Hi Larry:

I'm just in the process of replacing heads and re-running new plumbing
to our central holding tank.  So I've done some research and planning
and have some thoughts that may help you.

Regarding the run forward from the aft head.  I think a lot would depend
upon the type of head that you are using.  The head system will have to
lift and pump the effluent from the head to the tank forward.
Typically, to get the main sewer run forward you have to pump straight
up from the outlet of the aft head, maybe two or three feet, and then
the sewer run slopes slightly toward the holding tank.  The ;lift in
your boat would depend upon the relative heights of your head and
holding tank connections.  So your head has to be able to lift the
effluent this high and then hurry it downslope to the holding tank.

It's much easier to achieve this with PVC pipe (the black rigid stuff).
You can buy 1 1/2 pipe, sweeping elbows and the special "Y"s that allow
easy flow of effluent.  You can hang the long runs from the overhead
with pipe straps or wire ties so the long runs of pipe are able to
"float" (not vibrate or chafe).  You will need flexible couplings at the
head (soft rubber collars with hose clamps) also available at a good
hardware store.  This system has the advantage of very reduced expense
and no susceptibility to odor from the pipe.

If you use hose (I agree that the Odersafe stuff is the best) it's
expensive, you have to buy special adapters and it can be difficult to
insure long, straight sloping runs towards the tank.  The worst thing
you can do is create slight loop or pocket in the hose run where sewage
will not drain down into the tank but will settle back into the pocket.
You may need short lengths of hose at the head or at the tank depending
upon your curves and jogs.

Someone said use lots of water?  Not a good idea unless you want to fill
your limited capacity holding tank with water.  Besides many heads have
a fixed amount of water used for the flush cycle.  The system needs all
the help you can give it with sloping runs, sweeping curves  etc.

So, use black PVC, sweeping elbows, and the angled "y" (forget their
names), flexible couplings at each end and hose only where necessary.

Joe Engel
Portland, OR

-----Original Message-----
From: Larry Golkin [mailto:larry@gmsblaw.com]
Sent: Monday, July 07, 2003 5:50 AM
To: trawler-world-list@lists.samurai.com
Subject: TWL: head hoses

My Roughwater 41 has two heads, one forward and one aft.  There is a
large holding tank just abaft the bulkhead separating the forward cabin
from the salon.  The forward head is currently plumbed to the holding
tank.  The aft head is not but I want it to be.  I would have to pull
20-25 feet of hose to plumb the aft head to the holding tank.  How long
is too long in terms of the hose?  Note, I have manual heads and there
is no room for a second holding tank?

Thanks for your insight.

L. Golkin
"Abreojos"
Roughwater 41
Mandalay Bay, CA

Folks,

I've been running a personal Excel spreadsheet trying
to figure out exactly how we can afford to
live-aboard and cruise as we see fit.

All the different "what-if" scenarios I've tried just
will not work unless we are able to provide some extra
cash income while we are away from shore-side
employment.

Lots of folks have written books and articles for
publication, but as my personal experience has shown
me,
this is a doubtful source of steady income.  So let's
rule that out!

Several of the sources I've consulted suggested the
following - in no particular order of preference.

Part-time chartering - with all the paperwork and
hassles.
Become proficient in diesel and outboard repairs.
Become proficient in marine refrigeration repairs.
Become proficient in marine electronic repairs.
Become proficient in sail repairs and canvas
fabrication.
Have a large enough boat to include a small metal
lathe and be equipped for small machining and metal
fabrication including welding.

These opportunities go beyond the "normal" maintenance
that a cruising boat requires.  We're speaking of
in-depth training and working in the field for a time
before embarking on the "self-employed cruiser"
program.

Aside from the principle of helping fellow cruisers in
a time of need, and for the purposes of this
discussion, ignoring the legalities
of working "off-shore," and assuming we have some
affinity for
these sorts of "careers", do any of these options
appear to be viable - in your experience and opinion.

What are the true needs of fellow cruisers that can be
met from our own boat and will
provide some cash income?

Are there other options that I haven't thought of?

Thanks for your thoughts and input.

Regards,

Leo

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