Macerator Choices?

[Justin]

Peggie,I recall a while ago a discussion about manual discharge pumps. I'm not to fond of electric macerator pumps as they don't seem to fit the KISS principle real well.Is a manual pump a reasonable long term solution. What is a good brand?We are heading to Mexico where pumpouts are scarce and at present we don't have a way of pumping overboard from the tank, only vacuum sucking thru a deck fitting. We do have a discharge thru-hull that can be used direct from the head so I suppose some replumbing is in order.It seems a shame to change the plumbing so that everything must go into the tank first before pumping overboard. Is there a better option?

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

I'm not sure I understand your question

Unless you go directly overboard from the head, the sewage already goes into the tank first. So are you asking me what type of pump to install so that you can dump the tank? You have 3 choices: a manual pump (a Whale Gusher or a Henderson would be just fine), an electric impeller macerator (which you've already decided you don't want--and I agree), or an electric diaphragm pump. If your tank is under 20 gallons and if power resources are at a premium, go with the manual...5 or 6 strokes and you're done. However, if your tank is large, I'd go with a SeaLand T-Series overboard discharge pump. Low power consumption, can be mounted anywhere--even above the tank. Whichever pump you decide on, the installation is simple: put a y-valve in the tank discharge line...run a new line off the y-valve to the pump and then over a vented loop to the thru-hull. If you decide on a manual pump, I'd put it where it's easy to access.