Blair -- If you've already had a tank overflow through your vent, check the "dry" locker under the seat just forward of the holding tank. This is where the vent line runs, and if your vent line was leaking all over the dock as per your prior posts, it is very likely that you backed waste into this "dry" locker.

If you have gear in it, take the gear out and check if you have waste puddled in the bottom. Time to buy a hand pump and some Clorox!

I get a mild odor from time to time; as you say, it's worse if you open the covers to the compartments covering the holding tank and the 'dry locker' just forward. I spray the hoses with Clorox (or other brand) bathroom spray and that seems to take care of it. I get the hose in the head as well. Once or twice a season seems to do the trick, or whenever I detect an odor.

I could replace the hoses with one of the better sanitary hoses, but have enough things that really need to get done and the spray treatment works just fine for me.

[url]www.pureayre.com[/url]

and

Head Odors 101 [url]http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5755.0.html[/url]

Head Odors 101.1 - "T" into sink drain: [url]http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5755.msg38216.html#msg38216[/url]

Head Odors 101.2 The Difference between KO & Odorlos (scroll up to Reply #2) [url]http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=890493&highli...

Head Hoses 101 [url]http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5738.0.html[/url]

Blair, again I am going to recommend that you do a search of this forum. This topic has been discussed in the past.

IMHO the most likely culprit is the old black hoses that transport waste from the toilet to the holding tank. The black rubber hoses weep sewage microscopically, causing the odor. Replace with white sewage hoses to solve the problem.

Blair,

I as Larry, would suggest you use the search function here. As with many new owners it is far easier to post a question on the forum and hope for a quick answer. The problem is it generates tons of redundant information and makes finding answers harder in the future.

This topoc has been discussed at great legnth here on the forum in other posts. The waste hose is one issue as are possible vent issues. I switched my system to use fresh water as opposed to salt and it made a huge difference as the micro organisims that come in with the sea water die from lack of oxygen and stink things up pretty well with out any additions from our intestanal tract. I also had an issue with the through hull discharge seeping when closed and causing a rise in the holding tank level from sea water coming back in the discharge line.

Steve

Stu provided links to some potentially useful threads which is a way I think more senior members of a forum can help a newer member.

Responding with "Go do a search" to every inquiry those of us that have been here for awhile have seen before is a quick way to kill a fourm. Forums are supposed to be alive and active. Its not an e-mail list and topics that are not of interest are easily ignored with no action required like having to delete them.

In truth our boats are comprised on fairly simple systems and the design has been around for long enough that there are few truly new issues. That being the case the whole forum could be converted to a searchable FAQ and get rid of the ability to post if that were the intent of the organization.

I feel however that the fourm exists as the associations public face and it should be an active, engaging and inviting place for the owners of "New to them" C36's.

[QUOTE=LCBrandt;14928]Replace with white sewage hoses to solve the problem.[/QUOTE]

And be patient, because that 2" white sanitation hose is a B%$#& to work with. I actually saved a 2' piece when I redid my system so if I ever find it's inventor I can beat him to death with it.:D

Mike

Bill,

I did not intend to be curt with Blair.
I just wanted him to avail himself to a huge amount of data available here, you can ask and recieve a quick response here by you may miss a vast amount of input in earlier discussions.

At some point we may have a list of topics with hyper link to forum discussions about the topic.

I know Tom (bless him) Sokoloski is working on a new owners help section, this may hit on many of these topics.

Getting hoses onto fittings can be a challenge. One way to make the process a lot easier us to put the end into hot water for 10 to 15 seconds to soften and expand it some. I use the microwave to heat a cup of water to boiling. Make sure you've heated enough hose and work fast to push it onto the fitting. It will shrink tight in a hurry.

[QUOTE=smessick;14939]Getting hoses onto fittings can be a challenge.[/QUOTE]

They also sell hose lube at West Marine. It's a water soluble lubricant that helps to eliminate the friction when trying to get the stiff hose onto the fitting. Why do I suddenly feel dirty talking about this?:confused:

Mike

For the record, I'm not trying to discourage any C36IA forum member from posting a new thread topic. In fact, I *love* watching the total number of forum postings grow quickly. I think that our rapidly expanding postings is a solid indicator of the health of our Association. Rather, I am trying to urge anyone who wants quick access to an in-depth discussion of a specific topic to try the search function on this Forum. This search capability is, in fact, one of the most important advantages of this Forum versus the list server.

(Blair - and others - don't you worry: I'm not a grump. I'm just trying to make the point that - for a new owner especially - the archive of past Forum posts can be a quick way to gain new knowledge in bite-size bits. There's a HUGE amount of information resident here. Nevertheless, your new threads are absolutely and always welcome.)