My Pumpout Story...

[PMC]

I'll start to say that this is simply a b!tch session.

I was down at the boat today to prep the for the weekend. Gear - food - general maintenance. My holding tank is near capacity, so i decided to use the marina pump out station.

I've used it once before. It is the type that you fill it with quarters to start. My past experiences have been fine. This time was not as pleasant.

I unravel the hose, stretched everything out close to the boat, and splat. Sh!t started leaking out of the hose all over the side. Crap was on the bench seat, carpet, even out the swim platform. Yuk!!

Pushing foraward I still need to finish the job. I drop some coins, and the pumps starts. I usually have to run the pump 2X before the holding tank is empty. After the 2nd round the tank is still not empty.

At the end of the hose is a shut off valve (PVC Ball valve). However the T handle is broken off. Not completely sure what position the valve is in, so I try and turn it with my cheap basted imitation leatherman. I can't get it to turn, and break the tool. In doing this I notice a good slice in my finger so I'm bleeding on everything. :smt021

Drop one more round of coins (3X now) and the tank is still not empty. I jump on the boat - pull the hatch to the ER and the stinkin tank is full. :smt013


So what did I learn here?

1- Don’t by crappy tools
2- The thought of sewage (not mine) is really grouse
3- I'll probably get some sort of infection with the open wound
4- I'll not be doing any more pumping - $10 bucks at the gas dock is a deal about now...

 

[Dancin Dave]

We use the Soundkeeper over on this side. Subscribe online, make a donation and they service the boat once a week.

 

[Bridog]

Paul, I'm sorry but I have to admit I laughed my butt off after reading of your ordeal. Just the thought of you running back and forth with the quarters, crap coming out of the hose, broken tools, infections. Did anyone manage to get a video of it? :smt043Sorry buddy. Brian

 

[ultratiger89]

that sucks, I'm fortunate. I keep my boat on a trailer in a storage that a friend of mine owns, it has a pump out station, on land. it's free and seldom used as there are only a few boats kept their with holding tanks.

did you get your $$$ back? obviously the pump out was broke.

 

[PMC]

Paul, I'm sorry but I have to admit I laughed my butt off after reading of your ordeal. Just the thought of you running back and forth with the quarters, crap coming out of the hose, broken tools, infections. Did anyone manage to get a video of it? :smt043Sorry buddy. Brian

Yeh - I'd be laughing my a$$ too if I saw this happen. My only change to story would be me holding the camera:thumbsup:

--Add to my "what did I learn list"
Use a pumpout service

There was a pumpout boat at Watch Hill Sat morning - with big letters VHF73 - I PUMP SH*T (alright that last part I made up). I'm not sure who actually funds this (I think it may be town of Brookhaven). Regardless it is a free service to boats in the area. I hear that they will not and can not accept tips.

 

[rondds]

Here's another thing to learn about pumping out...

Always keep the nozzle pointed UP until you are ready to stick it in. Drippage is an inevitability.

The E.coli infected wound not withstanding, I've heard worse tales of woe at the pump-out. Did the rest of the day turn out ok or was it just "one of those days."

 

[Hampton]

."

Rondds,

Sorry about the hijack, but we have a new member in our marina with the same make/model boat as you. I think it's the same year too. It looks like a very nice boat. I was going to take a tour yesterday, but had invited some friends out to the boat after work and I ran out of time. Can't wait to see it.

 

[rondds]

John, lemme know what you think! In a recent publication, this model has been called "poor selling...misfire," with awkward styling. But hey, everyone's entitled to his/her opinion. :grin:

RON

 

[bmac]

Yeh - I'd be laughing my a$$ too if I saw this happen. My only change to story would be me holding the camera:thumbsup:

--Add to my "what did I learn list"
Use a pumpout service

There was a pumpout boat at Watch Hill Sat morning - with big letters VHF73 - I PUMP SH*T (alright that last part I made up). I'm not sure who actually funds this (I think it may be town of Brookhaven). Regardless it is a free service to boats in the area. I hear that they will not and can not accept tips.

It is indeed the Town of Brookhaven that runs the pumpout boat at Watch Hill. I always tip the operators and they've always accepted....I'm always happy to see them show up instead of using the POS (no pun intended) pump out station at WH.