Macerator - Locking the Y-valve -

River Bank

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 27, 2013
Messages
115
Fluid Motion Model
C-248 C
Vessel Name
RIVER BANK
Well I looked today for that "Y-Valve" in case I have to place a lock on it in U.S. waters.
I referred to the manual and it directed me to the compartment below the cockpit's bait tank.

There was a "mysterious" looking hatch, which I opened and in the murky darkness below I could make out a mass of pipes and other mysterious stuff. How can I find that Y-valve to affix that lock if requirement?

I'm in Canada, but my boat (2010 R25) was bought out of Washington state, so maybe the Y-valve is already locked, then again maybe not. How can I tell what my current status with that Y-valve?

Bob /// Merlot /// Nanaimo
 
You need a light and some physical flexibility.
When you find it use a tie wrap through the eyelet to secure the handle in position.
Of course nothing stops you from cutting that tie wrap and violating the discharge prohibition - so securing it is mere political theater.
 
If you are unfamiliar with the goings on beneath the "mysterious" looking hatch, you might want to have a more experienced boater or your local marine mechanic assist in locating and securing the Y valve. I have a padlock on mine, but I'm told that if inspected by the authorities, I will have to cut the wire, making the macerator pump inoperable.

Phil
 
Wow you have to cut the power wire to the macerator?
In FL. you must have a secure "lock" not a cable tie. According to Florida Wildlife Commission Officer.
You can unlock Macerator and dump outside the three mile limit.
Have only used mine once and that was immediately after pump out at marina, just checking to see how it worked.outside of limit
Then I immediately secured the lock.
 
I'm on a pristine, 32 mile long lake in the Adirondack Mts. that is desperately fighting against invasive species and pollutants of all kinds. My sink/ shower drains have been re-plumbed to a small gray water tank...the lake is heavily patrolled by several police and park commission boats. When my boat comes out at the season's end, the bottom doesn't need to be cleaned except for a little touch up along the water line with a magic eraser. Next year, all boats will be required to go thru an inspection/ cleaning station before going into the lake.

Phil
 
Cut the wiring to the macerator?? Do they make you cut the wiring to your bilge pump? We do a lot of cruising and follow the local regulations... I would not put my boat in waters where the authorities would make you cut any wiring. What do they do with boats that use a porta-potty? What about boats that have no head of any sort and are out on the water more than a couple hours? What do they cut on small children who might be swimming in the waters?? :shock:

A safety wire with a marker would insure a macerator isn't being used and not have to cut wires. Sounds like over-zealous enforcement to me.

Jim B.
 
Jim B.,
I'm with you....but, I need to get along with those who set policy. I support the objective, but don't always agree with the methods.

Phil
 
Back
Top