Foul Air Begone! – Perko Odor Eater
No boater wants the smell from the holding tank interrupting appetites and good times aboard. Even a fully functioning waste management system operates with the fundamental idea that the foul air from the holding tank needs to be vented off the boat. While this venting is a necessity, the fact remains that the untreated gases from the blackwater tank is constantly exiting the vent. While underway the vented foul smell might not be noticeable, but when stationary that stink can float up, especially after a flush, and completely spoil the atmosphere on deck.
Fortunately, there are clever innovations in the cutting-edge field of vented maritime foul odor combat that could be just what you need. Among these is the brand-new Odor Eater waste tank vent filter from Perko. For Odor Eater, simplicity is the name of the game. The filter is essentially a replaceable cylinder on a mounting bracket that one installs onto the hose-line between the holding tank and vent through-hull. There are some guidelines for proper installation provided by Perko, but it is a straightforward job that can be completed by most boat owners. The unit is readily compatible with many types of boats both new and old as long as the venting hose is 5/8” or garden hose size.
According to the manufacturer, the Odor Eater cartridge should last for a year before replacement. Ease of replacement is one of the main design aims of Odor Eater, and a simple release of the patented quick connect adaptors pops out the old cartridge. The check valves included are designed to contain odors during the cartridge switch as well. The company’s proprietary “mixed media” that is used within the cartridge is a bit of a mystery, but other similar cartridge filters utilize charcoal/carbon.
All told, the new Perko Odor Eater is a straightforward, affordable, easy-to-use system to help reduce or eliminate errant smells from the exiting ventilation system of your onboard holding tank. This odor suppressing device will make life on the boat more enjoyable during those weekend or extended cruises with guests. The versatility of the Perko system is a big bonus, as it’ll work on boats ranging from small fishing machines up to large sailing and motoryachts equally well.
Maybe someday we at Best4Boats will conduct a blackwater tank odor fighting gear test… but, no offense to Perko, we’re not exactly looking forward to that day.
More information on their website.
