Orange Filter for waste tank exhaust

CGW

Active member
Joined
Jul 18, 2024
Messages
29
Fluid Motion Model
R-31 CB
Hull Identification Number
FMLT3117K718
Vessel Name
CAVOK
I bought a Big Orange filter after reading some posts on tugnuts. Has anyone already installed one of these on a R31?
I thought it would go along the starboard side behind the kitchen cabinets but there is no way anyone (maybe a small child) would reach back far enough through the door openings.
Next step is to empty and climb under the bed.
Thought or suggestions?
 
Welcome to the world of R-31 gymnastics. The BO filter does get installed behind the kitchen cabinets. You have to remove the refrigerator, crawl in and lie on your back for the install. The actual installation of the filter is easy, but the removal and reinstallation of the fridge is a huge PITA. All that holds the fridge in place are four sheet metal screws at the front, which only bite into a narrow piece of fiberglass. The fridge is not supported any other way. Mine appears to have been installed freehand by one guy, with the screws going in at different angles. That's story for another day.

Please send me a PM with your phone number and I’ll be happy to go over the whole process with you, so you don’t have a bad “moment” with the fridge. Just too much to type at the moment. Greg
 
Welcome to the world of R-31 gymnastics. The BO filter does get installed behind the kitchen cabinets. You have to remove the refrigerator, crawl in and lie on your back for the install. The actual installation of the filter is easy, but the removal and reinstallation of the fridge is a huge PITA. All that holds the fridge in place are four sheet metal screws at the front, which only bite into a narrow piece of fiberglass. The fridge is not supported any other way. Mine appears to have been installed freehand by one guy, with the screws going in at different angles. That's story for another day.

Please send me a PM with your phone number and I’ll be happy to go over the whole process with you, so you don’t have a bad “moment” with the fridge. Just too much to type at the moment. Greg
 
Is there a similar orange filter on the R29? What is its purpose? Thank you.
 
Hi GarryH,
You can put the Big Orange Fiilter on the exhaust hose for the black water tank which will decrease the amount of stench that can/will occur when you flush your toilet.
GZigmont - look forward to chatting about this project. Thanks!
 
Hi GarryH,
You can put the Big Orange Fiilter on the exhaust hose for the black water tank which will decrease the amount of stench that can/will occur when you flush your toilet.
GZigmont - look forward to chatting about this project. Thanks!
Thank you very much. Is the filter an after market, DIY installation? Fisheries Supply a good source? Thank you.
 
Black water vent line filters are definitely a DIY project unless you just want to hire a marine shop to spend $$$ for the time to install it and then service the filter every year.
Big Orange is made in Canada and costs about $150 CAD plus shipping plus tariffs. You might be able to find a vendor in the US who has some in stock. It’s not something you will find on Amazon. They are not standard or optional equipment on RT or Cutwaters. If you have one it was installed by a prior owner of your boat.
On the other hand, you can make a very effective inline filter using a few pieces of PVC or ABS, stainless screen, steel wool and activated charcoal for about $25.
I built and installed a homemade filter in our R-25 Classic. Took about 3 hours total. Completely eliminated all black water tank odors.
I need a similar filter for our C-28 but the thought of pulling the stove out every year to install and maintain the filter is holding me back.
 
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Black water vent line filters are definitely a DIY project unless you just want to hire a marine shop to spend $$$ for the time to install it and then service the filter every year.
Big Orange is made in Canada and costs about $150 CAD plus shipping plus tariffs. You might be able to find a vendor in the US who has some in stock. It’s not something you will find on Amazon. They are not standard or optional equipment on RT or Cutwaters. If you have one it was installed by a prior owner of your boat.
On the other hand, you can make a very effective inline filter using a few pieces of PVC or ABS, stainless screen, steel wool and activated charcoal for about $25.
I built and installed a homemade filter in our R-25 Classic. Took about 3 hours total. Completely eliminated all black water tank odors.
I need a similar filter for our C-28 but the thought of pulling the stove out every year to install and maintain the filter is holding me back.
It’s time for me to make a filter. The other products I’ve added to the tank are not working well enough. Where did you purchase the activated charcoal? Does annual maintenance consist of just replacing the charcoal?
 
It’s time for me to make a filter. The other products I’ve added to the tank are not working well enough. Where did you purchase the activated charcoal? Does annual maintenance consist of just replacing the charcoal?
I purchased the activated charcoal at a pet store that carried fish. Amazon sells it too. You want course pieces, about the size of a green pea or so.
Annually I’d remove the filter, which was installed vertically, and replace the stainless steel wool and charcoal.
My homemade filter was about 6” long using 4” pvc pipe with the top screwing on and off.
 
Thank you very much. Is the filter an after market, DIY installation? Fisheries Supply a good source? Thank you.
Thank you very much for the information.
 
This is a really informative thread. It got me brainstorming how I could use the macerator and really clean out the black tank. Check out pics. Flushed tank 3 times till water ran clear. Plus, I used the cup off my flush muffs to back flush the vent. Worked perfectly.
 

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Welcome to the world of R-31 gymnastics. The BO filter does get installed behind the kitchen cabinets. You have to remove the refrigerator, crawl in and lie on your back for the install. The actual installation of the filter is easy, but the removal and reinstallation of the fridge is a huge PITA. All that holds the fridge in place are four sheet metal screws at the front, which only bite into a narrow piece of fiberglass. The fridge is not supported any other way. Mine appears to have been installed freehand by one guy, with the screws going in at different angles. That's story for another day.

Please send me a PM with your phone number and I’ll be happy to go over the whole process with you, so you don’t have a bad “moment” with the fridge. Just too much to type at the moment. Greg
Thanks for this Greg. Did you install the in-line version of the filter or the box-like gizmo? I note that the filter features a bypass valve for pump-out. Given the installation issues, I would love not to have to access it. Have you had any issues at pump-out. Thanks very much.
Jim
 
Thanks for this Greg. Did you install the in-line version of the filter or the box-like gizmo? I note that the filter features a bypass valve for pump-out. Given the installation issues, I would love not to have to access it. Have you had any issues at pump-out. Thanks very much.
Jim
Hi Jim, I installed the in-line version or "OEM" as Bog Orange calls it. I have had no issues with pump out. Also, Winter Island Yacht Yard who is the dealer in this area installs the same filter. Greg
 
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