Can this be rebuilt?

[scross]

I’ve known my macerator pump has been in need of repair for a couple of seasons now. I put off dealing with it because we have never used it and because i thought the access was going to be problematic.
Here it is:
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Have you ever seen something so bad?
Well, of course it had to be replaced. And I was right - access was a pain. It took me 5 hours to remove the original macerator and get a new one installed. Just griping here, but it would have been a 45 miinute job if I’d been able to use both hands in that space at the same time. Like tying a shoelace with one arm. It can be done but not fun!
I can’t imagine how hard it would be to replace the stern thruster shear pin. If that ever goes I’m just going to pay someone to fix it. I’m getting too old to be a contortionist....

 

[Chimo]

I just have to ask.....sorry.

If you’ve never used it, why bother replacing it?

 

[scross]

In 5 seasons we haven’t needed to use the macerator. We have managed our cruising itineraries so we are near a pumpout station every 10 days. But once Canada opens again we are looking forward to the Broughtons. Still think we can go 10 days between pump outs even in the Broughtons. But if there’s bad weather that puts that a pumpout rendezvous in trouble I need a solution.
Canada has an emergency exemption for not discharging close to shore. While I never would want to find myself in that situation, I’d rather have a working macerator if needed.
Plus, I like everything on the boat to be in working condition regardless of whether or not I use it.

 

[Chimo]

Sounds like a good reason!

Here’s an idea for you while you’re into the plumbing for that pump. Do you think it would be an idea to add an extra Y valve and a length of hose to the bilge? That way you would have an extra bilge pump. I haven’t done this but it’s on my list.

 

[scross]

Chimo,
I’m done with that project and really hope I don’t have to do it again. The existing Y valve outlet end is literally one inch from the intake side of the macerator pump. The hose connecting the two is 3.25” in total, most of which resides on the barbed ends on the pump and valve.
I like your idea but not sure it there’s enough physical space available to add the extra Y valve, connector tubing and associated 1.5” ID tubing required to add a hose run to the bilge.

 

[Chimo]

Great feedback, thanks. Maybe putting a Y in the hose to the washdown pump would be better approach. I will take a look when I get down to the boat.

 

[knotflying]

Don't take this wrong, but the pump looked a bit neglected. It seems like the spot it is in can get salt water on it. You may want to coat it with Sta-Bil corrosion inhibitor. The stuff is really good. I would also use the pump every once in a while to exercise it. Things like to be used and hate sitting around. Especially in a wet environment.

 

[scross]

Knotflying,
You’re correct, that macerator pump has been a matter of mindful neglect for the past three seasons. I’m hoping the scabs on my hands and arms from the 5 hour replacement effort will heal within the week.
That area underneath the bait well floor has poor air circulation. Oddly, the macerator pump was the only thing in that area showing any sign of corrosion. Normally I’m only in there once a year to lube the zerk fittings on the rudder and inspect the bonding wiring.
I do have a can of Sta-Bil Rust Stopper that I use every year on the motor mounts and other items in the bilge. I’ll give the new pump a spray with it. I’ve added testing the new macerator pump to my maintenance schedule.
Now that the replacement is done it’s nice to be able to say that everything on the boat is functioning perfectly without including the asterisk of that inop pump.