I've done the usual bleach/vinegar routine to clean the water tanks, but just discovered that the aft starboard tank has a lot of blank gunk in it. I need to clean it. The boat is 4 hours away, so I'd really like to try to clean it in-place, without removing it. Anyone have any tips on doing this? I unscrewed the inspection cap, but now that I'm away from the boat, I can't recall for sure whether my arm fit through it...I think it did. Can anyone verify that is is large enough? (I have skinny arms!)
My plan is to snake a hose below as well as my wet/dry shop vac, and clean it out as best I can. Any other ideas?
Thanks in advance for any tips!
—
Avalon
1996 Catalina 36 MKII
Lake Superior
I just cleaned ours. My arm wouldn't fit but I was able to get my wrist and hand through the port to direct the hose nozzle. If your tank has only moderate debris, I would suggest pulling the hose off it and let it drain into the bilge and let that pump discharge it overboard.....simpler than using a wet/dry vac. You should be able to access the tank hose through the hatch that provides access to the engine raw water intake valve. If that is not possible you could also remove the galley sprayer handle (so you don't clog it) and discharge into the galley sink.When complete, remove the fresh water pump screen and clean it (or remove prior to pumping)
If the tank is really fouled, yeah use the wet/dry vac.
Paul & Wendy Keyser
"First Light"
Rye NH
2005 C36 MKII #2257
Wing, M35B
My wife was able to fit her arm in enough to control a brush on the end of a short wand. I wish I had been smart enough to pull the hose as was suggested. It is self evident once someone suggests it. I have a small wet vac and it took... A while!
Thank you both, this is helpful. Sadly, on my '95, there isn't an access near the exit hose. I may cut a hole in the fiberglass and add an inspection port so I can access the exit hose and remove it if necessary.
Avalon
1996 Catalina 36 MKII
Lake Superior