Holding Tank Removal on an Island Packet 31

[SV Bosco]

Does anyone have any hints or tricks on how to remove the holding tank on an Island Packet 31? I have been at it for a few hours to no avail. I started trying to manually crow bar it out but the space is so tight that I couldn't get any leverage. My next attempt was rigging a pulley system to winch it out - and I got about halfway there until the pump out pump pipe got in the way. I can't under the fittings because the space is so tiny there isn't enough room to get my wrench in there. I'm wondering if anyone has done this, and/or if you have any tips / tricks / photos / knowledge you would be willing to share.

Thanks in advance!

[Cdreamin]

Maybe this is a dumb idea but IF you could seal all the vents etc and somehow hook up a strong vacuum pump maybe it would crush down far enough to make more space around the outside of the tank.

Just an idea. Please don't beat on me!

[mariner36bob]

Tank is trash? Being replaced? Shitty job but cut it into pieces...


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[a64pilot]

I'd try calling the factory, might help, and or going to the users group, your not the first I can assure you.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[SV Bosco]

We are putting in a composting head and a perk of this is the extra space we will get...if we can only get it out LOL. I think mariner is right, seems like we are going to have to cut it into pieces ugh.


SV Bosco
www.jakeandjilladventures.com

[mariner36bob]

Lots of bleach, rubber gloves and eye protection. Fun fun fun.


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[nautical62]

Originally Posted by SV Bosco

.. My next attempt was rigging a pulley system to winch it out - and I got about halfway there until the pump out pump pipe got in the way. ..

Thanks in advance!

Cut out the old pump out "pipe". so it's not in the way. Since you are installing a compositing head, you can just go to town and cut everything apart for easier removal. No need to preserve old used head hose and other parts. Cut it out.

[sailorman7225]

I agree with the other posts who suggest checking with the factory...but also with the people at IPHOMEPORT, IPYOA and the IP email list.

[rgravitte]

I have an IP 420 and have thought about replacing the ss holding tank with a plastic one. All the info I can find on that says to cut the existing tank into peices to get it out.

[clyde]

our boat had a stainless holding tank when we got her, and after a while, my engine room [where the tank is] started smelling like a septic truck! found out the efluent acts like acid on stainless welding!! had lotsa pin holes! also was lucky enuf to have almost a qtr inch clearence to remove it!! had a plastic copy made, with the in/out, and vent the same...also had a 6" inspection hole, with screw in lid added!...clyde

[BostonFlicka]

Lots of times the holding tank can be built in at the factory. Meaning it won't fit out of the space that its sitting in. I had to remove an old holding tank on a Crealock 37 last fall. Nasty Job. Best thing to do would be to flush it with fresh water and bleach about 6 times. Slide a couple contractor bags around it and cut it into pieces with a sawz all. Put on a tyvec suit and rubber gloves.

Also it is worth ordering a gallon of pure arye. I have no affiliation but found it to work well. follow the directions and clean all surfaces of the locker and head with it.

[basenay]

I removed my leaking holding tank on my Island Packet 45 and posted a 2 part photo album documentation of how I did it on IPYOA.com. I believe you need to join to view but it is free and is a useful website for IP owners.

Bruce A Senay 's photos - DreamCatcher's Head/Holding tank repair & Bruce A Senay 's photos - DreamCatcher's Head/Holding tank repair Part 2

Bruce
s/v Dreamcatcher IP45-03
lying Colon, Panama

[bsurvey]

saw all your just wasting time with anything else

[a64pilot]

And on an IP38, it's remove the hold down hardware and simply lift it out, it's under the port settee and the access cover is larger than the tank, so apparently it varies greatly by model.

[SV Bosco]

Awesome advice! Thanks everyone. We managed to get it out by cutting into it with a sawzall and a few blades (since we accidentally broke one), removing the old innards as best we could and then we could get our hands on the rest of the tank and pull it out. We still have some hoses in the compartment that need to be removed but hopefully that should be straight forward!