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Carver 4207 Holding Tank

Discussion in 'Carver Yacht' started by csalkows, Jan 17, 2012.

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  1. csalkows, Jan 17, 2012
    #1
    csalkows

    csalkows New Member

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    Hi there - New owner of an '87 Carver 4207 here. My question: I'm searching for some way to discover when the holding tank is full. Any recommendations? Am I missing an indicator somewhere? Please don't say "when the head backs up"



    In your debt

    Charles
  2. talexander38, Jan 17, 2012
    #2
    talexander38

    talexander38 Member

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    hate to say it but if the P.O. didn't install a tank monitoring system, Then it's when it backs up.....you'll learn over time when to pump-out from hoe many days and people have been on her .:rolleyes:
  3. NYCAP123, Jan 17, 2012
    #3
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    I'd be very surprised if you didn't have an indicator. Have you checked inside the cabinets in one of the heads? It could be elsewhere, but it should be there.
  4. RB480, Jan 18, 2012
    #4
    RB480

    RB480 Senior Member

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    Look for something called Tankwatch somewhere on the boat. It may be as simple as a single red indicator light.
  5. csalkows, Jan 19, 2012
    #5
    csalkows

    csalkows New Member

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    holding tank

    rats. according to several other 4207 owner there was never an OEM installed indicator.

    No good access to the top of the tank. I was thinking of simply tapping a 1.5" opening in the side and inserting a float ball at the end of a lever with a simple rotating indicator on the outside.

    What do you think?
  6. NYCAP123, Jan 19, 2012
    #6
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    It sounds like a way to have the scent of septic inside your boat. I'd install a proper indicator or just practice shinning a light through the tank during ER checks to see the level.
  7. talexander38, Jan 20, 2012
    #7
    talexander38

    talexander38 Member

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    NYCAP, right on this a sewage tank is a nasty thing to mess with, smell amd off gases from it them can cause problems . Sensors can be installed on the outside of the tank that seem to work well.
  8. csalkows, Jan 20, 2012
    #8
    csalkows

    csalkows New Member

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    holding tank status

    I suppose. I see a Raritan 4-tank monitor at anchor express for $230. Still - it would be nice to hear from any clever engineer who found a cheaper solution.

    My tanks are plastic, but I didn't have much luck shining a light. May try again with higher intensity. Thanks for the comments.
  9. NYCAP123, Jan 20, 2012
    #9
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    I'd assume this is how you did it, but just in case, you should be shining the light through from the opposite side of at least a corner so that you're seeing the silhouette of what's in the tank.
  10. talexander38, Jan 21, 2012
    #10
    talexander38

    talexander38 Member

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    that's not a bad price for the system, But wouldn't be high on my list of wants/needs..if you just bought this boat.:)
  11. MysticDolphin, Jan 24, 2012
    #11
    MysticDolphin

    MysticDolphin Member

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    you can see the tanks... I can see if the tank is getting full... one in the engine area and one behind the panel at the galley stairs....
  12. csalkows, Jan 24, 2012
    #12
    csalkows

    csalkows New Member

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    Thanks for the comment. I'm just realizing that the reason the light method didn't work for me was because the tank was empty.

    Hmm... like I said I just put her in the water this month. Still learning about her. The survey reported only one 50 gal holding tank (engine room). I guess he missed the other? I know the panel you're talking about - I'll check this evening. Is it 50 gal as well?

    Funny, I saw both pump out ports on the deck but I assumed it was just two access options.
  13. talexander38, Jan 24, 2012
    #13
    talexander38

    talexander38 Member

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    if you can talk to the P.O. and them to teach the systems I would really do it,or find someone that's been boating longer and have them help you run thru her ....
  14. csalkows, Jan 25, 2012
    #14
    csalkows

    csalkows New Member

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    I wish. It was a repo... "as is where is". I'm pretty much gutting the interior, stripping the exterior teak, etc. Nice hull and engines though.

    I'll start a new thread shortly, with a storyboard.