Mainship Pilot 34 Holding tank

[ewandeane]

I own a 2000 34' Mainship Pilot.
The previous owner installed a new holding tank and vacuflush head.
Works fine, but a 10 gallon holding tank was installed, we are finding that it is too small. The tank is an all in one vacuum tank/holding tank

Any there any other Mainship Pilot owners out there who have any suggestions as to putting something bigger in?
I've talked to an installer and they are stumped, which seems odd as I've seen other 34 Pilots with 20 gallon tanks.

Thanks.

 

[rgano]

There are numerous Vacuflush configurations. My Vacuflush vacuum generator is separate from the tank, which is only 17 gallons. I would first consult with Vacuflush techs about finding a smaller generator and then see how big a tank you can fit in the availabale space.

 

[ewandeane]

Thanks, appreciate the response. I'll try to find the Vacuflush dealer/tech in town, and get their opinion. The engine room is tight in that area, adding a separate generator might make some engine maintenance tricky. If I can keep it one unit I will.
Our boat was originally from Florida, the previous owner brought it up here to retire and cruise PNW, didn't work out that way, he barely used it.

 

[rgano]

The tank and generator for mine are both under the cockpit deck.

 

[ewandeane]

Under the cockpit? Interesting. My first thought is, that would be very challenging retrofit on the 34 Pilot, a small space and a lot of longer hose runs.

 

[DavidM]

It will be tough to improve holding tank volume while keeping the VacuFlush system.

I believe that one advantage of the VF is that it uses less water and therefore less holding tank capacity is needed. But 10 gallons is really small.

I think that the PO would have been better served if he kept the existing holding tank and installed a high performance Raritan Elegance toilet. If you manage it properly it can use less water and is automatic.

Unfortunately I bet the PO cut up the old one and removed the pieces and installed the combination holding/vacuum tank without removing the engine. Unfortunately reinstalling a holding tank of similar size to the OEM one will probably require removing the engine.

David

 

[rgano]

Yes, and yes to post #5.

 

[ewandeane]

Well then, engine removal an option eh? Sounds fun!
I think some research on the Vacuflush website to look at tank sizes, a little crawling around with a measuring tape and a phone call to the rep is in order. If I'm stuck with what I have, I guess fire up the macerator and open the sea cock more often is an option too.
Thanks Gents, I appreciate the input. Now to get through June(uary) up here and get off the dock...

 

[HeadMistress]

What you have is the Dometic SeaLand VHT12 (Vacuum Holding Toilet with 12 ) system. The vacuum tank and holding tank are the same tank. You can find the owners manual for it here Dometic Sealand VHT12 owners manual.pdf Marine Sanitation & Supply in Seattle is the PNW regional VacuFlush service center https://marinesan.com/

The VHT does not come with a larger holding tank. Nor will the design of it allow you to add a second tank even if you had space for it (which apparently you dont). That leaves you with only one option that makes any sense if you need more tank capacity: remove the VHT--the whole thing including the bowl--and replace it with a nice macerating electric toilet and 20--25 gal holding tank. You can prob'ly get a decent price for the VHT on Craigs list...it came with the boat, so you haven't actually spent anything for it.

The Raritan Marine Elegance Raritan Marine_Elegance Promo.pdf is the top rated macerating electric toilet...Ronco Plastics is your best source for the tank Ronco Plastics marine Tanks (most people find their previous catalog a lot easier to search Ronco Plastics old marine catalog) They make TOP quality thick-walled water and waste tanks for a very reasonable price and have more than 400 shapes and sizes, over 100 of which are non-rectangular, and they install fittings in the sizes and locations specified by the customer when they make the tank. There are retailers who sell Ronco tanks, but Ronco sells direct for a much lower price...and they're great to work with. And I'll be glad to help you spec out the details including who has the best prices for the toilet and where to put the tank.
--Peggie

 

[Comodave]

+1 on what Peggie said both the head and tanks are very good quality.