I am faced with replacing a leaking y-valve and am considering just dispensing with the overboard discharge altogether. I'm rarely in areas where overboard discharging is legal and have ready access to pumpout stations. Am I missing anything, or is going to a holding tank only system reasonable?
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Peggie Hall/Head Mistress
It's very reasonable...
In fact, it's illegal to have y-valves on inland waters, the Great Lakes, and any coastal waters--for instance, the Chesapeake Bay--that don't offer immediate access to open sea at least 3 miles from the nearest point on the US coastline. And where pumpouts are readily available, there's no valid excuse to have one where it can't legally be used, either. It's also worth noting that the more available pumpout facilities are, the more strict the enforcement is.
In fact, it's illegal to have y-valves on inland waters, the Great Lakes, and any coastal waters--for instance, the Chesapeake Bay--that don't offer immediate access to open sea at least 3 miles from the nearest point on the US coastline. And where pumpouts are readily available, there's no valid excuse to have one where it can't legally be used, either. It's also worth noting that the more available pumpout facilities are, the more strict the enforcement is.
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Mike
Y-Valve
I had no idea that they were illegal. It's my understanding that as long as the valve is set to the holding tank and safety wired (or locked) in that position, it's OK.
I had no idea that they were illegal. It's my understanding that as long as the valve is set to the holding tank and safety wired (or locked) in that position, it's OK.
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Eric Lorgus
Y-valves are legal in MD, but must be secured
The following is an excerpt from http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/regulations/er.html Although a "Y" valve is permitted, when operating in Maryland waters it must be secured to prevent the discharge of raw sewage. The use of a nonreusable wire tie, or padlock, or removing the valve handle are acceptable ways to secure the "Y" valve.
The following is an excerpt from http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/regulations/er.html Although a "Y" valve is permitted, when operating in Maryland waters it must be secured to prevent the discharge of raw sewage. The use of a nonreusable wire tie, or padlock, or removing the valve handle are acceptable ways to secure the "Y" valve.
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Peggie Hall/Head Mistress
Depends on where you are
In coastal waters that have high transient traffic from everywhere in the world--i.e. the Chesapeake Bay--they're allowed, but must be secured. However, on inland lakes--especially non-navigable lakes--and rivers, y-valves are illegal in most states...when you're 500--or even 100--miles from any access to open sea, or the boat has to be hauled to get out of the lake, there cannot be any legal way to use a y-valve and overboard discharge pump.
In coastal waters that have high transient traffic from everywhere in the world--i.e. the Chesapeake Bay--they're allowed, but must be secured. However, on inland lakes--especially non-navigable lakes--and rivers, y-valves are illegal in most states...when you're 500--or even 100--miles from any access to open sea, or the boat has to be hauled to get out of the lake, there cannot be any legal way to use a y-valve and overboard discharge pump.
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Stan
Y Valve
If you do not forsee ocean cruising there is no good reason to replace the Y valve. As far as legalities; I sail Lake Michigan and my new C320 came with a Y valve. It was wired and sealed shut. The pump wiring was also disconnected. The Dealer assured me that this procedure met inland Regs.
If you do not forsee ocean cruising there is no good reason to replace the Y valve. As far as legalities; I sail Lake Michigan and my new C320 came with a Y valve. It was wired and sealed shut. The pump wiring was also disconnected. The Dealer assured me that this procedure met inland Regs.
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Alan Dynes
No Y-valve
I have a H30 on an inland lake and had to do away with the y-valve when I bought it used. I slipped an elbow in for the "T" that was there instead of the Y-valve and plugged the other end. In case of an emergency it could be used as a bilge pump. I suggest not getting rid of it
I have a H30 on an inland lake and had to do away with the y-valve when I bought it used. I slipped an elbow in for the "T" that was there instead of the Y-valve and plugged the other end. In case of an emergency it could be used as a bilge pump. I suggest not getting rid of it
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Peggie Hall/Head Mistress
Question for Alan
I'm confused as to how leaving the pump installed inline to the holding tank has anything to do with converting the pump for use as an emergency bilge pump. Btw...replumbing a MANUAL pump for use an emergency bilge pump is a very good idea. However, unless a macerator is run often, the impeller will become dry and brittle and usually sticks to the housing too. The first time you try to run it, the impeller is likely to crumble, rendering the pump useless until the impeller is replaced--and while your boat is taking on water is NO time to replace an impeller! Manual pumps are diaphragm pumps, but even they can't sit unused for years...rubber diaphragms dry out and become brittle too. To keep either one in reliable working order as an emergency bilge pump, replace the impeller in a macerator annually--even if you've never used it (especially if you've never used it!), and "exercise" a manual pump--with water going through it--at least once a month.
I'm confused as to how leaving the pump installed inline to the holding tank has anything to do with converting the pump for use as an emergency bilge pump. Btw...replumbing a MANUAL pump for use an emergency bilge pump is a very good idea. However, unless a macerator is run often, the impeller will become dry and brittle and usually sticks to the housing too. The first time you try to run it, the impeller is likely to crumble, rendering the pump useless until the impeller is replaced--and while your boat is taking on water is NO time to replace an impeller! Manual pumps are diaphragm pumps, but even they can't sit unused for years...rubber diaphragms dry out and become brittle too. To keep either one in reliable working order as an emergency bilge pump, replace the impeller in a macerator annually--even if you've never used it (especially if you've never used it!), and "exercise" a manual pump--with water going through it--at least once a month.
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