R25 HOLDING TANK REMOVAL

[Lobo]

Happy New Year, folks.

I have a 2008 R25 and soon the Jabsco head and holding tank are going away and a Natures's Head composting toilet will come aboard for what I hope will be a long and happy visit.

Has anybody that has replaced their head gone so far as to remove the holding tank? If so, I'd like comments on removing and/or plugging existing input and output lines, did you remove the shelf, does this give you better access to the rear thruster motor, what recommendations and tips do you have for this delightful removal process.

Appreciate all comments.

Dave
Lobo

 

[rick&sue]

Dave,
I have a 2007 R25 and I removed the toilet, tank and plumbing to install a Airhead, which is on order. The engine sea water strainer is on the port side in this boat. I removed the Vetus water muffler, cut the nylon straps holding the tank and removed the brackets the straps went under. I removed the transmission cable from the transmission. The tank would come forward enough to use a sawzall to cut off the fittings with the hoses still attached. I was able to work it out towards the starboard side, tilting it enough to clear the transmission. I also removed the plywood tray the tank was sitting on. I have a hatch in the deck under the fish tank to reach the macerator pump and Y valve. you can also reach it once the tank is removed. There is an amazing amount of room once the tank, macerator pump, Y valve and associated plumbing is removed. I plan to make a holder under there for an extra pee tank to extend the range of the head. If your nimble you can crawl under the hatch and reach the rear thruster. Obviously you want the tank empty when you do this. I did it on a cold Wisconsin day, in case I had to cut up the tank with the sawzall. I then scrubbed everything with Lysol. It is worth the effort! I used the macerator discharge port for a second bilge pump.
I am trying to decide where to discharge the vent for the airhead. Some have used the existing tank vent, others have used a solar powered vent on the roof. I'm expecting to receive the Airhead next week.
Let us know how your tear out and install goes.
Rick

 

[Lobo]

Rick - Sue and Mike (knotflying):

I made a mock-up of the platform the head sits on and then a Natures Head pattern. The NH unit is rectangular and doesn't fit, so as Mike pointed out to me, an Airhead is the one to use as is in a round tank.

Thanks for the information on what is behind and under the holding tank. Interesting your intake is on the port side. Was this boat built for England or Australia?

Mike of knotflying sent me a photo of his install and vent -- send him a PM and get copies -- he has done a fine job of installation.

Dave

 

[rick&sue]

Dave,
Thanks for the suggestion - I did send Mike a PM request. This boat is an early build - that is the only reason I can think of as to why the strainer and intake is on the port side. I forgot to mention that I did need to remove the fuel filter from the starboard side of the engine compartment to allow room for the tank to swing forward. The fuel lines are long enough that I could set the filter low on the hull next to the shaft bilge.
Rick