Get rid of LectraSan and go to Holding Tank

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lnikl

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Mar 1, 2011
88
Hunter 38 Port Moody, BC
I recently bought a boat that is equipped with a lectrasan. The unit seems to have a leak from the discharge port and possibly around the macrerator motor. Things don't smell good in that part of the boat. Also, the Lectra San (older unit with a needle guage indicator on the control panel) shows that it is providing low treatment. I suspect that this probably means I may need a new electrode pack.

I am wondering how difficult it is to rebuild the Lectrasan to deal with the leak. I suspect that I might have to ship it off for rebuild to the manufacturer. Any ideas out there on cost?

I am also seriously considering getting rid of the unit and going (back) to holding tank. I had a holding tank on the last boat and with good hoses and ventilation, it wasn't a stink problem.

I am curious about people's thoughts on the relative merits of lectrasan (prone to needing more maintenance) and holding tank (capacity limits but probably ok for what we do).
 
Oct 2, 2007
131
- - Millville, NJ
The version of the Lectra/San (there have been 5 different versions since it's introduction in 1974) that utilizes the twist-timer and indicator meter on the face of the controller has been out of production since the fall of 1991 - 20 years ago! So the law of averages says that it would not be economically feasible to try to rebuild it. Virtually NONE of the parts for the control box are available any longer, so if the timer, meter, or any of the other components inside the control box were to conk out on you, you'd be pretty much dead in the water.

Replacement parts for the actual treatment unit (blue and white box) do remain available, as many of them are interchangable with current models. A replacement 12 volt electrode pack is $360.00 from the factory, motors are $240.00 each, seals are $29.40 each, cover gasket is $34.00 - so you can see that the costs can build up pretty quickly. And even if you were to go to the expense of rebuilding it, you'd practically be paying for a new unit while you still have one that is at least 20 years old.

If it was a Model T Ford, I'd say go for it, as it will only appreciate in value. But Lectra/Sans aren't collectors' items, and the same isn't true for them.
 

lnikl

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Mar 1, 2011
88
Hunter 38 Port Moody, BC
Thanks Peggie. That pretty well sums it up (quite literally).
 
Dec 2, 1997
8,946
- - LIttle Rock
You didn't get that from me...

All that came straight from the horse's mouth..."HeadMaster" is Vic Willman, tech services manager at Raritan.

Assuming that you're gonna install a tank instead of replacing it with a new Electro Scan (which you'd LOVE, but will cost you about twice as much as a tank and all the related plumbing), I suggest you spend some time reading the discussions in this forum about tanks and installing 'em...and then I'll be glad to help you spec it out.
 
May 26, 2004
168
- - Oriental, NC
I did rebuild my old one several years ago for about $250 in parts. Lowered odor. Work fairly well. Faced with replacing or go back to holding tank went to composting head. Actually about same cost as Electra San. Main factors were more no discharge zones and growing lack of availability of pump out stations.

Good Winds
DaveM
 
Dec 2, 1997
8,946
- - LIttle Rock
How are you disposing of the urine, Dave?

By "composting" head, I'm assuming you mean either an AirHead or a Nature's Head, which actually aren't composters, but dessicators...urine is collected separately, solids are simply dehydrated. And even in a real composter, liquids have to be drained off...'cuz wet soggy material doesn't compost, it just rots.

So whichever you have--composter or dessicator--I'm curious to know how you're dealing with disposal of the liquids.

And btw...have you had it long enough to experience how it behaves in cold weather yet?
 
May 26, 2004
168
- - Oriental, NC
Peggy

We are east coasters based out of NC. Have not had cold weather experience yet with Natures Head. We usually don't sail under 40f. We have to keep the material slightly moist for any degradation to occur per instructions. We are aware that the degradation rate will be less at lower temps.

As far as urine we have a spare urine bottle and we will empty in a marina toilet when we dock every third or fourth day.

Given how things are changing this seems the best alternative for us.

Good Winds
DaveM
 
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