MOLD MANIA

Q: I own a 2020 Pursuit C 288. My problem is with black mold forming in the freshwater head toilet. The cover is down on the toilet, and it has a rubber seal to prevent toilet water from slopping out.

Every two weeks, I have to clean the mold out, even when the toilet has not been used. I don’t want to use any harsh bowl cleaners because it all goes into my treated holding tank.

Any ideas?

Capt. R.M. Silva Via email

A: Most boats, especially if stored in the water, have mold aboard. That’s because the combination of dark, damp, airless spaces—like bilges and the spaces behind or under access panels—are perfect mold breeding grounds. Specific to your problem, there is likely mold in the hoses and in either the freshwater tank or holding tank, or both.

There are two relatively simple things you can do to remediate. First, make sure there are no low spots in your hoses where water can sit. If a low spot exists, replumb the hoses. Bear in mind that sometimes the space and geometry aboard boats doesn’t lend itself to perfection, and you might have to settle for as good as it gets.

Second, evacuate the bowl with the water supply shut off. In other words, keep the bowl dry until it’s needed. You’ll need to open the water supply, or teach your crew how, for each use. Then, after flushing the goods, or at the end of the day or trip, evacuate the bowl again.

If you care to dig deeper, you can empty and scrub out your tanks on an annual basis. Replace the hoses every few years.

Doing all of this will reduce mold and the maintenance required to remove it. Good luck.