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Nov 17, '11 1:00 AM
by Peter for everyone

I read somewhere that Albin offered a holding tank for the Ballad. Was this a custom-fit tank?

Does anyone on the Forum have any more information on this?

I'm thinking of installing a tank above and behind the head, as I did in My Vega. That one was made of plywood and epoxy and shaped to snugly fit against the hull in between the bulkheads. But if I can purchase a ready-made one it would save me making one.

I found an interesting tank at TEKTANKS in the U.K. However, installing a rectangular tank in a curved area wastes a lot of space, which is why I'd be interested in a Ballad-fitted tank.

Peter, #1085 'Bennath'

www.sintacha.com

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8 CommentsChronological Reverse Threaded

cdfj wrote on Nov 17, '11, edited on Nov 17, '11

I bought an installation set including stainless steel tank (rectangular!), valves, hoses, etc. from Vegamarin about 5 years ago, but I can't see it on their website anymore http://www.vegamarin.se/ - you can ask them. Charles

patentnick wrote on Nov 17, '11

Hi Peter:
I installed a rectangular 40-litre holding tank five years ago. I bought it from Vetus, along with all the fittings, hoses and no-smell carbon filter (check out www.vetus.com). Although it's not as well made as the Tek Tank version, it hasn't leaked or smelled during this period. It's vital that you use top quality hoses made especially for holding tanks--particularly for the outlet side--as cheap hoses aren't impermeable. I understand your concern about the best use of space; in that case, Tek Tanks can make you a custom tank if you provide them with a template--and they'll do a great job. I really liked the installation on your Vega and I loosely followed it on my Ballad, although mine isn't as nice-looking. If the photos of Sin Tacha are anything to go by, your Ballad will be the best one on the water, probably by a long shot. I also really like that you use proper marine seacocks (Groco?). It's amazing how few people bother with something so important.

-Nicholas

prjacobs wrote on Nov 19, '11

Nicholas, Thanks for the compliments. The photos are kind ... it's not quite that perfect!
As far as Groco sea-cocks go they seem OK. But a short while after I installed them, there was a recall saying that the ones with stainless steel shafts on the valves were being recalled due to some failures, and all of mine had those shafts. They did provide replacements but no compensation for having to install the new ones, not even a tube of caulk. I beached the boat and changed them between tides, a somewhat hairy experience! The Ballad will probably get Marlon ones but I need to do more research before a purchase is made.

On the holding tank: I'll make a cardboard one that fits the hull to see how it looks. Maybe another epoxy/plywood tank will be best for me.

I've added some more photos in the album.
Peter
#1085 'Bennath'

mickpin wrote on Nov 20, '11, edited on Nov 20, '11

Peter.
I don't know anything about the 'original' holding tanks but Compass (www.compas24.com) do a universal tank. It's in plastic and it fits roughly half way round the toilet basin. I've got one and costs about £80 but I just haven't got round to sorting it all out and fitting. It looks as if it will fit snugly round the front and side of the basin but as I said I haven't tried it in earnest yet but I will see if it fits if you're interested. I have a diagram as to how it fits but you don't seem able to send pictures on this blog (at least I don't know how to) so I can't send.
Mick Pin

patentnick wrote on Nov 22, '11

Hi Peter:

I wasn't aware of the Groco recall. Mine are fine so far. On the contrary, I had a problem with Marelon; although I had done a really nice job installing them and was diligent with opening and closing them once a week and lubricating them once a year, I had two handles break. They were replaced with the Grocos.

Nicholas

prjacobs wrote on Nov 22, '11, edited on Nov 22, '11

Nicholas: I'm sure that after the recall Groco is pretty vigilant on their materials. The recall notice is at their website
http://www.groco.net/svc-bltn/cat-svc-bltn-2-08.htm
and if you enlarge the pictures there is a detailed look at how to inspect the valves to see if they are the suspect ones.
Your experience with Marlon is giving me second thoughts! I admit I've had no problems with the replacement Groco valves. Mine get a regular workout, except for the ones on the cockpit drains which get a bit stiff if I leave them too long.
Peter
#1085 'Bennath'

bartgreve wrote on Jan 29

Hi Peter,

The original Stainless Steel Ballad Holding Tank can be orderder through www.vegamarin.se

I installed it last year and it fits perfect above the wash basin.

Bart (B1348)

prjacobs wrote on Jan 29

Thanks Bart, I looked around the site but could not find the Ballad tank. Do you have a URL for it?
On the seacocks: as my replacement Groco's are working well on the Vega, and I've been hearing even more about Marelon handles breaking, I just ordered a set of Groco thru-hulls and seacocks.
Peter
#1085 'Bennath'

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