Association Forum - My wife and I preformed an exorcism.

Assn Members Area · Join

Home.

Association Forum

Ships Store

Cruising

Racing

Technical Tips

Photo Gallery - New

Boat Search - Updated

Manuals & Brochures

Swap Meet

Links

Officer Flag Line & Staff

Bylaws & Constitution

Members Area

Join the Association

Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.

Association Forum

Username:	Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

All Forums

Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

My wife and I preformed an exorcism.

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Author

Topic

djn
Master Marine Consultant

Member Avatar

USA
1561 Posts

Initially Posted - 09/23/2006 : 10:58:35

Hi All, the other day my wife and I bit the bullet and went to the boat to change the hoses for the head. We had the holding tank pumped out, then took a saw and cut the hoses in a couple places just to speed up the removal process. The pump out did not get all the sludge out of the tank so when I pulled the pump out hose, about a half gallon of the most God awful demon juice poured into the compartment under the tank. So we had to take the tank out just to get at the crap under it. Mind you, we both had Vicks Vapo rub smeared on our upper lips just to stave off the horrible stink. I am not talking about a stink that would annoy you, I am talking about something that makes you puke when it enters your nose. Anyway, after pulling the hoses and tank, we sucked out all the crap from the compartment with an old shop vac that I was going to toss anyway. The stink was overwhelming even with the Vicks. After sucking out the crap, I picked up the shop vac by the top’s handle to take it off the boat and the bottom part dropped off the top. Crappy spluge went everywhere. I was mortified and locked in place; I couldn’t move.

All I could see was gray brown devil stink covering all the surfaces we worked so hard to clean up. If at that point, someone would have offered me $100.00 for the boat, I would have taken it. Thank God my wife kept her head. She jumped down into the cabin and pushed me out and started cleaning. I think she saw something in my eyes (terror) which triggered her response.

At that point, I was done with the hole head rebuilding attempt. I took the hoses and holding tank to the dumpster and tossed them. By the time I got back to the boat, Annie had the cabin well cleaned so I when down and removed the head and tossed it too. We went to WM and bought the Sea/Land port-a-potty and mounted it in place of the old pumper. Now for the first time this year, we can stay in the cabin for any length of time. This whole summer, the stink from the hoses and now I realize, little cracks in the fitting on the holding tank, kept us from staying on the boat overnight. I use to refer to the head area as the Axis of Evil, but now we can’t smell a thing. I’m sure I could have gotten the stink out by replacing the hoses and holding tank, but that would have cost $150.00 and anywhere between $50.00 and $100.00 a year in pump out fees. The Port-a-Potty cost $79.00 with no pump out fees.

Dennis
No Boat
S.E. Michigan

Edited by - on

tinob
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 09/23/2006 : 11:13:03

Dennis, Welcome to the porta-pottie club. I can't imagine anyone fooling around with a permanent waste system on a boat even a new system.

This ICON comes as close as I could find to visualize your verbal description of what you two had experienced. I can't imagine that you didn't anticipate what might happen. MURPHY'S LAW ring a bell.

Val on Calista # 3936, Patchogue, N.Y.

Edited by - on

Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1772 Posts

Response Posted - 09/23/2006 : 11:28:23

Hi Dennis,

Oh man ... just reading about your ordeal made me gag!

Our group is completely divided between real heads and porta-potty's ... if your story doesn't convert some of the "fence-sitters" to porta-potty users, I'm going to be shocked. I can't imagine anyone putting up with the smell to begin with, to say nothing of going through an ordeal like you just experienced.

BTW, Annie is a KEEPER!!! I hope her husband treats her to something NICE! Does she have a clone you could send down here to me?

Edited by - on

Turk
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
736 Posts

Response Posted - 09/23/2006 : 11:36:34

First thing I did when I bought my new c250 - get rid of the head and add a porta-potty. DJN, let me give you some advice though: Make sure the sliding flush door is shut all the way before you take it out to dump it!

Edited by - on

Ericson33
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
892 Posts

Response Posted - 09/23/2006 : 12:39:31

I have never laughed so hard, Thanks for the Saturday morning post. I also have a removable porta potty, and it really helps to dump it in clean air.

Edited by - on

sweetcraft
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
816 Posts

Response Posted - 09/23/2006 : 12:43:55

Great story and a happy ending but the details sure stink. Glad we have our porta-potty with one spare tank (for extended cruising so we don't have to plan around looking for dump stations). I installed a vent tube in each tank which keeps the tank from puffing at you when open the sliding flush door during the rinse. The story should convince most why we use the porta-potties.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 09/23/2006 : 12:49:12

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Turk
 ...Make sure the sliding flush door is shut all the way before you take it out to dump it!

