Big Orange - installed!

[Black_Diamond]

I thought more might see this in the tech forum.  I installed a Big Orange filter this weekend on my 2003 342.  Due to the holding tank location, I mounted it under the port seating storage area, which should make servicing it easier too. 

I mounted it to the tub wall with a 1" 90 degree aluminum piece, with self-locking nuts and fender washers behind the tub as extra area to sung into.  Since the overhang on the Big Orange is about 1-1/8 inches, I used a piece of 1-1/8" I.D. tubing to put over the stand off on the bottom (white in photos) and cut to length so it stands straight when installed.

Rinker did indeed use 5/8" tubing to connect to the 1/2" vent outlet on the waste tank  , so had to use an adapter to go from 1/2" to 5/8" I.D. for the tubing.  I went with the sanitation hose, since it will not collapse, bit it is a pain to get on the barbed fittings as it is tight on them, even with tubing oil used (or liquid dishwashing soap). 

Getting to the thru hull is really tough with its location, but doable.

Should be good to go and no holding tank odors anymore!

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa1/Black__Diamond/P6060019.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa1/Black__Diamond/P6060018.jpg

[mflauer]

Great pics and explanation. I'm gonna place my order today now that I have a reasonable way to install/mount it. Thanks

[Black_Diamond]

If your vent line tubing connected to the through hull is good, I'd re-use it and not take it off the fitting, it was really a pain to deal with.  If you have the 1/2" outlet on the tank like mine, I got a nylon 1/2" to 5/8" barbed adapter from Menards for <$2.  You could splice in the sanitation line and reduce a) odor permeation and b) lessen the chance of the tubing collapsing when you pump out.

Good luck! 

[Dan&Darci]

Black Diamond - nice clean install!!   

[Never Satisfied]

I just installed my Big Orange on Saturday.  I figured that I would add to this thread and post my pics.

Before:


Installed:


Close up:

[Dan&Darci]

Nice job - looks good!   

[Black_Diamond]

Nice install.  Lucky you can get to your tank so easy!

[mflauer]

Nice install.  Lucky you can get to your tank so easy!

Really lucky. I was told I'd have to take out the aft bunk to get access to put those contacts on to monitor the level since the OEM float insert is worth crap because that is what keeps getting stick in it so the monitor is inaccurate. Had it replaced the beginning of the season and stopped working with the last pumpout!

[Benalisa]

Thanks for the pictures. Looks nice and clean. Are the two smaller fittings on the top of the tank for grey water? If not, do you know what they are connected to on the other end?

[Never Satisfied]

Thanks for the nice comments guys!

I do have a grey water system in my boat.  I originally assumed that one came from the cockpit sink and the other came from the sump that pumps the waste from the galley sink, head sink and shower.  The big white one is obviously from the vacuflush.  Now that you are asking about it I am also wondering...  Can anyone confirm my assumptions?

[jjlovett]

Thanks for the pics - I just ordered mine. Now the crew won't be giving dirty looks to whomever is coming topside after fouling the atmosphere...

[Chris_P]

Hey "Never Satisfied", did you need any adapters due to hose size differences?  I plan on installing one of these in my 2008 330EC, I assume my setup should be quite similar to yours.

[alswagg]

I have installed several version's of waste filters.  Every single install I found the incorrect tank fitting for the waste tank,  now I always replace the fitting with a brass 5/8 barb.  The thread size is 1/2 npt.   This is not limited to only express cruisers but also Cuddy Cabins.  ie 282's Allan 

[Black_Diamond]

I have to say I am really impressed with the Big Orange.  it works great and zero smell after a flush.  Well worth the time and money!

[ANZAC_1915]

Hi Black Diamond,

How do you get to the vent hose from the port seat storage area? Is it immediately below and you have to fish it up?