The macerator on my 2001 260 has gone out, as well as the fresh water pump. I am starting to thingk all these electronic gizmos are adding unnecessary complication to my sailing. I was thinking of adding an autopilot, but now am reconsidering it, as that would be just one more expensive item to maintain. To the point: has anyone added a manual pump for their fresh water tank?
- Status
Possible "operator error" to blame for both
Did you let the macerator or the water pump run dry for any length of time? That'll cause 'em to overheat and shut down--so the motors are prob'ly still ok. But running dry will "fry" an impeller and beat a diaphragm to death (macerator is an impeller pump...water pump could be either one). As long as the motors still run in either one, repair is relatively simple and inexpensive. Impellers should be changed every year anyway. Btw, neither is electronic...both are VERY simple electric pumps that require almost -0- maintenance and last for decades if they're not abused. If you haven't let 'em run dry, the other most likely cause for the failures is a blown fuse. Do a little investigating before you give up on 'em.
Did you let the macerator or the water pump run dry for any length of time? That'll cause 'em to overheat and shut down--so the motors are prob'ly still ok. But running dry will "fry" an impeller and beat a diaphragm to death (macerator is an impeller pump...water pump could be either one). As long as the motors still run in either one, repair is relatively simple and inexpensive. Impellers should be changed every year anyway. Btw, neither is electronic...both are VERY simple electric pumps that require almost -0- maintenance and last for decades if they're not abused. If you haven't let 'em run dry, the other most likely cause for the failures is a blown fuse. Do a little investigating before you give up on 'em.
Operator misuse
probably.But I've decided to pump out rather than macerate anyway, and that will save me the potentially nasty job of replacement. I'd rather not rely on battery powered gizmos,and I'd rather sail than replace impellors, etc., like I said. Can I set up a manual pump system for the fresh water? thanks, Peggy. Signed, Amish on the water
probably.But I've decided to pump out rather than macerate anyway, and that will save me the potentially nasty job of replacement. I'd rather not rely on battery powered gizmos,and I'd rather sail than replace impellors, etc., like I said. Can I set up a manual pump system for the fresh water? thanks, Peggy. Signed, Amish on the water
Auto-tiller/pilot......si, si, si!!
I don't have any experience with macerators, but.............if you are a single-handed sailor or close to it, an auto-tiller/pilot is the way to go!!! As they say, it does what you tell it to do, doesn't cry if you holler at it, and doesn't drink your beer!!! The best crewman ever!!!!
I don't have any experience with macerators, but.............if you are a single-handed sailor or close to it, an auto-tiller/pilot is the way to go!!! As they say, it does what you tell it to do, doesn't cry if you holler at it, and doesn't drink your beer!!! The best crewman ever!!!!
Foot-pumps work great
Yes I changed the system to a totally manual (and foot) fresh water system. With a tank under the V-berth and foot oprated pumps under the sink and the head. It works very well and I usually don't have to worry about using too much water or lack of electric power. And both hands are free to do the dishes or whatever. toomas
Yes I changed the system to a totally manual (and foot) fresh water system. With a tank under the V-berth and foot oprated pumps under the sink and the head. It works very well and I usually don't have to worry about using too much water or lack of electric power. And both hands are free to do the dishes or whatever. toomas
Attachments
Toomas, how did you get the pedal off...
...the pump to install. I took a look at foot pumps a few years back and figured I would have to notch the glass from the door opening down. alan
...the pump to install. I took a look at foot pumps a few years back and figured I would have to notch the glass from the door opening down. alan
Just take it off
Hi, it's a piece of rubber that comes off fairly easy twisting it a little and after you've put the metal bar throuhg the little hole, you just put the rubber cushion in place again. Toomas
Hi, it's a piece of rubber that comes off fairly easy twisting it a little and after you've put the metal bar throuhg the little hole, you just put the rubber cushion in place again. Toomas
- Status