Bow water tank replacement

[Mas Tequila]

We have two fresh water tanks, one located under the starboard dining seat and one in the bow. The one in the bow is cracked and given it is original and probably has gotten brittle over the years we would rather replace it than try to repair it. It's a Ronco B-114 and Catalina Direct has them but they are charging nearly $100.00 for shipping. West Marine is checking to see if they can order them and said that if they could get them there won't be any shipping charge if it's sent to our local store. Still waiting to hear back from them. Just in case would any of you have an idea how to save on shipping charges? Not trying to be cheap but $100.00 saved is $100.00 I can spend on other goodies.

[Steve McGill]

I would check with Ronco Plastice http://ronco-plastics.com/ the original maker of your tank. If you do not see the tank number on their site call them. the total cost + shipping may well be better than CD.

When I replaced my holding tank the price when I called them was much better than the  published price on their WEB site, your mileage may very.

Good luck

Steve

[KWKloeber]

It's a Ronco B-114

K,

Give me a day or so to check on it and I'll get back to you either way.

-k

[patrice]

Hi,

I also replace holding last spring.
I gave them a call, very nice to talk with.
With the part no, they had it in there system, it was very quick delivery.

[KWKloeber]

K,

No-go, none the three distributors carry Ronco, and do not have an equivalent to the B114.  Close in dimension, they say, but I wouldn't trust that.

You might try a Ronco repair --  double the shipping cost, but 5-min fix is a lot cheaper than a new tank.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crmnzfDZDPU&t=55s

or what's to lose w/ a home repair?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-9yhanz5DE
https://www.tapplastics.com/product/repair_products/plastic_adhesives/tap_poly_weld_adhesive/435

I've done the flame treat/epoxy (though not using "PolyWeld" -- which is probably much better than what I used) on HDPE (not a tank) and it was effective.  I used a Ronson Tech Torch, which is not quite as hot as a propane fan tip and more controllable over small surfaces.


Or a melt-weld:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJbFK4pAh3Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4zGHgqxLEU

If you have a very hot concentrated heat gun you can do the poly stick weld repair. Or I think the Tech Torch would be better than a large torch.

-ken

[Ekutney]

Mas,

My fresh water tanks are the same configuration, I also had a 200 liter bladder under the aft berth that I removed.  I am thinking of replacing the V berth tank because it has a lot of growth in it but it appears I'll have to cut out the aft bulkhead under the berth that holds it in place.  Appears to be glassed into the hull on port and strbd, is yours held in place the same?

[Mas Tequila]

Ken,

Thank you for all of your effort and the helpful links. After showing your links to the Admiral she's agreed to let me try and repair it. We are planning an extended trip and want to carry as much water as possible. I was looking at the plastic welder at Harbor Freight and think I'll give that a try. The crack is along the top aft edge of the tank so it's easy to get to. When I get back to the boat I'll try and get some pictures. When I get around to the repair I'll take pictures and post how it works out.

Ed,

Honestly I haven't looked closely how it's mounted. I figured that where there is a will there is a way. Again when I get back to the boat I'll look closer and let you know what I find. We are expecting a break in the weather so it should only be a day or two before I get back on board.

[KWKloeber]

And depending on how bad the separation is, after you could do a wrap-over with Poly-Weld and a pc of glass or carbon. 

-kk

[Ekutney]

Mas,

Thanks for the effort.  I will try and take some pics of my setup and post them as well.