Cutting Open A 44 Year Old Sailboat Holding Tank With A Sawzall | Sailboat Story 170
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- čas přidán 11. 09. 2024
- I cut open a 44 year old sailboat holding tank with a sawzall. While I'm at it, I also cut large holes in our fuel tanks to install larger inspection ports. Despite their destructive nature, these are actually necessary steps as we refit our old sailboat and get her prepared for long term cruising.
~ Ben, Tambi, & Molly | "SAILBOATSTORY"
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*THANK YOU!*
Things are looking up, but to be perfectly honest, it's been a long time since we felt as though our humble CZcams channel was growing.
Within the first few month of kicking off the channel things were going great. To our surprise, we were growing rapidly and gaining 200-300 new subscribers every single day. About halfway through our first season in the Bahamas, something changed and we're not exactly sure what happened. Subscriber growth suddenly dropped to less than 10% of what it had been. That trend of lethargic growth continued for years.
We stuck with it though because what's most important to us is not so much to experience some form of success on CZcams, but rather to create a record of our family travels that we can look back on years down the road. Recently though, there's been a noticeable uptick in growth. It's not an earth-shattering change, but it's still a positive one that's encouraging and motivating. We finally feel, after many years, as though we're experiencing some positive growth again - both in terms of subscribers and also in financial support.
We had gotten pretty used to seeing the same names commenting in every video, which is a wonderful thing, but now we are seeing lots of new people in the comments section saying that they just found the channel. For whatever reason, it seems as though something is happening that is helping new people find us again.
Now one thing I want to clarify is that it was NOT the RV trip that hurt our channel. It's easy to assume that, but it's simply not the case. The reason we felt like we had nothing to lose by putting RV content on the channel was because things were already in a downtrend long before we even had the thought of doing an RV trip. The RV trip actually helped a lot more than it hurt. We were stuck at 18k subs prior to the RV trip and we gained over 5k subs during the trip, many of which have stuck around now that we're back into sailing mode, and we're VERY excited to be back into our element.
Things feel like they're headed in the right direction again! We're seeing 2-3 new Patrons joining most weeks, and we're getting some Paypal donations sent our way. This is AMAZING and we're very appreciative for this new round of support that is coming in. As far as our Patreon earnings are concerned, we still lack about $200 "per creation" from where we were a few years ago, but thanks to loyal, long-term Patrons sticking around, and also new Patrons joining the crew, we're gradually closing that gap. Patrons - thanks so much. Your ongoing support is the foundation of what we do.
Finally there's the Amazon wish list, which is a new thing that we have been trying recently. It's actually become a little bit comical as to how often we discover a new box on the front porch. Every single item on our list is there to address a specific need for our boat refit, so it's incredibly helpful to have project materials and related items sent our way.
To anyone and everyone who has ever left a positive comment, a like, shared one of our videos, sent a donation, contributed from our Amazon list, or signed up to become a regular supporter via Patreon - we just want to say thank you.
I know it has become seemingly cliche to say things like "we couldn't do it without you" when referring to the help received from a channel's viewership, but at least in our case, it's a claim that could not be any more truthful or genuine.
Thank you for your support.
We couldn't do it without you.
-Ben, Tambi & Molly
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You all have deserved better. It's good to see people wake up. For the record; you hooked me with your early soundtracks. 🖖🤘
I've been around since 2020 and keep your channel at the top of my list. Your humor makes me laugh and your clever photography inspires me. Keep up the great work. I can't express how happy I am for you, Tambi, and Molly, and am looking forward to the sailing videos in the future.
this episode brought to you by twist tie international
A really good guy who was a salesman gave me some advice about the business I owned. He said, "Dave, you have to ask for the business." So, ask your followers to post on their social media your youtube channel. I love your channel!
Well done!
Its like renovating a house...lots of taring apart before the fun begins!
And usually lots of surprises
Ben... we are happy to have you back.... no shit...
Watching you today reminded me of when we changed out our
Jabsco to a Airhead.Same process as I did ours.You will be SO thankful for the new toilet.Yes it took alittle getting use to it but boy it is great.
No more odor.
Really enjoy following you guys.
You need to put together a montage of zip tie innovations and use it to get a zip tie sponsor! Lol, you can then paste zip tie logos all over your boat like they do in NASCAR! Great video! You have a real knack at producing and editing video.
