[C320-list] Plasticky Smell From Head Area

[John Van Vessem]

I don't have the problem you are describing, but what might help is opening the head hatch.  I keep mine open all the time, summer and winter and only close it when I'm sailing.  The rain doesn't matter because it's a shower stall anyway.  I also keep the head door open with a cord and keep the V hatch and the Main hatch cracked.  There is a groove that allows the dogs to close and lock but keeps a small opening in the hatch.  Additionally I keep a port lite open in the after berth.  All this ventilation keeps my boat smelling sweet.
 
John Van Vessem
Sojourn 645
Vallejo Yacht Club 



----- Original Message ----
From: Nigel Price <nigel.price at bigpond.com>
To: C320-List <C320-List at catalina320.com>
Sent: Saturday, July 1, 2006 4:19:22 AM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Plasticky Smell From Head Area


My C320 is six months old ( #1061) and has had the smell, also strongest 
in the head, since new. A shipwright, recently on board looking for the 
source of water under the cabin sole, said he could'nt use the head because 
the smell made him sick. I've checked the holding tanks etc but the smell is 
only in the head. My theory is that the head has the  most exposed area of 
epoxy resin in the smallest and most confined space with the poorest 
ventilation. I secure the door open when I lock up and pour sented 
disinfectant down the bowl. It helps a bit but still pongs something awful.
  Bruce, do you have the same issue on Fantastic Lady?
  Another source of a similar and dreadful smell is in the drawer, under the 
chart table; anyone else had that?
  Cheers,
  Nigel
  Epiphany #1061


  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: "Chris Burti" <cburti at yahoo.com>
  To: "C320-List" <C320-List at catalina320.com>
  Sent: Friday, June 30, 2006 12:45 AM
  Subject: Re: [C320-list] Plasticky Smell From Head Area


  > Your shower/reefer sump pump is located under the head
  > sink. Check for heat by hand or current with a
  > voltmeter when it is supposed to be off.
  >
  > --- FSenft at aol.com wrote:
  >
  >>
  >> Hi All:
  >> We are experiencing an odd smell below deck in  our
  >> 3-year-old 320. Would
  >> love some advice.
  >> Hard to describe smells, but it is a plasticky/
  >> burning odor, almost like
  >> fresh PVC. It seems to arrive from the head, but
  >> could  be from the aft closet
  >> -- or anything nearby. It has been going on for over
  >> a  year and is strongest
  >> when hatches have been shut for a while. Had
  >> suggestions that could be battery
  >> (no, replaced and oft filled) the head  treatment
  >> (no, several brands tried,
  >> incl eco bleach) or engine (doubtful, wrong  smell).
  >>
  >> Any suggestions would be great. Tough to  invite
  >> guests over with this going
  >> on.
  >> Cheers,
  >> Jon
  >>
  >>
  >
  >
  > Chris Burti
  > "Commitment"
  > Catalina 320, #867,
  > Farmville, NC
  >
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