Carver 396 aft holding tank leak.

[prowler1k]

Howdy all,
I'm a new owner of 2002 396.
Unfortunately, the survey didn't find a leak that is present in the aft holding tank. Thus is my highest priority but due to work obligations I can't fix it until at least next weekend.
I did a really quick measurement and found it's roughly 30x20x15. Which is close to the 36 gallon replacements I've found online.
Has anyone yanked their tank out? Is it difficult to remove the tank fittings? Should I just repair the existing tank?

Thanks in advance for any help.
I'm looking forward to contributing in the forum!

[mjk1040]

If you can dry the tank out, you may be able to weld the tank. They make plastic welders now, but I am not knowledgeable enough with this as far if there are different type of plastics you can or can not weld. As far as fittings, it would be my guess they may be glued in and not reusable.

[Viper]

I'm assuming this is a plastic tank, if not, remove and weld the crack or hole. There are epoxies specifically designed for plastic that you can use to patch a crack or hole but if the tank is permeated, it's not worth it and now's the time to do something about it to combat some of the odours. Try this first; put a warm wet rag on top of the tank and let it sit for 15 minutes, then smell the rag. If it has picked up an odour, don't bother repairing the tank. I'm assuming you've been looking at Sealand tanks (assuming that's the system you have) that will accomodate the same hardware you currently have like level sensor etc.?

[Lyndon670]

I have to agree with Viper - BUT, if you are thinking about reparing the tank - I used BULLDOG GRIP from Home Depot on the holding tank of my 88 Bayliner. It had a crack when I bought the boat. My repair lasted the 3 summers I kept the boat, and when I sold it I told the new owner.

[mjk1040]

Lyndon, what no Flex Seal? It comes in a tube, in a paint can to brush on, a spray paint can and now in a tape! Next time in Home Depot I'm going to have to look for this BullDog Grip stuff!

[tomschauer]

When I was a kid, I had the coolest toy, called spin welder. It had a gun that spun at a high rpm with plastic points that actually welded little plastic I beams together. I believe they stopped production because of burns, fires and cancer causing fumes, but it would work if you could find one.