Ha. That's a pretty good idea, actually. :)
Food for thought when using a sawsall always make sure the foot of the saw is firmly against the cutting surface lot less vibration then
I realize I have a weird sense of humor, but the shot of you peering with your "headlight" through those freshly-drilled holes into that black tank was epic! You looked like you expected something heinous 💩to jump out after years & years of captivity, ready to pop you upside your head!!! 😥😢🤣🤣
I sent the foam cushion roll. 👍🏻 Glad you like it
We like it and we appreciate you chipping in!
Here's the deal - you can use mops, toilet brushes, scrubbers to your heart's content. There's no denying that the only tool to use to get in the corners, etc. is right there at the end of your wrist. Roll up your sleeves, pull on the rubber gloves, grab the green scrubber pad and go to work.
That’s all fine and dandy advice, but even if I’m in the tank up to my shoulder I can only reach halfway to the bottom.
the brush stick was a hit great ideas
I love how your mind works MacGyver Ben. So intuitive and creative. Always look forward to seeing ya'lls videos.
Thanks so much!
The segway from the calm of a piano to the sawzall was really good, then you went for the gratuitous backside shot, glad we have an eyewash cup. I see inspection port covers in that incredibly clean holding tank that you removed. Love the three of you ending the videos.
Eyewash cup. 😂
Lucky to have a clean tank.
Awesome job Ben
Fantastic job. That recip saw is tough to use in that application. Not many people could come up with such a neat hole.
I do the best I can with what I've got. :)
If you had, had a piece of flexi clear plastic or tracing paper you could have planned out your larger port and cover more easily.
The tool that might have helped you cut the new apature is either a nibbler or a small body router with a small metal milling
bit. There are some small bodied reciprocating hacksaws.
That’s amazing the holding tank was never used. I remember one of your early episodes with Tambi cleaning the old toilet, and man, had that thing been used extensively, that would have been a stinking nightmare for you! 😄 I can’t even imagine, nor do I really want to. That was an amazing “streak“ of luck.
I love how you recall that specific moment from and old episode of ours. Really cool. :)
rattle rattle rattle rattle. LOL
Noooo!!! I wanted to see you scrubbing with 2.0!!!!🤣🤣
Ditto on the comments below about the "opening" and the "closing" of this video! Very clever and creative! Placing those boards - Thanks for Watching and the beautiful 'calm before the storm' of the music to the sawzall!!! Seriously - Very wonderfully creative! You make me smile. Too bad you had to destroy a perfectly good holding tank but yep, you had to and yep - shocking it had NEVER been used. By the way - when you get it all fixed up - let me know if you want to sell it...... you my friend are meticulous. You're going to have a very well crafted and updated boat when you're all finished! Great job all around.
Thanks Susan. We really appreciate it. Always happy to hear from folks who appreciate those little editing details. :)
Ben, great job with the tanks... I see you were using the "industrial/toxic waste" Sawzall blade, great choice! And terrific luck that the holding tank looked new inside... 👌 😂😂
Tedious work for you but interesting to watch from afar. Great to see the support you are getting from fans who appreciate a family working together in a wholesome environment on a good boat! Thanks for sharing.
Much appreciated!
you're going to need a gasket for those inspection plates also.
Yep. 2 sets, Buna N, 3/16”, inside and out.
LMFAO bro that was awesome I love the 2.0
you should be able to use some of that tank for your access hole covers on the other tank.
The tank material is a tad thinner than what I need for covers. Could still probably work though, but I’d rather have enough thickness for threading for bolt holes.
have you seen the harbor freight 2 in. Surface Conditioning Kit 11 Pc. we bought the walmart 11 Pieces Drill Brush Attachment Set .BP PRO Scrub Brush Power Scrubber Drill Brush Kit Scouring Pad .Cleaning Kit for Bathroom, Toilet, Grout, Floor, Tub, Shower, Tile, Auto, Sinks, Kitchen when working on our bathroom. It might help with those tanks BUT you will need to get an extension for the drill...if you can use one of these, they are great and make quick work of anything you need to scrub. I do not get paid to post this, just wanted you to know whats available to you and those needing it. Great work! you never seize to amaze me ( us ) ...love and Blessings to all of ya!
may be try a round end or pointy end toilet brush for the corners.
