that smell...

R

Rick D

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Hi all.

The boat we purchased in November (1997 Larson Cabrio 310) has an odor inside the cabin... strong enough to still be detected on bedding removed from the cabin for a week now.

It's not terribly foul, like head smell, but certainly unpleasant. I had assumed it was coming from the bilge area or the waste tank... but I found the smell coming from the potable water tank under the bed in the v-berth. The smell is very strong coming from the two hoses (maybe 2" lines???) and not so much the tank itself. What would cause the actual lines running to and from the water tank to smell.... stagnant water?

What is the best way to kill the smell... water/bleach through the lines? It's winter here in the Northeast and I don't even have batteries in the boat but can get 110v in.

Finally, why does the water tank have such large diameter hoses coming from it? I'm guessing they are 2"... but could be 3". Seems like overkill.

Thanks,
--Rick
 
I suspect that you are looking at the waste holding tank. Two 2" lines doesn't sound like fresh water lines. If I'm correct then it is time to replace the lines you will not be very happy with this smell and it is almost impossible to get rid of the smell any other way. Take a clean rag and wipe the lines down then smell the rag if it smells replace the hoses. This is a common problem and it happens with age. It is real important to make sure you flush all the waste through the lines and into the tank when you leave for the day if you leave waste in the line the hoses will permeate the smell.
 
Thanks Dave.
I called Larson today and I was told the tank under the V-berth is my water tank. This would seem to make sense because the height of the hoses entering the tank are about 2.5 to 3 feet higher than the head itself.
It's just that it's hard to imagine regular water smelling that bad... or understanding why the hoses would need to be the size they are for water.

--Rick
 
hit it with some bleach and water mix, let it soak in the hoses for a bit, see if that does the trick.
 
Bleach and water should work if it is just a water tank. Is there a chance that someone converted it to a waste tank? Follow the hoses to be sure.
Jim
 
I would verify whether it is the holding tank or water tank. If you have a 2-3" hose leaving the water tank, I would look at the fresh water filter/pump and see if it the same size hose. My boat has both tanks up in the bow of the baot. Fresh water tank under the V-berth cushion and the holdin tank under the floor where the table mounts.
I would have an oder in the boat after sitting during the week. Once the cabin was opened up the the smell would go away. Replaced all the sanitatin hoses and the oder went away.
 
Water can go off and stink but I have never seen nor heard of 2" water lines. Only sewer tanks use those.
Most tanks have a plug or cover plate you can remove for a look see.

How about posting a PIX?
 
The fill line for the water tank is likely to be 1½" black rubber which probably measures 2" on the outside.

Two large lines strongly implies waste lines.
 
My water tank has a 2" white fill line and a 5/8" white vent line.
 
RB: Most black hoses are not potable water safe. I'd verify any installed before using.

Use a good bleach solution to kill any varmints in the tank then do a vinegar flush to help with the smell/taste. I'd also check for mold under the tank and inthe bilge. It may just be venting from under the tank.
 
To answer one question, yes water can get VERY nasty.
Especially enclosed standing water.
Follow the suggestions above
Let us know how everything turns out.
Good Luck
 
I forgot about the fill line, that is normally larger tahn the delivery lines. Tracing them is still a good idea.
 
For future, we flush a cup of white vinegar down each head, when we leave boat, after a weekend. It helps to break down anything remaining in hoses till ya get back.
 
Well, I followed the lines just know... and regardless of what Larson said, it's a waste tank... at least I'm 99% sure as it's hard to get visual access to the running lines.
That would explain the smell. Both lines running to it are about 2" outside diameter... and both run to the top of the tank and are white. So one goes to the pumpout... and the other goes to the Jabsco head, but not before it converts to a small diameter hose first.

Have to call Larson and inquire a bit more to confirm this was how it was designed and not a modification of some sort by the previous owner.

--Rick
 
you can try cleaning the lines but that may only prove to be a temporary fix if you can replace them is should be a cure. Let us know how you make out.
 
If it smells like you say, change the hoses and do a good flushing of the tank, you'd be surprised how much gunk you have at the bottom.

If it's still nasty after that check around/under the tank for any prior leakage and residual waste lurking about.
 
Thanks to all for the help so far. Just looking at replacement hoses now...WOW... stuff is expensive... between $15 to $20 per foot.
Still waiting on Larson to get back to me confirming this is the proper configuration.

--Rick
 
Rick, don't try to take the opportunity to save on waste hose. Use the very best you can get. That's either Sealant ordorsafe or Trident 101,102. Use nothing else, except maybe rigid pvc. Sanitation hose can be difficult to work with, there is a thread on it somewhere in the last year.

You are better off talking to a sanitation specialist than Larson.
 
A few thoughts:
- Fresh water with bacteria can smell really, really bad!
- Some folks have replaced their sanitation hoses with PVC pipe...not an easy job but more of a permanent fix. From what I understand, you have to allow for some flexibility.
- Try pouring some pink antifreeze in the bowl....if it shows up in the tank your answer is there.
- You can do something similar with the potable water fill....our it in and see if it drops into the tank and run faucets.
 
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