Vacuflush Holding Tank Filter Replacement

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Filters are a routine maintenance item. I believe the owner manual calls for yearly replacement which seems to be about right based upon our experience in the past. The charcoal is activated carbon which absorbs the hydrogen sulfide gas present in holding tanks. Once it it reaches its capacity to absorb oders you get the smell, and it is time to change the filter. It is considered bad form not to change it if you keep your boat in a marina with neighbors.
 
BLRVT said:
Hello all, I have a 2001 SeaRay 290 Sundancer that I am trying to replace the holding tank filter on. I cannot seem to locate it. The holding tank itself is tucked forward of the engine compartment access; therefore, I am guessing there is a hidden access. Does anyone know where I find and how I access the filter? I cannot believe boat builder like SeaRay did not install one. Thank you in advance for your help.
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If you have one it should be right on top of the tank.
 
Just FYI: don’t buy the $100 replacement filter recharge the one you have.
Buy activated charcoal (small) and fish tank filter material at the pet store and dump your old one out rinse and fill with the new charcoal plug the ends with the filter material DONE
We’ve been doing this for years and it’s perfect and costs around $4 per year to recharge.
 
Havana Shamrock said:
Just FYI: don’t buy the $100 replacement filter recharge the one you have.
Buy activated charcoal (small) and fish tank filter material at the pet store and dump your old one out rinse and fill with the new charcoal plug the ends with the filter material DONE
We’ve been doing this for years and it’s perfect and costs around $4 per year to recharge.
Click to expand...

Or split the difference with an off-brand filter. Not as fiscally responsible as the DIY route but requires zero effort...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E533IE8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 
BLRVT said:
Hello all, I have a 2001 SeaRay 290 Sundancer that I am trying to replace the holding tank filter on. I cannot seem to locate it. The holding tank itself is tucked forward of the engine compartment access; therefore, I am guessing there is a hidden access. Does anyone know where I find and how I access the filter? I cannot believe boat builder like SeaRay did not install one. Thank you in advance for your help.
Click to expand...


It's not hidden. It should be mounted right above the tank up against the floor or side of the boat. I bet you will have to contort your body to see it. I had to change mine by feel alone and let me tell you DO NOT allow the connection from the back side of the filter to slip from your hands once you have it disconnected .... it will spring back further then you can reach. I know from experience and it's not fun.
 
BLRVT said:
Hello all, I have a 2001 SeaRay 290 Sundancer that I am trying to replace the holding tank filter on. I cannot seem to locate it. The holding tank itself is tucked forward of the engine compartment access; therefore, I am guessing there is a hidden access. Does anyone know where I find and how I access the filter? I cannot believe boat builder like SeaRay did not install one. Thank you in advance for your help.
Click to expand...
If your tank is starboard forward in the er like mine it’s mounted on top the tank towards the outside of the hull. Can’t see it, all by feel. Don’t worry, if you are tall and thin the pain subsides quickly. Probably the worst maintenance job on our boats. Have fun
 
JimT said:
If you have one it should be right on top of the tank.
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Thank you. I will need to poke around some more when back down on the boat this weekend.
 
Jersey Mike said:
If your tank is starboard forward in the er like mine it’s mounted on top the tank towards the outside of the hull. Can’t see it, all by feel. Don’t worry, if you are tall and thin the pain subsides quickly. Probably the worst maintenance job on our boats. Have fun
Click to expand...
 
Thank you very much Jersey Mike. Unfortunately, I am fairly tall but not young or thin anymore. Are you saying that by feel you were able to identify, disconnect and reconnect a replacement? I wonder if it would be possible to reposition it more in the engine compartment area.
 
Little Ducky said:
It's not hidden. It should be mounted right above the tank up against the floor or side of the boat. I bet you will have to contort your body to see it. I had to change mine by feel alone and let me tell you DO NOT allow the connection from the back side of the filter to slip from your hands once you have it disconnected .... it will spring back further then you can reach. I know from experience and it's not fun.
Click to expand...
 
Thank you Little Ducky. I appreciate the cautionary words to save me the same headache. I will look again tho weekend.
 
BLRVT said:
Thank you Little Ducky. I appreciate the cautionary words to save me the same headache. I will look again tho weekend.
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When it slipped from my hand I had to use my phone to take a picture of where it went because my head and body would not fit in the space provided. If I can find that picture I will post it up so you can see what you are about to do.

My 290 is a 1998...on your 2001 do you have one big hatch or do you have 2 little hatches and one big hatch covering your engines? On the 98 there are 3 hatches with a metal "U" channel between each to capture the water and direct it out...... these "U" channels are difficult to work around at times.
 
Little Ducky said:
When it slipped from my hand I had to use my phone to take a picture of where it went because my head and body would not fit in the space provided. If I can find that picture I will post it up so you can see what you are about to do.

My 290 is a 1998...on your 2001 do you have one big hatch or do you have 2 little hatches and one big hatch covering your engines? On the 98 there are 3 hatches with a metal "U" channel between each to capture the water and direct it out...... these "U" channels are difficult to work around at times.
Click to expand...
 
Thank you. It sounds like I have the same hatch configuration that you do. I'm surprised they did not create an access under the aft table bench seat. I am 6' and 250. I am going to try to take a look this weekend, but may need to find a smaller framed marine worker to help.
 
Thank you. I will let folks know how it goes. May have to wait until after the 4th holiday.
 
The filter on the 290’s is definitely above and a little aft of the holding tank on the starboard side. I can sit in the stringer and change mine. One benefit to having the single 454.
 
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