I do need a way to give those corners a good scrubbing before applying the epoxy. A new "Ben's Ridiculous Boat Contraption" will be in order.
@@Sailboatstory Ben, you need to save all your "rediculous boat contraptions" to a list. Then after you are done with this "Make Over" and you're heading out to sea, you can do a bonus video release of a montage of "Bens Rediculous Boat Contraptions" to some appropriate music. I think it would be worthy of at least "honorable mention" at some awards show somewhere.
Ha. That's hilarious. If can can create a few more contraptions, I might just have to do that.
Watching you work the mop and brushes and all, couldn't help but wonder why you did not give a power washer a go? Love the videos!
Probably because of the mess it would have blown back into his face and all over the inside of the boat.
LMAO "RESIDUE" I laugh at least once every video👍🤣
That'd be "residoo".
Ben is "The great Destructo"! Good stuff mate I'm really rather glad is t you and not me - but I also am really looking forward to seeing your adventures when you get done with the project work. Keep it up you are an inspiration!
Thank you very much.
I love rotory cutting tools . (Old aircraft mechanic) .
That'd be a nice way of doing it.
I really thought the "silver lining" comment was going to come back to haunt you, but the inside of that holding tank looked pristine. No turning back on the composting head now.
I was really unsure about how that was going to go. Can't believe that tank was as clean as it was being 44 years old. Yeah we're locked in on the composter now, for sure. Just look at all that storage space we gained! I there's close to 100 gallons of volume in that void where the tank used to be.
I can't believe how much stuff you've gotten! Next you'll have visiting patrons. Wait, I've got some time off & family in FL. Work party!
Yeah, we're kinda shocked too, but it feels great for things to be heading in the right direction again. It's been a few years since we felt like we were growing as a channel. Thanks for sticking it out with us.
Nooo you just demolished a perfect future fuel tank!!! :-p
Or water tank. 😳
@@Sailboatstory Well... At least you have more storage place for SOLIDS... :-)
Don’t you love you tube ,,,,, it’s like first national bank lol
I have a love/hate relationship with CZcams.
Molly would fit lol
She fits most places. She's portable, but gradually becoming less and less so.
If it's not to late, I'd hold onto that clean tank you removed to cut up for parts. You could acid clean them and make your access hatches or double up some small pieces to make backing plates for small deck
hardware.
A faster way without mess was to use a vacuum pump to collapse the tank. Some persuasion with straps could help force the shape
Sounds like an interesting way to do it.
That’s so great that it was clean. I have to admit, there’s nothing like the feeling of cleaning to install a new toilet or pipes, and having a chunk of poo slap you on the forehead.
I'll take your word for it. 😂
are you marking it to just fit or are you cutting it with some wiggle room to just get it out asap.?
more brain rattle rattle when you cut the tank.LOL
That would be the scrubber 3.0. HAHA
I think you're right. Hard to keep track.
I'm only 5 minutes in at this point, but just had to comment on your enlarging of that small inspection port. Why did you limit yourself to having a round port? Cutting a rectangular hole would have allowed an even larger port to fit in that constrained area.
Some excellent MacGuyvering there, Ben! Exactly what I'd have done, in your place!
On the holding tank could you had cut off the fittings, then turn the tank around and bring the tapered end out and turn at a angle to get it out, but, that would be a 2 man job to lift the tank high enough.
Nope. Even with fittings off it was 2” too fat for the forward most doorway. Would have been nice though. :)
surely they didn't build tat tank in the forward cabin. How'd they get it in there?
The tank was installed before the deck went onto the hull.
Destructioin is always fun. What are you going to do to replace that weight of the tank and contents? Gotta keep er steady in the water.
She was already front heavy with 2 anchors, windlass, and loads or chain, so removing weight from the front is helping to correct a balance issue.
Plus that would be good storage for can foods or sails now
Ben, if you're going to epoxy the inside of those tanks make sure they are thoroughly de-greased and I mean really super clean, then let them dry out for a couple of days, and before you apply the epoxy abrade the surface with 60 or 80 grit emery cloth, or even better 60 or 80 grit flap discs on an angle grinder. Rinse them with fresh water, let dry and then vacuum the hell out of 'em.
DON'T use sandpapers that are used for wood, use emery or flap discs that are specifically for metal surfaces. It's ALL in the prep work mate, do it right and you'll get a good result.
