Macerator Basics for Newbie

[dfogal]

Hi Folks:

I have a new-to-me R29S from 2015.

As a boating newbie - could someone please explain when/how/why you use the macerator?

Daryll.

 

[oceaneyes]

There are two ways to get “waste” out of the boat: macerator pump or pump out at a marina. The macerator pump will grind (I think) and pump the waste from your waste tank overboard from a thru hull. There should be a “Y” valve near the waste tank that lets you set which way you are emptying the tank (macerator or pump out). Each region and body of water has different regulations (x miles offshore for example). Normally while cruising you will use a pump out station at a marina. Typically free but may cost a few dollars.

Congrats on the boat and have fun exploring!

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

The lever should be under the Bed cushions in your stateroom on the right side as you face the bow. Lever up should be close and therefore in position for dockside pumpout. With the lever down or parallel you are able to do an overboard discharge when located in your areas designated distance from shore, typically 3 miles out.

Jim F

 

[SJI Sailor]

Just to add two things. The 'how' would be to open the Y valve and then engage the switch. Stay clear!

And note that in many areas (most or all of the US, AFAIK) the Y valve must be secured against the ability to open it accidentally. This would be checked at a USCG boarding and subject to fine if not. One might think that being closed and under the berth would suffice to be non-accident prone ... but not according to USCG. The usual solution is to put a zip tie tight on the handle, so it has to be cut to remove and use the valve.

 

[dfogal]

Thanks all. I will go looking for the valve today.

 

[baz]

Also, when discharging the holding tank my advice is to be moving the boat at no more than a few kts (4 or less) so that the outlet port is above the water line. This allows the holding tank's contents to freely exit. If the exit port is below waterline it can get 'messy' and not all the holding tank's contents can exit as freely otherwise. Try this while other boats are far away as possible. Obey the local area discharging rules.

 

[dfogal]

We just did our first pump-out. It was clean and tidy and done by someone else. I fully approve of that methodology - combined with a suitable tip.

😀

 

[JamesTXSD]

Congrats on a successful first tank emptying. One other thing I will add that will make future times with your head more pleasant: run plenty of water through during the pump out, or fill with water and pump again. If you travel much, you will come across pump-outs that are self-service - nice that you got to watch someone do it. It isn't a tough or unpleasant task, just make sure you have constant pressure with the nozzle of the pump hose into your black tank outlet. Some areas have gone to having a screw-in attachment and then a locking end on the pump hose, so there is a positive connection (I am a fan of that style).

Having run commercial boats, I am a fan of the pump-out boats in Roche Harbor (the Fecal Freak) or similar in Friday Harbor, where they come to you. Still, it is another boat operating skill to have in your arsenal.

 

[S@LTD]

For those trailering the macerator is great for pumping out at RV parks or into a sceptic system. We stuff a 1 in OD hose in the through hole and run the other end into the dump. It works great I stand there with gloves on to make sure the hose does not come loose and it never has after having done it several times now. Peace of mind not having to worry about only finding on water pump outs.

 

[dfogal]

Congrats on a successful first tank emptying.

Some areas have gone to having a screw-in attachment and then a locking end on the pump hose, so there is a positive connection (I am a fan of that style).

Thanks! This pump out had the locking end of the hose. It also had a clean water hose paralleling the black water hose. The guy operating it pumped - then ran clean water back in - then pumped it out again. There was a sight check section (clear) on the black water side and you could see that when he was done it was clear water coming back out. He also then dipped the entire apparatus in the lake and sucked lake water to clean it out.

I tipped him $5. He told me that tips vary from zero to ten with zero being quite common. What do others tip for a pump-out? It’s complementary during the week at my marina.

D.

 

[scross]

$5 USD if complementary like at Roche. If pumped for a fee, like many in Canada, then a couple of loonies.
If self-service, just enough to buy a shower!