1997 Bayliner 3488 - unknown odor in mid-berth cabin.-gctid802846

[zipszer]

Hello all,

I recently purchased a 1997 Bayliner 3488 Avanti Command Bridge. This is the first boat I have owned and I am very pleased with it...this boat seems fast for it's size and a lot of boat for the money. My problem has been getting rid of a bad oder within the cabin.

I have thoroughly cleaned the bilges and all inside areas of the boat and this has removed most odors from the boat. My problem is the mid-berth cabin, which still contains an undefinable bad odor.

Are there other forum members who own this boat who have the same problem in this area? The holding is close by but I have pumped that out and all hoses to and from the tank and the pump are good. The A/C unit is right next to the cabin and this odor permeates the boat when turned on.

I know this description is not much to go by but does anybody have any ideas at all?

Thanks a bunch, Paul

[Norton_Rider]

The odor is most likely coming from permeated sanitation hoses. Unfortunately the only way to get rid of it is to replace all the sanitation hoses.

[zipszer]

Thank you Norton Rider for your response! Is there any visual way to tell if these hoses are permeated?

[TenMile]

"zipszer" post=802865 wrote:
Thank you Norton Rider for your response! Is there any visual way to tell if these hoses are permeated?

Visual no, but if you take a damp cloth and wipe it along the length of the hose and smell it -- that's usually the best method.

One trick you can try is to purchase a container of https://www.amazon.com/Zaal-90001-No...oflex Digestor. You can use it to treat your tank, however, you can also dissolve a couple tablespoons in warm water inside of a spray bottle. Give it a good shake to mix it and give all of your sanitation lines, tank and the area around it a good spray with the stuff. It helped big time with our boat.

Second trick is to grab an https://www.amazon.com/Sponge-Neutra.../> Odor Sponge and place it in any areas that smell.

Nothing to lose with the two tricks above. The Noflex is what we use to treat our holding tank to keep the smells down anyhow. Odor sponge will keep the boat smelling fresher. Worst case, you'll need to replace the hoses.

[zipszer]

Thank you Norton Rider and Ten Mile. Great advice and information from both of you. I will first try your suggestions Ten mile and see if that will reduce the odor to a point I can live with it.

If not, I will go the route suggested by Norton Rider and replace all sanitation hoses. Thanks to both you all for your responses!

[Letitgo]

I have the same boat, 1996. Those lines are 20 years old. I also believe the smell is coming from the sanitation hoses. I replaced mine 3 years ago and the smell disappeared.

Clorox pump tank.

[Pcpete]

In the long term, cleaning the exterior of the hoses isn't going to last and there are going to be places you can't do a good job of it. The "good" news is that replacement is a relatively easy, yes, ugly job. A good rinse of the using diluted Clorox prior to taking them apart really helps as there are probably some low spots where "stuff" sits.

Going back together, you can, and should, use schedule 40 PVC pipe where you can. Also, use the Sealand white or black super hose. It's worth the cost. There are unribbed adapters available that you should also use. They make it so you can get the hose off instead of cutting it off when those inevitable repairs are required. The tools you will need beyond some screwdrivers and wrenches are a hack saw or oscillating tool and a heat gun and some dish soap or light grease to slide the hose on fittings. It also gives you a chance to get to know your boat real well.

Feel free to pm me if you have any questions.

[zipszer]

Thank you Letitgo and Pcpete for your valuable information. I think I may just bite the bullet and replace the hoses . Letitgo - if you don't mind me asking how much would a set of sanitation hoses cost me and if you did the work on your boat yourself, how difficult was it?

Pcpete -Thank you for your technical information and I may have some questions for you as I go along

[Ruffryder]

Only use the Poly X sanitation, the best by far with a lifetime warranty.

Also the most expensive, but well worth it.

[Norton_Rider]

Here's a good reference book on the topic: https://www.amazon.com/Get-Boat-Odor.../dp/1892399156

The author used to post here many years ago until she and another member got into a flame war and she left the forum.

[Letitgo]

Zipszer, I bought hoses at West Marine, around $150 for all parts, new hose clamps ect. The longest hose is about 12 feet. I put a y valve in next to hot water and send overboard where it is legal. There are a few tight spots, but I also put in a new thru hole above water line for direct dump overboard. It took about a day to replace and I also noticed the lines going to tank and pump out hose location were switched.

[zipszer]

Thanks all for your replies,

You have been very helpful on this and your replies have provided me with the information I need to correct this problem.

Appreciate it! - Paul

[Pcpete]

Basic plumbing rules apply:

Wear gloves

Don't look into a connected pipe

Sh#t flows downhill

Don't lick your fingers

You can't get away from the smell

Low riding pants are required

You will have to go back for parts and/or tools

Payday is on Friday