Absolutely. They’ve been thoroughly degreased with acetone 3 times. The GFlex epoxy suggests to do the sanding right before applying the product, but I’m having trouble finding the epoxy in stock in the 2 gallon quantity. Once I get the epoxy I’ll switch back to the tank project.
Out of curiosity, why not use sandpaper that’s meant for wood? Does it not cut the metal as well as it should?
@@Sailboatstory You can use any kind of sandpaper, but if it is not meant for sanding metals it just will not do as good a job. One it will cut and scratch the metal but not as it should be. Second you will end up using a lot more sandpaper. And I mean a lot. After a minute or two the sandpaper will still feel gritty, but you will find that it is not longer really scratching the metal, or you have to spend a lot more time in one spot for it too sand it. Products designed to sand metal surfaces will do much better job and more efficiently. At our work we just use regular sandpaper on steel ... but our products are not prepped to last a long time or to have a great looking high quality finish. It is just rough and meant to last for short period, so we can get away with using regular sandpaper, just lot more of it. In the long run it is cheaper to use the correct products, but meh companies do not look at long term on everything. Just easier to buy couple boxes of cheap normal sandpaper.
@@kevinfisher1345 Good tip. Thanks for that. I'm gearing up for that next step of the tank process. Still hunting the Gflex650 in the 2 gallon size. It's been out of stock for the last couple weeks, but I hope to find some and cross that project off the list soon.
I haven't finished watching the video yet but I keep looking at those ragged hole edges and couldn't help but think, "Doesn't Ben have a file?"
Dremel tool. I did clean up the edges off camera.
Yeah I was glad we didn't see a how to bandage your arm once you slice it on jagged hole openings.
Hi, in ref to painting tanks , l would not do it as it is only one tank but install a “Fuel Dipper” from the Uk ,reasoning for this that it will clean the fuel bug and water out of the fuel therefore with no water no corrosion or bug and all of you tanks .You will only have clean fuel and with very low maintenance and cost outlay compare to painting .I live far north Queensland Australia which is the tropics and with high humidity and rain . On the boat which I operate we alway keep the fuel tanks press up and use a fuel additive know as “fuel Doctor” to the fuel .they have some great clip on CZcams
Pressure washer with something like simple green wouldn’t work in the tight spots?
Probably would with a very flexible wand of some kind.
Could you have used the poi tank as an a fuel talk?
Sure.
There are alot of ports in the caribbean that won't even let you into there port if you have a composting system as well as in the Med but as long as you stay in the USA water you should be ok for the most part .
Having spent majority of our time cruising outside of the USA with composting toilets, I think we'll be just fine.
Okay I gotta know. Although not in this video I see you guys wearing the "Great Lakes" No Sharks and Salt Free Shirts and hoodies. Where can I get them?
They were a gift a few years back. Other than heading to the Great Lakes for one, I’m not sure where to get them.
Maybe I missed it, but HOW DO YOU THINK ALL OF THAT WATER got into your diesel tanks?
Have you solved that set of issues?
Still don’t know and likely never will. Best guess is that it was operator error on behalf of the previous owner or at least that the problem occurred during his ownership. There are no current faults or problems that would account for that volume of water entering the tanks.
Looks like you destroyed a perfectly good tank
That’d be a simple matter of perspective. For someone who uses a marine head and needs a place to store many gallons of fecal matter, sure. We, however, have always used composting heads so that tank did nothing more than take up a vast amount of otherwise useful space.
Could you use that old tank to make the new plates for the inspection hole? The gauge of aluminum seems the same.
I considered it, but it's just a bit thin compared to the other plates I have on hand. My concern was that there's not enough metal for the bolt's threads to engage with effectively on the inner rings portion of the deck plates. I'm having some new ones fabricated for about 1/5th of the price of the "real ones" so I'll share those details when I get to that point.
@@Sailboatstory yes, that makes sense. It's hard to judge the gauge of the metal from a video.🤣
Why are you taking out the holding tank just through I would ask
We use composting toilets.
If this doesn't work out, let me know. I have a couple fuel tanks you can have!
Hmmm. A holding tank that has never been used... Why not re plumb as a fuel tank instead of removing it?
To save weight in the bow and gain an enormous storage space.
@@Sailboatstory Well there is that too. I am adding a water tank in my bow and I am thinking about all the space I am losing. We never use it though so I won't miss it right away.
