Black tank overboard discharge....

[Rich 35.5]

Does anyone have a padlock on their overboard discharge valve? I thought that was a Coast Guard requirement. Our new to us Legend 35.5 doesn't have any provision to lock the valve, and no Y valve either. Just curious what every other 35.5 has....

 

[dmax]

You don't need a padlock - a zip tie will do. It makes opening of the discharge valve intentional so you can't argue it was an accidental opening.

 

[Rich 35.5]

There is nothing to attach a zip tie to either....

 

[BigEasy]

That’s a bit unusual, because my 1988 Hunter had a Y that was lockable. My present boat also has a Y valve that I lock. Also have a MSD discharge protocol that I keep on board, as recommended by Coast Guard Auxiliary.

 

[Calif. Ted]

No, I have both a macerator from the tank or a Y valve for direct overboard discharge both with thru hulls normally closed but not locked. I have had a CG Aux. safety inspection and a "boarding" without comment from either. Don't remember if dockside inspector even looked and I know the "boarding" team didn't. In fact, the boarding team didn't leave their boat, just followed along and had me hold stuff up. They even cut me a little slack on expired flares.

 

[jssailem]

I have had the CG aboard for inspection. The through hull had a zip tie restraining the movement of the handle. The pump was disconnected from the DC power. The inspector stated all was good. The zip tie was adequate. The lack of pump working was like a belt and suspenders approach.

 

[Terry Cox]

No lock, no zip tie either. In our case, the CG inspector just looked at the valve and saw that it was closed. No problem. I suppose you could remove the handle, if that would help in your situation.

 

[CrispyCringle]

How can you have an "accidental" discharge? On my boat I have to lay down on the sole, pull a cover up, turn two valves and turn on the pump. If I discharge the tank its intentional. I know some boats are rigged to be much easier, but still. Locks seem like overkill.

 

[jssailem]

Locks seem like overkill.

They are overkill. That is just what some desire to stop the boaters from dumping in the water.
I've seen the cloud left behind a Grey Whale that has been feeding. I would never follow a whale in a boat. You talk about polluted water.

 

[Terry Cox]

I've seen the cloud left behind a Grey Whale that has been feeding.

Likely would fail a CG inspection, eh?

 

[Richard19068]

Likely would fail a CG inspection, eh?

Probably okay. I don't think there are any coast guard regs about direct discharge.

 

[Mika1]

There is nothing to attach a zip tie to either....

I used 5200 to glue a small padeye to the hull just below the handle of the discharge seacock. It doesn't need to be structural, it's only an attachment point for a zip tie to satisfy the regulations. Locate the padeye directly under the seacock handle to protect it from bumps.

FYI, I also have a toggle switch wired in next to the macerator pump. This is in addition to the (normally off) "Macerator" circuit breaker on the electrical panel. Combined, it all makes accidental overboard discharge impossible because three deliberate actions are required: activation at the electrical panel, unlocking/opening the seacock in the transom, activation of the pump's switch in the transom. I believe the regs only require two.