R29S inline blackwater tank filter install ?

T

trailertrawlerkismet

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 23, 2011
Messages
2,519
Fluid Motion Model
C-24 C
Vessel Name
(2022) Kismet
I'm wanting to install an inline blackwater tank filter and I'm needing advice. I don't need any filter or how to install what I need is how to access the vent line hose on our R29S. I see where the line comes out of the tank and that section, before it disappears in the cavity between the hull and boat liner, does not have enough hose for a proper install. Has anyone with an R29S or R29CB installed an inline charcoal filter and if so how did you gain access to the hose between the hull and boat liner, somewhere south of the hull exterior vent?

Jim F
 
I found a filter By SeaRusSales that fit under the bed STBD of the draw on the flat above the black water tank. I removed the vent hose from the tank fitting and rerouted it to under and inboard of the other lines cutting it to fit the filter out vent. The filter fit fwd and STBD of the draw with the inlet just past the fwd edge of the draw. At this point the filter inlet and the tank outlet are the same distance fwd and aft with the vent inlet about 6" inboard of the vent outlet. I did a 360 degree loop from the vent outlet attached to the bed support wall and behind and under the macerator hoses then inboard to the filter inlet fitting. Was not that hard and works great.
 
Any chance you can post a picture of this? I too am struggling with how to find a good place to cut in a home made filter. I worry about putting one on the vent line atop the black water tank because it will be on its side, rather than vertical. Based on my last install on the 27,I thought the vertical less likely to clog because if the worst happens (over fill in black water tank) at least it drains back into the tank.

For those following, here is the link to the NoStank filter just described.

https://www.searussales.com

And Jim, I think your best bet to access the line may be behind the toilet, but I have not ventured forth on this yet. Please let us know what you finally conclude.

Jeff
 
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Thanks for this photo. I feel the same as Jeff in that if one can mount it as far up stream from the tank as possible this would be best. With that said it may not be possible but I'm still investigating.

Jim F
 
I had the same thoughts. However, I visually marked a fwd/aft location of the tank discharge along with the vent hose routing to the through hull discharge on the exterior hull. Then examined what was in between. Having viewed our boat being assembled in the factory, I knew there is very little room between the inner and hull molds. If you want to cut a hole in the inner structure leaving the filter totally visible fine, was my only conclusion. Including the 360 degree loop would help in not flooding the vent filter if the tank were be over filled, however being a small insurance policy. I also thought about a one way valve in the loop, but realized that would be a problem during pump-out. I also thought about a vent valve in the loop for pump out, but realized at my age it would only be a matter of time before I forgot to open it with big problems. I also realized I could open the macerator valve to vent the tank for pump out, although it requires me to remember to do so. With all that said I opted to keep it simple.
 
I talked with Kenny Marrs from Ranger Tugs yesterday about vent hose access. I have not done this yet but was guided to the cave. At the head of the cave Kenny advised taking the access panels off to gain access to an above panel that would need to be unscrewed to get to the interior between the hull and liner and hopefully the vent hose. I'll be checking this out next week and report back.

Jim F
 
My filter on our R25 makes Pumpout quite a challenge. It restricts the flow of makeup air needed to replace the stuff pumped out. I changed out the filter to see if it was clogged. Sucking still there with new filter.

Same as fuelfill vent. I now Pumpout, stop and wait, and pump some more. Not quite satisfactory.

Check valve?
 
Stuart, sorry to read this. I'm wondering if it may be the filter brand? Could the filter be so good it captures most of the air therefore not letting it breathe enough for proper pumpout? The reason I mention is because we had an inline blackwater tank filter on our R27 for almost 6 years without the experience you mentioned.

Jim F
 
Stuart,
I installed a homemade filter on my 25SC about 4 years ago. I’ve never had a problem pumping out and I have used dozens of different marinas. There are no bends in my vent line. I’ve also only changed the charcoal once when the tank overfilled. Best modification you can make on these boats.
 
Stuart, just a thought regarding your filter.....could it possibly have been installed with the air flow direction being the wrong way? I seem to recall that the filters have a proper air flow install direction. Worth checking.

Jim F
 
If concerned with makeup venting during pump out, simply install a T with a studor vent.
 
Don't believe there is a need for the T. If you open your black water over the side discharge you are effectively opening a vent though the macerator. Oh! Remember to close it when pumped out.
 
Jim, good thought. I’ll check the filter direction tomorrow.

Now, when I pump out air is sucked into the head. That can’t be how it should be.
 
The day finally came to install my charcoal blackwater tank filter. After clearing out the cave I unscrewed the cover to the AC unit as well as the panel to the right and above that panel. With these two panels off I had access to the cavity where the holding tank discharge hose and blackwater tank vent hose are located. My back still hurts a bit from the contortion I put my body thru to get to the vent hose, cut a section of the hose off to be able to then insert hose connectors on each end of the cut hose to then be able to screw the two ends to the charcoal filter. Fitting the hose into the fittings is accomplished much easier if you can apply heat from a heat gun to soften the hose.

The photo on the left should be turned 90 degrees to get the proper prospective of the cave view, as well as the photo on the right. All in all after the filter was installed we can have folks walk by our boat WITHOUT feeling like they are walking by an outhouse when the toilet is being flushed...and we used good toilet chemicals.

 
Jim, I checked the filter carefully today. There is no indication of an in an out. Next time I Pumpout the holding tank I’ll disconnect the filter and see if it changes a result. Thanks for the idea.
 
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