Why isn't the holding tank the chain locker? Do you need a grey water tank?
I'm not sure, but possibly because only about 1/20th of the tank would fit in the chain locker and then there'd be no room for chain. No, boats don't typically have grey water tanks.
Bit of a sh## job Ben 😂👍🇬🇧👍
A Saber saw?
Undoubtedly.
The question I have is why
The answer I have is yes
Well if you owned 9 aluminum tanks and they began to leak on you it means they was moving in some way or exposed to some kind of corrosive like salt water in your buldge .
The simple fact of the matter is that there are a plethora of ways that tanks can fail. From the inside and from the outside being the 2 basic ways of looking at it. Having personally experienced both basic types of failures, taking steps to prevent an internal failure is a common-sense approach to preventing future problems, especially since the tank is currently empty, clean, and accessible. The tanks are epoxied and fiberglassed externally on the bottom, so adding a layer of protection internally is prudent, especially since the tanks are extremely difficult to replace on our boat.
You were using the Sawzall incorrectly. The proper way is to keep the foot firmly in place against the material while you are making your cut. This will keep the saw from vibrating and also will make a cleaner cut.
I was using it as necessity required. At times I wanted a dramatic shot of ridiculous vibration, other times I needed to see the cut line clearly, and the majority of the time the foot was flat with the surface.
@@Sailboatstory Didn't mean to criticize was trying to help. Sudden jolts of extreme vibration are highly underrated.
@@rahnlawson9463 It's ok. I just try to provide clarification where I can.
Er Uhm... Power washer maybe ?
Holding tank could be used as a fual tank and replumbed. Save a lot of work if you did that
Of course it could have, but with the bow already being too heavy from the windlass, 2 anchors, and a couple hundred feet of chain it makes more sense to get rid of the tank, remove weight, and gain a huge storage space for lightweight bulky items.
@@Sailboatstory -yes that’s good, but a lot of work…you’ve don it know so all good 👍🏼
@@Sailboatstory Just to add on a side note heavy bow stops the bobbing that causes seasickness on sailboats. It helps the boat to cut into the waves in hard seas.
@@latitudeash The Westsails are known to be bow-heavy and stern-buoyant which tends to cause them to porpoise or stick the bow under the waves. Lessening the weight in the bow on this particular boat should only help this trait. All boats will hobby-horse, in certain conditions, of that's what you are referring to.
@@Sailboatstory Yes that is what I was referring to. :o) That said you have a keel that is from bow to stern and that sort of boat will be more sturdy but slow on the seas. The shape of your hull is ideal for leisurely sailing and comfert.
There aluminum Tanks they do not need epoxy
They don't need it, but they'll get it anyways. Of the 9 aluminum tanks I've owned in various boats, 4 of them have developed leaks. That's not good odds, so I'll do whatever I can to help prevent leaks from developing.
Would kill to understand your reasoning for removing the existing toilet. Seems to me a step backward...
We’ve used composting toilets for years. It’s what we prefer. We like avoiding leaks, smells, valves, complexity, and pumpouts while also gaining a tremendous storage space where the old tank used to be. Then there’s the benefit of not having hundreds of pounds of fecal matter in bow which is the worst place possible for it to be. For us, it’s several huge steps forward, not backwards.
totally unnecessary to remove the holding tank, your not going to use it for clean water anyway, but i enjoyed the video
We didn't remove it out of necessity, but rather to gain a huge storage space and give purpose to an area that would otherwise be a complete waste. Now, instead of having a large, useless void, we have an area to keep lightweight, bulky items like off-season clothes, bedding, and toilet paper. Those items would otherwise have taken up far more useful and accessible space elsewhere in the boat.
They call that a "Scottish tarp." Why should anyone pay $30 for a tarp? Seriously. $20 for a tarp is outrageous. Who carries around $10 anyway. Hahahahaha.
Tarps are overrated.
@@Sailboatstory, they certainly are, when you have a pristine blackwater tank.
HA. That's right. I would have been wishing for a lot more than a tarp had the tank been used previously.
@@Sailboatstory So glad that you guys embrace the beauty of the composting head. A boat is so much happier without that holding tank smell.
Where is your eye protection 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🤷♂️🤷♂️🇺🇦🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️🇺🇦🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️🇺🇦🤷♂️
It's those little fleshy flaps above and below each of my eyeballs.