Just got my 228 Seafarer and found the head has........

[PNW_Drifter]

Just got my 2001 228 Seafarer shipped 3000 miles from Virginia to Washington State and found the head is full of some nasty dark brown water. I didn't check when I left Virgina... oops. All the plumbing looks very new but I've never had a marine head or a RV with toilet to maintain. Not sure what the heck to do to get this out.

I pump the plunger on the top left to flush water down into the bowl but the water that comes out is the same brown water with small chunks. Never gets clear. Then I pull the slide to flush it.

I opened the Y valve and pumped the macerator and not much comes out. The black water tank doesn't seem full but not sure how to check.

Winter freeze is coming soon. How can I clean out this head and get it to flush clear water then winterize?

Thanks
Guys!

 

[DennisG01]

From your description, it kinda sounds like you have a porta-potty (google that... add "boat" to the search query) with a pump-out and macerator? If not, give a better description of what you have or post a pic.

 

[PNW_Drifter]

From your description, it kinda sounds like you have a porta-potty (google that... add "boat" to the search query) with a pump-out and macerator? If not, give a better description of what you have or post a pic.

OK, It looks like a portapotie that has hoses coming off the back.

I called my Grady Dealer and they we're very nice even though I have an old boat. He set me straight.

He saids Seafarers don't have a holding tank even though they have a waste pump out deck fitting. The "hold tank" just just the bottom of the portapotie. The small hose I saw in the back is the vent NOT the freshwater supply. Apparently it has it's own fresh water supply in the portpotie?

I'm basically going to disconnect it from the 2 hoses and remove it from the boat. Then hose the heck out of it. Maybe replace with a bucket w/ seat. haha.

 

[DennisG01]

Yes, all of that is correct. The top part (where you sit) holds the fresh water. The bottom part is the "black tank". The two pieces separate very easily. Be forewarned... if there is "stuff" in the bottom tank, removing the hoses could very well cause it to leak out. Tip the pottie forward before removing the hoses. There could be residual in the hoses, as well, so have rags ready and secure the hoses in an upward position.

 

[Fishtales]

Ug,,, hopefully that isn't the big, brown sump that has been fermenting.

 

[Legend]

It could be the source of fresh water too. If the previous owner filled the freshwater tank from a brown river or lake with their washdown hose that could be the issue - either way it is an easy fix by just cleaning the tanks - Wear plastic glove - if its really bad could just buy a new porta potty too

 

[HMBJack]

There worse boat projects than yours - I just can't think of it right now...