A Homemade Holding Tank for a Cape Dory 27

After exploring a lot of options, I decided to build my own holding tank to replace a bag tank. One of the motivations for doing this project was to gain experience with fiberglass. All I can say is, I'm glad my first attempt with fiberglass was a holding tank! If you're thinking about doing a project like this, I'd say go for it! It's a holding tank!! No one will see the end result, and if you're just a little careful, no one will smell it either. -- Bob

 
before

Before

The previous owner had installed a bag in the space behind the head. While it was legal, it leaked, and it didn't hold very much.

 

 
After

After

The new 15 gallon fiberglass tank fits under the port berth. The tank has been in service for two seasons now, and I couldn't be happier!
after

The Plumbing

The tank is plumbed through a Y-valve to a deck-mount fitting for dock-side pumping. A hand pump can be used to pump overboard. I expect this pump will last a long time as it never gets used. The handle needs to be removed when the shelf (not shown) is in place. The only plumbing that's visible after everything is put back together is the line going to the deck fitting.

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