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
And what made you mention that?

Another tip for new porta-owners: Open the slide-valve a little before you use the potti--to vent the pressure that builds up in the tank. Otherwise, SURPRISE! Don't bother asking what makes me mention that.

One of the things I liked best about the portable was washing it out with a dash of bleach and a garden hose before putting it back in the boat. Thus, the whole unit is like new--no possibility of residual odors.

Edited by - on

stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

1608 Posts

Response Posted - 09/23/2006 : 12:50:35

Thanx Dennis.
This confirms that old locker room axiom 'Everyone has a poop story'.
I had a camper with a holding tank and a boat with one. Never again. I like my little porta-potti. Simple. Fun to use.

Since you started this whole thing Dennis, I have to tell you the best part of emptying a porta-potti. You can empty one faster than you can empty your bladder. I empty mine into a sometimes smelly outhouse at the lake and can get in, empty the potti and get out in one breath of air.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 09/23/2006 : 12:52:57

Speaking of air... Don't forget to use the most expensive enzyme fluid in the tank--it cuts the odors down to almost nothing.

Edited by - on

Downbucket
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
188 Posts

Response Posted - 09/23/2006 : 12:56:13

Dennis:

I concur with your description of this unearthly stench. The flexible waste bag that came with my boat was way past its useful life thus affording the stink easy access to the cabin. After haul out last fall, my plan was to let what liquid and other unmentionables, freeze in the winter with the hope that the smell would somehow be lessened. I would then, would cut and remove the hoses and bag. Although I hate to admit it, I absentmindedly added anti-freeze to the head and flushed it through into the tank. Sometime in late winter I figured the temperature had been cold enough to freeze anything and everything residing in the bag so I ventured down below to begin the surgery. It didn't take long to realize my error. Nonetheless, I was determined to go forward and I did, sans the Vicks. Mistake number two. I need not go any further except to say the operation was a success and in the spring I installed a new, hard tank with new $8.00 per foot hose. This summer was a whole different experience. By the way, I'll never grouse about paying a plumber again.

Will

Edited by - on

SEAN
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
772 Posts

Response Posted - 09/23/2006 : 13:15:07

Too funny specialy the bottom falling out of the vac , sounds like my life thow its funnier when somebody else tells the story .

Bad Devil Juice Juice kills

Send photos just kidding.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 09/23/2006 : 16:19:23

My previous boat had a port-a-potty and emptying it was my worst nightmare thanks to my hair trigger gag reflex!

Long live the fixed head!

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by djn
 I’m sure I could have gotten the stink out by replacing the hoses and holding tank, but that would have cost $150.00 and anywhere between $50.00 and $100.00 a year in pump out fees.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

If I had to schlep and dump a port-a-potty the equivalent of $100.00 in pumpouts (20), I wouldn't have time to sail. I suggest laying off the bran!

Edited by - on

existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1180 Posts

Response Posted - 09/23/2006 : 16:26:33

Personally, I think I have the best of both worlds. I have a combination Thetford unit, an MSD which can be pumped out or the tank can be removed and dumped like a porta potti if needed. Plus, I love the electric flush! No pumping! Pump out in Falmouth is 5 bucks and works well, if I'm up by Brunswick, Paul's Marina is a free pump out if you buy something like an ice cream cone or a soda in the store. Has worked out very well so far.

Edited by - on

djn
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 09/23/2006 : 16:31:19

Pump out around here is $15.00 to $20.00 per. Cheers.

Edited by - on

esailor
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
118 Posts

Response Posted - 09/23/2006 : 20:13:04

EEWWWWWWW. I was laughing and gagging so loud the family was wondering what was going on. Vicks??? Go to lowes or home depot and get an organic respirator. 30 to 50 bucks, you might even smear the vicks inside for insurance. At work I have a full face mask that I might use for this task. Dennis the visual images I had reaing your story are priceless. I don't look forward to this at all whan my time comes. I plan on the face mask tyvec suit and rubber gloves. Dennis you owe somebody dinner, backrubs and breakfast in bed for that "bail out". At least it is over now.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 09/24/2006 : 12:52:44

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by dlucier
 My previous boat had a port-a-potty and emptying it was my worst nightmare thanks to my hair trigger gag reflex!<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I repeat: ENZYME treatment. It's amazing.

Edited by - on

djn
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 09/24/2006 : 13:26:16

Hi Dave, which one do you use? I have K.O. but am not sure it that is the right stuff. Cheers.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 09/24/2006 : 14:56:44

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by djn
 Hi Dave, which one do you use?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I've used a couple--I think West's Headzyme was the last... From my experience and that of friends, most of the enzyme treatments work well--chemical treatments aren't nearly as good.

