What’s That Smell?

 

 

The list of olfactory offenders on our boats are numerous. The one that “steams” to the top of the heap is always the head system. However, one might be surprised at the most offensive components on board that will not pass the sniff test.

 

These include in no particular order of smell:

 

1. Head systems – hoses, holding tanks, filters, seals, vents, etc.

2. Sump boxes

3. Water tanks

4. Fuel and oil in bilge for extended periods

5. Inoperable refrigeration and/or food left in refrigeration

6. Seawater in bilge for extended periods

7. Mold and Mildew in AC systems

8. Overpowering fragrances

 

Most of these components have relatively easy remedies to that “not so fresh feeling”. Below are some tips to remove offensive smells or to inhibit those malodorous emanations.   

 

Head systems have numerous items that require regular service. First and foremost is the filter. This is typically a charcoal filter that is in line from the holding tank to the vent. Typically this is changed once a year. The reinforced plumbing hoses do have a lifespan and will begin to leech fumes after time. Typical lifespan is three to five years. Seals at the holding tank and head hold up best with regular use. This is due to the fact that they are lubricated by water as the system is used. If boats are stored or not used for long periods of time, these seals tend to dry out or dry rot leading to an inefficient system which may let fumes escape or cause vacuum pumps to continuously operate in boats equipped with vacuum flushing heads (i.e. VacuFlush systems). Therefore regular exercising of the head systems will extend the life of the seals. Additionally, leaving water over the seals in heads will prevent drying of the seals (in most systems). Many of the newer head systems employed in our Rivieras (such as the Techma System by Dometic) have flush cycles that automatically add water after the flush cycle to keep the head seal lubricated. Regular evacuation of the holding tank along with use of treatment chemicals that are sold in most ship stores will help with the holding tank. Of course, when storing boats the holding tank should be emptied and treated prior to storage.

 

Sump boxes are typically the worst offenders when it comes to bad smells aboard. They are typically gravity fed and then discharged via a pump overboard (some areas require the use of a greywater system so as not to discharge overboard – the gulf coast is not currently one of these areas). Showers, few sinks, and AC condensate drain into sump boxes. Therefore old water, soap scum and debris can build up leading to bad smells. These should be cleaned regularly depending on how much utilization our boat receives. If it has been some time since a sump box has been cleaned, expect a very angry and offensive box. Non-volatile cleaners can be utilized once the debris has been removed. These can include citrus and vinegar based cleaners. Chlorine should not be used as it can damage components within the system over time.

 

Although not a typical source of offensive smells, if water has been left in water tanks for extended periods without being flushed it can lead to bad smells. Regular use along with draining the system when storing will keep this system from creating bad smells. If the water tank has developed a smell it can be drained and flushed repeatedly while adding small amounts of bleach prior to flushing. This should remedy any smell from the fresh water system.

 

Diesel fuel and oil when left for extended periods can develop a smell that is offensive for many. The first step to the remedy is of course to safely and properly remove any standing fuel or oil. Then a degreaser can be employed to remove any excess residue. Then a bilge cleaner can be utilized to finish the job. Some bilge cleaners are citrus based and can leave a fresh smell in an otherwise dank bilge.

 

An inoperable refrigerator or freezer can spoil a trip. It can also leave a smell that can last long after any spoiled items are removed. I have seen some owners so disgusted by a refrigerator that has failed that they have tossed the fridge prior to troubleshooting the issue. There are many ways of cleaning a refrigerator that I do not feel needs to be discussed here. However in consideration of storing our boats, all items should of course be removed from refrigerators and freezers and should be stored with doors propped open with baking soda utilized within them.

 

One offensive smell that some may not expect is sea water. When left unchecked in the bilge for extended periods of time, it will begin to smell much like what one would expect a head system to smell in disrepair. We must face the fact that from time to time, all bilges will find sea water. This could be from servicing sea strainers, leaking raw water pumps from the AC cooling water circuit, main engine cooling water circuits, and generator cooling water circuits. Therefore regular inspection will not only remedy any offending smells but it also gives us the opportunity to inspect for leaks. In cleaning stagnant sea water from the bilge (it does not take much to make a smell) use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any excess water that has not been removed by pumps. Then the same bilge cleaners used above will remedy any remaining foul smells.

If our boats are left for extended periods without utilizing climate control mold and mildew can grow in the cabins. Even after cleaning the interior the smell of mold and mildew may remain. This is due typically to growth within the climate control system itself and mostly this occurs within the filter. In extreme cases the growth will extend through ducts which will require professional cleaning. However, simply replacing the filter will typically remedy the smell provided the rest of the interior has been addressed. Another source of smells within the AC systems are the condensate drip pans. Water tends to accumulate within these pans over time and as with stagnant water in a bilge it will begin to smell. Servicing the drain lines and cleaning the pans of debris and stagnant water will remedy any smells emanating from the pans.

Many times as our frustration mounts with offensive smells we try to mask them with fragrances only to find that the smells only become more offensive. Only the most subtle of fragrances would be recommended on board any boat and should only be utilized once any other smell has been remedied. Plug in air fresheners and aerosol air fresheners are typically too strong to be utilized within the confines of the interiors of yachts. The best air fresheners in my opinion are those that are welcoming to guests such as that of baked cookies!