I have a 2003 3800 Open. I have had the boat now for four seasons and have never changed the charcoal filter for the sanitation circuit. That is only because I can not find the filter. the tank is situated between the main stringer and under the generator. I see the y valve and the vent hose. Both the pump hose and the vent hose move forward along the starboard stringer, then jumps over next to the starboard engine, then infront of the engine and over to the starboard side to pump out. Things are very tight, but for the life of me, I, along with 3 or 4 buddies, can't find that filter. I even offer $20 to the guy who can find it. Is it possible one was never installed? there are a couple natural spots between the main stringers but nothing there (including no unions in the line that would suggest it has been removed). Thouhgts?
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Your right on track... I've been searching for the filter on my 2003 38 Open as well and have never found it.. Sounds funny but I've looked all over... At least there is someone else having the same issue.... I've owned the boat for 16+ years and have looked numerious times. It's like doing the same thing over and over expecting different resules... That's the definition of insanity... I'm in good company I guess... Needed to get this off my chest..
08-19-2025, 04:52 PM (This post was last modified: 08-19-2025, 04:54 PM by DLydey.)
(08-19-2025, 04:45 PM)ReelMagic Wrote: Your right on track... I've been searching for the filter on my 2003 38 Open as well and have never found it.. Sounds funny but I've looked all over... At least there is someone else having the same issue.... I've owned the boat for 16+ years and have looked numerious times. It's like doing the same thing over and over expecting different resules... That's the definition of insanity... I'm in good company I guess... Needed to get this off my chest..
Ok, so I’m not going nuts!! And thank you, misery loves company! I’ve never had an issue that suggests I need to find it but I am a stickler for preventative maintenance.
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Vessel Info: 2003 38' Open Cummin's 6CTA's (450 hp)
I absoulty agree that preventative maintenance is the way to go but as we both have tried with no success I'm not sure what the next step is or would be.... M2C
In the cabin, remove the seat back cushions of the aft settee (under the helm). Open that access door, and it will be in to the left (towards starboard side as you're facing aft). Horrible location and very hard to change, especially if you have that compartment filled with electronic goodies as I do.
Author's Statistic:
Posts: 697
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Joined: Dec 2010
Home Port: Kings Park, NY
Vessel Info: 2003 38' Open Cummin's 6CTA's (450 hp)
Posts: 697
Threads: 13
Likes Given: 1
Likes Received: 92 in 84 posts
Joined: Dec 2010
Home Port: Kings Park, NY
Vessel Info: 2003 38' Open Cummin's 6CTA's (450 hp)
Author's Statistic:
Posts: 697
Threads: 13
Likes Given: 1
Likes Received: 92 in 84 posts
Joined: Dec 2010
Home Port: Kings Park, NY
Vessel Info: 2003 38' Open Cummin's 6CTA's (450 hp)
Posts: 697
Threads: 13
Likes Given: 1
Likes Received: 92 in 84 posts
Joined: Dec 2010
Home Port: Kings Park, NY
Vessel Info: 2003 38' Open Cummin's 6CTA's (450 hp)
I went to the boat and hiccup was spot on..... It was hard to get to as the A/C ducks blocked seeing the cartridge but I felt it.... Will move the A/C ducts and change the filter....Thanks again hiccup....
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