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2004 444 - help identifying this starboard tank
Posted: September 20th, 2023, 2:14 am
by SFBayJustin
Hi folks,
New 444 owner here - with an embarrassing question
I've gone through all the documentation I can find, but still can't identify the pictured tank.
The opposite port tank is obviously fresh water, and I see the forward holding tank closer to the keel. The boat is not equipped with a gray water system. Is this somehow also fresh water?
Any insight much appreciated!
Re: 2004 444 - help identifying this starboard tank
Posted: September 20th, 2023, 6:48 am
by Viper
Welcome aboard.
I see a vacuum generator behind it so I'm wondering if it's a second holding tank. Several models had 2 tanks. Check and see if you have 2 deck fittings for pump outs. Hopefully someone with the same model/year can confirm.
Re: 2004 444 - help identifying this starboard tank
Posted: September 20th, 2023, 8:10 am
by km1125
How big is the port potable water tank? That model should have around 90 gallons. If that port tank is closer to 45, then I'd bet you're looking at the other 45. If the port is closer to 90 then this one is probably something else.
Also, if you can get a camera around it to see the hoses coming in or out, that would give some clues too!
ALSO, not really related to your question, but I'm curious what that switch is for in the pic below. Looks like it connects to the motor in the left of the pic?
Carver_Switch.jpg
Re: 2004 444 - help identifying this starboard tank
Posted: September 20th, 2023, 8:16 am
by bud37
Welcome to the forum......have a look and see if both tanks are connected to each other....some of those boats had
two connecting fresh water tanks.
Re: 2004 444 - help identifying this starboard tank
Posted: September 20th, 2023, 4:51 pm
by SFBayJustin
Thanks! Now that you mention it, the port tank can't be a full 90, and seems closer to 45. I'll make note of the visual level as the fresh water is depleted and/or try to sight some fresh water connections.
@km1125 - that's the overboard waste pump switch for the forward holding tank. I'm replacing all the aft sanitation hoses next week, removing the aft overboard pump, and capping the through hull. I'll do the same for the forward system at some point, too (no intention of using the overboard discharge).
Re: 2004 444 - help identifying this starboard tank
Posted: October 2nd, 2023, 1:36 pm
by SFBayJustin
Following up on this: definitely a water tank. One interesting note about the system: I watched closely as it filled, and because the port and starboard tanks are different sizes/shapes/orientations/elevations, the port tank fills first, with ~2" remaining on the starboard tank. At that point, the gauge reads ~7/8ths full. I stopped filling at that point, but I am curious what would happen to the port vent line if I continued the extra 2" (perhaps it would simply fill 2" and leave some water standing in that vent line). Thanks all for the help!
Re: 2004 444 - help identifying this starboard tank
Posted: October 3rd, 2023, 10:09 pm
by Hugo
Hello,
I have same boat, definitely water tank. The other tank is on port side running port to stand in front of the port engine. There’s a pipe at bottom of the tanks connecting them together. You can fill to full, each tank has its own vent. I believe the tanks are at same elevation…
Ask away, know every corner of that boat…. Carver did a nice job of access panels everywhere, very well thought out…
Re: 2004 444 - help identifying this starboard tank
Posted: October 3rd, 2023, 10:17 pm
by Hugo
SFBayJustin wrote:Source of the post Thanks! Now that you mention it, the port tank can't be a full 90, and seems closer to 45. I'll make note of the visual level as the fresh water is depleted and/or try to sight some fresh water connections.
@km1125 - that's the overboard waste pump switch for the forward holding tank. I'm replacing all the aft sanitation hoses next week, removing the aft overboard pump, and capping the through hull. I'll do the same for the forward system at some point, too (no intention of using the overboard discharge).
I went through the hose replacement but could never get smell out until I had a new tank made from Ronco plastics, removed that tank saver valve (will always leak gasses no matter what you do). I also removed the vent filter and on the new tank moved the vent port to the front (towards bow) of the tank because when that tank is 3/4 full or maybe less and you go on plane you’ll fill the vent line with waste water the way it is today…
I have zero smell now and use Noflex digestor and it’s been a few years. Prior to that I fought it for many years.