I am interested in getting some advice on replace of the head hoses and the macerator gasket. Are these jobs that an amateur can accomplish or should they be done by a pro in a yard? Is there any articles on this subject? Any directions? Thanks
Head hose replacement
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You can do it.
Replacing hoses isn't a fun job, but requires no real skill, just planning (VERY important), enough math skills to figure out how much hose to buy, plenty of patience, a lot of sweat, a little blood, and enough creativity to link multiple profanities in highly original sequences. The link below includes detailed instructions (for replacing hoses, not profanity). Replacing the macerator gasket (replace the impeller too while you're at it) only requires some manual dexterity and ability to read and follow directions that will come with it. You can avoid sweating while you do that by taking it out and working on it at home.
Replacing hoses isn't a fun job, but requires no real skill, just planning (VERY important), enough math skills to figure out how much hose to buy, plenty of patience, a lot of sweat, a little blood, and enough creativity to link multiple profanities in highly original sequences. The link below includes detailed instructions (for replacing hoses, not profanity). Replacing the macerator gasket (replace the impeller too while you're at it) only requires some manual dexterity and ability to read and follow directions that will come with it. You can avoid sweating while you do that by taking it out and working on it at home.
Definitely Can Be Done
By an amature, but you'll need someone to help. I replaced the hoses on my H31 about two months ago and my boat smells at least 1000X better than it did before. However, it took about 6 hours and was a very bloody and sometimes uncomfortable experience. I could smell the hose odors in my skin for days after I was done with the project. The chases in the H31 are notoriously difficult to work with; I'm not sure about the 35.5. In any event, my only advice would be to get the right hose so you'll never have to do this again. I used the Sealand Odorsafe hose (white) which was difficult but not impossible to work with. This is one place where you'll never regret spending money so you don't have to do it again. Good luck!
By an amature, but you'll need someone to help. I replaced the hoses on my H31 about two months ago and my boat smells at least 1000X better than it did before. However, it took about 6 hours and was a very bloody and sometimes uncomfortable experience. I could smell the hose odors in my skin for days after I was done with the project. The chases in the H31 are notoriously difficult to work with; I'm not sure about the 35.5. In any event, my only advice would be to get the right hose so you'll never have to do this again. I used the Sealand Odorsafe hose (white) which was difficult but not impossible to work with. This is one place where you'll never regret spending money so you don't have to do it again. Good luck!
I agree with the others above. I replace mine on a H-33.5 just before launch. It went slow and with some aggrivation. You should defenitly plan on getting some 'Hose Lube', sold by West Marine, and apply it to inside of hose ends and nipples. You should use a hair dryer to warm up the hose ends to get them on. I, also, used 'Sealand Oderless' hose for the waste lines and Trident for the seawater line. Check thouroughly for leaks at every joint and use double SS hose clamps. Also make sure of a good seat when refitting the waste nipple/joker valve assy at the bottom of the head. Dick Carey S/V Puffin 1990 H-33.5
No need to spend $4 for "hose lube"
Dishwashing liquid works in most cases...a $1.59 tube of K-Y jelly (available from any drug store) works even better. Do NOT use Vaseline or any petroleum based lubricant...petroleum is destructive to hose. Do not heat hose to bend it tighter than it wants to bend willingly...the attached photo is an excellent illustration of the reason why. Instead, break it and insert an inline radius fitting.
Dishwashing liquid works in most cases...a $1.59 tube of K-Y jelly (available from any drug store) works even better. Do NOT use Vaseline or any petroleum based lubricant...petroleum is destructive to hose. Do not heat hose to bend it tighter than it wants to bend willingly...the attached photo is an excellent illustration of the reason why. Instead, break it and insert an inline radius fitting.
Peggie, can he get rid of the macerator with a
LecraSan? Not to mention the holding tank and pumps and deck pumpout aggravation? Why not pull the tank and simplify. I have never heard of any unhappy LectraSan owners. Love mine. And the boat smells like a boat should.
LecraSan? Not to mention the holding tank and pumps and deck pumpout aggravation? Why not pull the tank and simplify. I have never heard of any unhappy LectraSan owners. Love mine. And the boat smells like a boat should.
In SF Bay...Absolutely!
There's only one "no discharge" area--and it's just a very small harbor off SF Bay--on the whole west coast north of Santa Barbara...which makes the discharge of treated waste from a Lectra/San legal and FAR more environmentally friendly than a holding tank anywhere he's likely to go. So yes, he most certainly could get rid of the tank, macerator and a whole bunch of plumbing, along with all the hassle of maintaining a holding tank and looking for pumpouts...or being forced to dump illegally if there are none open or working when he needs one. The environmental impact from just ONE illegally dumped holding tank is greater than that of the discharge from 1,000 Lectra/Sans all in the same place for 24 hours.
There's only one "no discharge" area--and it's just a very small harbor off SF Bay--on the whole west coast north of Santa Barbara...which makes the discharge of treated waste from a Lectra/San legal and FAR more environmentally friendly than a holding tank anywhere he's likely to go. So yes, he most certainly could get rid of the tank, macerator and a whole bunch of plumbing, along with all the hassle of maintaining a holding tank and looking for pumpouts...or being forced to dump illegally if there are none open or working when he needs one. The environmental impact from just ONE illegally dumped holding tank is greater than that of the discharge from 1,000 Lectra/Sans all in the same place for 24 hours.
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