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 Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums
 Catalina 250 Specific Forum
 Fresh Water Tank Removal/Cleaning		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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bsmalley47
Deckhand

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USA
17 Posts
Initially Posted - 11/01/2010 :  07:21:02  Show Profile
The hose from the fresh water tank to the galley sink on my 2005 C250WK is on the bow end of the tank which is slightly higher than the aft end, and thus I have never been able to completely drain the tank. As a result I think I have some really exotic stuff growing in there! The tank is belted in and appears to maybe be glued in as well. Has anybody removed, cleaned and re-installed their fresh water tank? I'm open for any suggestions! Thanks!

Bob Smalley
Mechanicsville, VA
2005 C250WK #801 Windswept
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TakeFive
Master Marine Consultant

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2272 Posts
Response Posted - 11/01/2010 :  07:47:03  Show Profile
I have the same issue with the poor tank orientation, and it annoys me greatly for the same reasons you described, plus concerns about proper winterization. Mine never got to the point of severe growth, though.

I asked a similar question on Sailnet last spring:

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-maintenance/64322-cleaning-out-fresh-water-system.html

...and was led to this link:

http://www.bethandevans.com/pdf/phall_freshwater.pdf

I used this procedure to disinfect my system using Chlorox and it worked great for me. Removal of the tank was not needed.

My tank is belted in but not glued. Last spring after disinfecting it I stuck a 2x4 under the aft edge, but removed it over concerns of excessive flexing when the tank was full. When I go to winterize I will probably put the 2x4 back to help drain it. (Planning to do this tonight, actually.) Long term, a wedge-shaped shim that gives full support to the bottom might be better, or add another fitting at the aft corner - but it needs to be done right or it will leak.
Edited by - TakeFive on 11/01/2010 08:25:58
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John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts
Response Posted - 11/01/2010 :  08:58:35  Show Profile
I think this is another problem with the bow riding high by design. Many have put 100 pounds or more of ballast in the bow to compensate. Including my PO and I just left it there. Have you done that?
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Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts
Response Posted - 11/01/2010 :  12:28:41  Show Profile
I have the same issue even with 255lbs of rock in the bow. I like the idea of adding a hose connection at the aft starboard end of the tank so it will drain completely. Are there kits/parts for that?? I also recall that a forum member removed the tank and replaced it with a 16 gallon tank that fit in the same space.

On a related note is there a tool that does the "banding/belting" if a person were to replace the tank?? That has always struck me as the hard part of such a project.
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John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts
Response Posted - 11/01/2010 :  17:25:16  Show Profile
Randy, I'd think it more convenient to use small ratcheting tie downs rather than banding. You won't need a special tool to make it work.
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TakeFive
Master Marine Consultant

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2272 Posts
Response Posted - 11/02/2010 :  15:10:52  Show Profile
I was able to get almost all of the water to drain out yesterday. As the electric faucet pumped the water out, I jammed a 2x4 under the left rear corner of the tank to force all the water to the front right corner where the outlet is. It is much better for hygiene to have the tank able to drain as fully as possible, so I will work on shims to put under the tank to keep it slanted the right way. I'm afraid that a new drain hole may not seal reliably, because there is no way to access the interior of the tank and also because polyethylene is notoriously difficult for adhesives to adhere to.
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bsmalley47
Deckhand

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USA
17 Posts
Response Posted - 11/03/2010 :  09:29:21  Show Profile
Thanks for all the suggestions. Windswept has been hauled and the water tank winterized so I will try the disinfecting in the spring and look for shims over the winter.
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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.