plumb the aft head thru the bulkheads to that area?

Dick

 

[Bertramp]

Unique ... is that the entire shootin match ... or tack on another grand for labor ?

 

[UNIQUE_NAME]

the laborer was me, so i can't say what professional intallation would cost. then again an installer might pay less for the parts.

 

[Norm Mayer]

Hi, Dick. I did NOT hook the aft head to the holding tank under the forward cabin. I had planned to, but got a lot of feedback suggesting it was a mistake to run a waste hose that far. It will be prone to plugging up. I plan to use the forward head ONLY until I have time to perform the same operation in the aft. The options, as I see it is to either have a custom tank made to fit the minimal room under the aft cabin sole, a real PITA and expensive, or try to install a tank outboard of the port engine. Again, a PITA, but there is more room. However, it will be cramped with a tank installed there. Hope this helps!

 

[eze2bme]

I'm just curious ... would the newly improved Lectra/San Treatment System meet Florida standards? If it would you wouldn't need a holding tank.

 

[Genesis]

There are places in Florida - like Destin - that are no-discharge (even WITH a Lectra-San.)

In those places, no holding tank means no going there (at least not long enough where anyone has to use the head!)

 

[Bertramp]

I'm starting to lean towards a head with the holding tak attached at the bottom (traveler somethingortheother), as it will be simple and require nothing more than a fresh water source and the shower and sink are on either side.