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IP Man · 07-08-2014, 16:57

Hi All,

Love this forum and have a question.

1969 38' Hinckley with glassed in 60 gallon tanks. Not interested in using for drinking water. Installed a Natures Head composting toilet so not using the 20-25 gallon holding tank (stainless I think).

It would be perfect for drinking water storage with a small plumbing change.

So I am thinking if I use the deck fitting but change out the hose and have the tank cleaned or etched at a radiator shop I should be good to go....

1. Deck fitting
2. Custom secure tank
3. Vent hose

Plus

1. Inline filter
2. On demand type pump
3. Already have a small hole next to sink for spigot

Any comments or suggestions?

Additional information:

Local Island Cruising from Santa Barbara, CA only.

Thanks in advance.

IP Man (should really change to Hinckley Man)

IdoraKeeper · 07-08-2014, 17:24

OMG! Glassed in tank repurposed from sewage to water? Only as a means to spread germs...which is what will happen. If you look at the Nauticat 51 refit thread you will see the heroic and amazing lengths that Minaret went to for a similar purpose. Check it out.

model 10 · 07-08-2014, 17:29

I think the deck fitting needs to go, or at least remove it and etch it also.

IP Man · 07-08-2014, 17:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by IdoraKeeper

OMG! Glassed in tank repurposed from sewage to water? Only as a means to spread germs...which is what will happen. If you look at the Nauticat 51 refit thread you will see the heroic and amazing lengths that Minaret went to for a similar purpose. Check it out.

Sorry not using the glassed in tanks, those are for cleaning showering. Want to re-purpose the holding tank which is I believe stainless steel.

Thanks

zboss · 07-08-2014, 19:18

hmmmm... water tastes kinda "chewy" today honey!

**sailorchic34** · 07-08-2014, 20:10

To a microbe, 316 stainless with a 20 RA electropolished finish (Think mirror finish) tubing used in bio pharma is like swiss cheese. For a mill finish SS tank I would not trust an acid bath to kill 100% of all bacteria in the microscopic pits one finds in steel.

I would strongly recommend NOT using a used holding tank for anything potable.

Capt Phil · 07-08-2014, 20:12

How about a beer tank? Phil

Greenhand · 07-08-2014, 20:42

You might consider ripping out the existing tank and replacing it with a water tank, instead.

Uncle Bob · 07-08-2014, 21:37

Personaly I think that's a **** of an idea !!
(Someone had to say it)

SailFastTri · 08-08-2014, 04:16

Greenhand has it right. Rip and replace is the only answer. That 1969 tank is past-due for replacement even if you still wanted to use it for a holding tank. Just how many years do you think stainless steel tanks can stand up to holding urine before the acidity of it eats through?

Image below is a stainless 1994 tank I replaced in 2006. I replaced it preventively because sister boats had sewage eat through the tanks into the bilge, and I didn't want such an event. You can see the corrosion was fairly advanced after 12 years. If it had gone any further there would have been a smelly boat.

Replace your tank. After 45 years it's way overdue.

**a64pilot** · 08-08-2014, 04:40

Seeing as how you have to remove it anyway to take it to be cleaned out, I would replace it as well. I think tanks are relatively in-expensive, it's labor to R&R that isn't.
Myself I would have to replace everything, and once you've done that, it's drinking quality water

valhalla360 · 08-08-2014, 06:09

If you are a germ-a-phobe, nothing will be good enough.

If you clean it well, replace all fittings, hose and sanitize it, it's likely no worse than a well used fresh water tank. Mostly it's just the mental image of it's former use that is the issue.

But as others have said, you may find that the tank is at the end of it's life and by the time you pull it out, get it cleaned and repaired, you could have just put in a new tank.

**HappyMdRSailor** · 08-08-2014, 06:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Capt Phil

How about a beer tank? Phil

Brilliant Phil...

Was always wondering if there were some way to conceal bulk rum... Conveniently placed and plumbed transfer system too...

Do you think a small inconspicuous tap on the side of the head pump would be overlooked by authorities???