MACERATOR OPERATION

[fred miller]

I have just learned to use the waste tank macerator on my 35.5. . .when I'm out to sea of course. My questions are these: Can I leave the macerator sea cock open at all times without fear of back flooding the tank and head? It's just such a pain in the neck to get to in into the outboard swim platform lazarette to open and close the valve each time.Second, how long do you run the macerator in order to empty the tank? It is a 11 or 13 gallon tank I think?Third, does the boat have to be moving for the macerator to work properly. That is, does forward motion help drain the tank faster?Thanks,Fred MillerM Squared

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

1. No! 2. About 1 minute 3. No, but a good idea

The thru-hull must be kept closed at all times except when actually dumping the tank at sea beyond three miles...not only because water can indeed flood the tank (the macerator won't block it), but because it's legally necessary inside the "3 mile limit" to secure the system from "accidental" overboard discharge...the easiest way to do that is by keeping the seacock closed.If you kept the instructions that came with the macerator, you'd know that the macerator moves about 12 gal/minute. If you're smart, you'll use a washdown pump--sea water is ok--to put water down the pumpout fitting flush out the tank and rinse the macerator after the tank is empty...and also do it with fresh water several times a season. It's not necessary that the boat be moving when you dump the tank, but it's a good idea because a) it sends the discharge aft of the boat, and b) It spreads it over a wider area, allowing dilution to create less environmental impact.

 

[Ed]

Thru hull valve open/close

Which position should the handle be for closed on the Macerator through-hull... at a right angle to the line/valve or in line with the valve?Thanks

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

Right angle = closed, inline with hose =open

This should be true for all seacocks, y-valves...any valve with a handle.