Hard bilge scent

[CrazyIslandMoFo]

I can do without this foul bilge smell...she hasn't been very cared for in the recent years. Now it's up to me. I have been cleaning and cleaning using enzimes, bilge cleaner, scrubbing everywhere I can find. To no avail,i belive it is holding tank,? I keep flushing the system. Is there a seal out in the head or another problem I could be looking for... I hate to say this, but, I'ive found an old waterline (of scudge) through the cabin, so I know the cabin floor sole has been under about 1/2 way up the bench seats...:ack2:

[Dennis]

I can do without this foul bilge smell...she hasn't been very cared for in the recent years. Now it's up to me. I have been cleaning and cleaning using enzimes, bilge cleaner, scrubbing everywhere I can find. To no avail,i belive it is holding tank,? I keep flushing the system. Is there a seal out in the head or another problem I could be looking for... I hate to say this, but, I'ive found an old waterline (of scudge) through the cabin, so I know the cabin floor sole has been under about 1/2 way up the bench seats...:ack2:

I think I know the smell you have. It may be coming from your waste hoses. After time the smell gets into the plastic in the hoses and the only way to get the smell out is to replace the hoses. I understand that this is common and had the same problem with the smell in my 29' Luhrs. After I replaced all the sewer hoses, the smell was gone. It wasn't too difficult and hope this helps you out.

[T380fisher]

CrazyIslandMoFo....I agree, most likely your problems is the sanitary hoses or you have some trapped water somewhere in the bilges.

To check if the hoses need replacement, take 2-3 paper towels and wet them, then wring them out so they are just damp. Place on top (or wrap around) your sanitary hoses. Let them sit for 3-4 hours. Take off and go outside (or away from the smell) and smell the paper towels (trust me it won't kill you).....if there is any hint of the odor you are having a problem with, the hoses are bad and need to be replaced.

There are cheap and expensive brands of sanitary hose....I have tried them both and both have not really worked that well. I converted my head to a vacuflush system 3 years ago and plumbed everything to the holding tank and macerator with Schedule 40 PVC and have had zero problems with odor since doing the conversion. Also, I believe going to the freshwater flush system has also eliminated alot of the problems.

[CrazyIslandMoFo]

This is very good info... I had taken the cushions out and thought this helped but the odor was back, the hoses do look a little on the bad side, so I will try this replacement suggestion! If you don't mind me asking, does the tank also go bad??

[CrazyIslandMoFo]

GREAT!!! kinda., Today I spent the day down in the bilge playing with my waste (some one elses waste)system.. you guys are right the horrible smell is imbedded in the hose. I replaced from the can to the tank, then to the pump...with the old hose on the deck stinking and the cabin a hole lot better, I was feeling pretty good, I'ts always fun to make things nicer than new on your baby. As I was about done, Istarted to realize that I was going to have to also do the vent, (nobrainer) as I was tracking that smelly sucker the nightmare occured, WHAT ABOUT THE PUMP OUT HOSE???!!! I CAN NOT EVAN SEE THE HOSE CLAMPS never mind getting to that end of the tank. Will the odor disapate on their onwn if I keep the tank empty? Do I have to take appart half the cabin? or Am I going to suffer knowing the problem and not able to do any thing about it!!! You guys are wise and insiteful. PLEASE help...

[T380fisher]

Sorry....once the hoses go bad, they will always stink. I also used to get a tremendously BAD smell from my raw water intake on the head. Bacteria or something would grow in the water from the hull to the head...the first flush each week was devistating :blink::blink::blink:. That has gone away since my freshwater flush conversion.

It is a fine thing that boat builders do....putting sections of their boats together before shoeboxing the top of the boat to the hull. It can create some real wiring/plumbing nightmares as our boats get older.

My boat has a nice lazerette area, midships, that is easily accessable. Guess I lucked out. However the shore pump-out is also, midships on the starboard gunnel and when I went to remove it to change out the hose.....NO HOSE CLAMPS (from the factory), as it was totally inaccessable...they had 5200'ed the pump-out hose to the fitting. It created a real mess when I needed to change it out.

[Dennis]

I have a 93 Open. I didn't need to replace the pumpout hose. If you need to get better access to your holding tank, try and remove the access board above the tank? It's a little tough and if you lift the sink while pulling on the board, you can wiggle it out. This also gave me access to the holding tank cap so I can open and poured the cleaning chemicals right in. I used the camping BIO chemical for holding tanks and that worked well.

[CrazyIslandMoFo]

Thankyou guys. I have the access up. At least I know the trouble now. I can say this fourm is super helpful, and direct contact with fellow owners is a priceless information sorce... Knolls.