Two Waste Outlets? Catalina 36, 1996

[Captain Jaster]

Hello,
I'm a new boat owner and have an issue that is confusing, I would really appreciate if someone could help. On the port side I have two outlets, both are labelled WASTE, and apparently I have a single tank. I went and pumped one out, because the indicator in the head was on. However after the pump out the light is still on?? I am trying to figure out if I do in fact have two waste outlets, if so why? Perhaps I have two waste tanks?? Any help would be great, thank-you and happy sailing!

Greg

[John_Trusty]

Welcome to the forum, Jaster. This does not sound like a standard 1996 Catalina 36 installation, so look to the Previous Owner (PO), to have fiddled with the plumbing. This is not uncommon on an older boat, particularly one where the original holding tank was so inadequate (12 gallons of useful space above the pump out drain!). It would be a blessing if you really had a second tank installed. Time to pull up all the cushions and open the cabinets to trace that second waste outlet back to the tank. The most common place to put them is in the bow (replacing the forward fresh water tank) and the forward settee in U-shaped saloons. This last spot was convenient as it was empty space, but you could only get a 10-gallon waste tank in there. In any case, make sure that the PO had it professionally installed, and it is adequately vented. Nothing worse than amateur-hour when it comes to storing $hit!.

For more useful information on your boat, I suggest you look into the excellent Catalina 36 International Association (https://www.catalina36.org/
There is more technical information and free help on there than you can read in a few days! Again, welcome to this site.

[Shrew]

Are you referring to two pumpout deckplates labelled waste?? Pump out both. The site glass on the pump out should tell you if you're moving 'product'. Then look at to see whether the indicator is off.

There would be no point in plumbing two pump out deckplates for a single holding tank.

[peghall]

Originally Posted by Captain Jaster

Hello,
I'm a new boat owner and have an issue that is confusing, I would really appreciate if someone could help. On the port side I have two outlets, both are labelled WASTE, and apparently I have a single tank. I went and pumped one out, because the indicator in the head was on. However after the pump out the light is still on?? I am trying to figure out if I do in fact have two waste outlets, if so why? Perhaps I have two waste tanks?? Any help would be great, thank-you and happy sailing! Greg

It's entirely possible that the tank level indicator light remains on because the sender has failed. If it's a Wema or a SeaLand Tankwatch, that's almost a certainty.

Some other possibilities:

Could be there are two tanks--one for toilet waste the other for gray water (galley, bath and shower water). There are only a very few inland lakes--notably Lake George NY and a couple in NH--where gray water holding is required...making this a possibility, but an unlikely one unless you're on one of 'em or the boat came from one of 'em.

How far apart are the deck fittings? Another long shot: a PO moved the tank to a different location in the boat...didn't want to have to fill and do the cosmetic work to close a hole in the deck, so he just installed another deck fitting.

I don't THINK a C-36 ever came with two heads, nor have I ever heard of any owner adding a second one, but it's possible. If they're far enough apart, two tanks would make sense.

So there's only one thing to do: start exploring every inch of your boat and its sanitation plumbing to find the answers.

[meridian28]

Make sure there is not a mislabeled cap. Do you have correct fittings for fuel and water?


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[peghall]

[QUOTE=meridian28;2217456]Make sure there is not a mislabeled cap. Do you have correct fittings for fuel and water? [QUOTE]

Deck fitting labels are usually etched intothe flange on the fitting, not the cap. But that doesn't rule out a PO making do with what he had or could get in a hurry.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Greg.

[John_Trusty]

When you do dig into the waste tanks and trace your fittings, let us know what you find. BTW: did you try pumping at both deck fittings?

[Tetepare]

[QUOTE=peghall;2217660][QUOTE=meridian28;2217456]Make sure there is not a mislabeled cap. Do you have correct fittings for fuel and water?

Deck fitting labels are usually etched intothe flange on the fitting, not the cap. But that doesn't rule out a PO making do with what he had or could get in a hurry.

Many Catalinas have collocated fuel and waste outlets. The fittings and caps are identical, except the caps (NOT the fitting) are labeled. Since it's not uncommon to pump out when taking fuel, it would be easy to flip the caps. I can also see somebody losing the fuel cap and obtaining a waste-labeled cap to replace it.

In any event, it's a Catalina, which makes it very easy to trace hoses. Get dirty, get a screwdriver, and start removing furniture and the trace is simple.

[rosatte]

caps usually have chains on them so they cannot be taken completely off so u can't mix them up

[jeepbluetj]

What they all said. I doubt you have 2 tanks on a C-36. Just get in there and follow the hoses, one of them may go to the diesel tank.

And as Peggie says, the sensor is likely broken.

[Shrew]

Originally Posted by rosatte

caps usually have chains on them so they cannot be taken completely off so u can't mix them up

Water and Fuel caps can have retainer cables. Pump-out deck don't because you can't screw on quick connect fittings or get a good seal with a universal pumpout.

[Cheechako]

I suggest you get to know your boat. Follow every hose to the deck fitting and understand what's on both ends. Basic seamanship.

[Tayana42]

This is a good start. Know Your Boat.

Know Your Boat : The Guide to Everything That Makes Your Boat Work https://www.amazon.com/dp/0071361340..._xEU4xbHDERN87


S/V B'Shert

[rosatte]

i just checked a 1994 c 36 down from me pumpout is in the middle of boat on portside fuel cap is even with the helem port side..same as my 34catalina.