Edited by - on

existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1180 Posts

Response Posted - 09/24/2006 : 14:56:59

This stuff has worked very well for me all summer:

Thetford Supreme Green Dry

Search for item# 754605 on Defender.com

Edited by - on

Ben - FL
Admiral

Members Avatar

880 Posts

Response Posted - 09/24/2006 : 15:16:31

Dennis, thanks for the story, I laughed my @$$ off. Sorry but it was too funny. If I had a bigger boat I might want a marine head. But for our little boats the port-a-potti does just fine. Besides 99.9% of the time it is just me. I did put a new flush valve gasket in when it started to leak as I carried it to the out-house. But that was no big deal. Just remember it's all the bad times that make the others seem so good!

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 09/24/2006 : 16:14:06

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Dave Bristle
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by dlucier
 My previous boat had a port-a-potty and emptying it was my worst nightmare thanks to my hair trigger gag reflex!<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I repeat: ENZYME treatment. It's amazing.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Even if the stuff smelled like a rose, my brain wouldn't be fooled!

Before doing work on the head and/or holding tank, pump out the tank then spray a few gallons of water down the pumpout fitting and vent, and pour a few buckets through the head then pump it out again. Repeat as necessary. I do this on my last pumpout of the season to get the tank as clean as possible.

Edited by - on

SailCO26
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
457 Posts

Response Posted - 09/26/2006 : 09:21:34

YIKES! What a story. Glad I never had to deal with that, tho I did keep the tank on the CP26 fairly well pumped out ("free" at my local marina, but then again the slip fees are rather exhorbitant...). I kept Khem-Kleen (or something like that) in the tank, and always poured a little in the bottom of the bowl when leaving the boat. Even those times when I failed to pump out the tank, never had any smell issues (unless the tank was VERY full). Only repairs I ever had to perfrom were breaking down the pump mechanism for lubrication every so often, and once replacing the valve at the bottom of the bowl after someone tried to flush something other than what should have been flushed... Wasnt pleasant, but I feel especially lucky about it after having read the above!

My CP25 has a porta-potti, which I'm happy for weight-wise if nothing else. Actually, I've been lucky and we've never used it all summer (knock on wood...). I need to replace it anyway, as the one that came with the boat doesnt fit under the v-berth.

Edited by - on

tmhansen
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
397 Posts

Response Posted - 09/26/2006 : 14:38:04

Oh Denis you had me laughing out loud here at the office. I can concur with Pete regarding using a resporator. A few months back my daughter had the stomach flu and could feel things rising up. She made it to the bathroom but not in time to raise the lid. There was bile everywhere in our little bathroom. My wife took one step into the room and then quickly backed out for fresh air and announced that I would have to deal with the mess as she would only add to it. I thought about it a minute and then went out to the shop and got my resparator and some gloves. It was a non issue with the mask on my face.

When we first got out boat it had a hose, valve and pump set up to allow the portapottie tank to be pumped overboard. When I removed it I also spilled a small amount of sludge into the bilge. I flushed and pumped the bilge many times over to get rid of the smell of the chemicals that were in the few ounces of water spilled.

Edited by - on

Justin
Admiral

Members Avatar

502 Posts

Response Posted - 09/26/2006 : 15:43:40

Dennis, thanks for the heads up of what can go wrong. I may want to pick up some Vicks Vapor rub sometime, I didn't think about that coming in use.
I'm going to be tackling a similar project sometime soon too since my previous owner cut off the deck pump out hose and plumbed it for illegal dumping only. I think I'm going to end up replacing most of the hoses at that time too since they are most likely very old. I'm going to try to flush plenty of fresh water through the system as I suck it out the top opening with the pump out machine. I sure hope I don't have a problem and have that crap spray all in the cabin. I think I will prepare for the worst and remove all cushions and things from the vicinity of the main cabin area. My plan is to use some PVC piping, put in through the top and connect the dock hose to that. I may wrap a bag around each connecting part (ex. hose & pvc) just to help confine any possible leaks to hopefully the bag. Wish me luck

Edited by - on

saribella
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
286 Posts

Response Posted - 09/26/2006 : 19:29:58

Justin, can you take of video of your event.............just in case something goes wrong we can have it for posterity? Good luck buddy.

Edited by - on

Justin
Admiral

Members Avatar

502 Posts

Response Posted - 09/27/2006 : 07:18:53

HAHA! I'll see if I can get a camera man. Better stand back and protect the camera!

Really, I think it will be fine, but I'm going to take the precautions.

Edited by - on

Topic

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Jump To:

Association Forum

Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.