macerator pump location

[socaltugowner]

Hey there everyone I apologize in advance as I may be asking some very simply questions however I haven't owned any ocean style boats and obviously never before a ranger so bare with me! I have a ranger 29cb and I am not 100% sure how the macerator works on board. I know there is the rocker switch at the helm however is there another valve that has to be turned as well in order for it to pump out? Along with this if there is a valve should it be left closed until ready to pump out?

Thanks !

 

[baz]

Typically the breaker for the Macerator is covered as a protection against accidental operation. Also, typically, the valve allowing holding tank to be discharged overboard is zipped tied to not allow overboard holding tank discharge in USA waters that are within 3 miles of shoreline.

 

[Connerkip]

Wasn't sure if this clarification was needed, but the macerator is only used for the macerator pump out. For the standard pump out at the dock, with the vacuum hose, the macerator and its valve, are not used and do not need to be concerned with. For the standard dock pump out, the macerator valve position is inconsequential.

 

[BradOwens]

On my 2012 R29 classic the valve is located behind a hatch at the forward end of the mid-berth. The new 29's layout is different, so I don't know if the location is the same. Hopefully someone with a new 29 will chime in. If not, give the Ranger Tug factory a call. They're always ready to answer any questions.

As noted by another poster, Coast Guard regulations require the valve to be wired in the closed position, or otherwise locked out, when within three miles of land. That's not a problem, as pump-outs are readily available everywhere I've been in the U.S.

 

[Red Raven]

For the standard dock pump out, the macerator valve position is inconsequential.

On some boats (like our R27 Classic) there is a "Y" valve that has one position for the macerator discharge and one for pumpout. There is no separate macerator valve.

 

[Brian B]

On my 25SC the breaker is not covered. Bit off topic but its good to exercise the pump when its legal to use it. Changing out a macerator pump is not a pleasant job. Been there, done that.

 

[Scuba Too]

Hi, I have the same model tug. The waste tank is under the forward berth. To get to it lift the middle cushion. There's a shut off valve next to it on the starboard side. As other have said, it should always be shut off and secured with zip ties (this is especially important in Catalina). To use it you have to be 3 miles out from shore. Cut the zip tie and open the valve. Then hit the rocker switch at the helm to power the pump. Heads up - it can be a little stinky. After it's empty turn off the rocker switch, shut off the valve and secure it with zip ties. Let me know if you'd like pictures.

Where do you keep your boat? Ours is in Huntington Harbor at Peter's Landing.

 

[baz]

Hi, I have the same model tug. The waste tank is under the forward berth. To get to it lift the middle cushion. There's a shut off valve next to it on the starboard side. As other have said, it should always be shut off and secured with zip ties (this is especially important in Catalina). To use it you have to be 3 miles out from shore. Cut the zip tie and open the valve. Then hit the rocker switch at the helm to power the pump. Heads up - it can be a little stinky. After it's empty turn off the rocker switch, shut off the valve and secure it with zip ties. Let me know if you'd like pictures.

Where do you keep your boat? Ours is in Huntington Harbor at Peter's Landing.

When you do pump out in this manner it's best to slow the boat down to no more than 4 kts. This will allow the pump out hull port to be above the water line. If the boat is running at speed this port will likely be below the water line and pumping out will be harder and a lot more messy.

 

[JamesTXSD]

Also, plan your pumpout so you have fresh water onboard - after you dump via the macrator, fill the waste tank with fresh water and pump it out again. This will keep the macerator pump and the lines less stinky.

 

[Scuba Too]

I added pictures of the R29 CB waste tank location to my album, along with the shut off valve and macerator pump.

When you do pump out in this manner it's best to slow the boat down to no more than 4 kts

Also, plan your pumpout so you have fresh water onboard - after you dump via the macrator, fill the waste tank with fresh water and pump it out again. This will keep the macerator pump and the lines less stinky.

Agreed to both! I use the Autopilot hold heading mode while pumping out just to make sure that waves don't push me around back into the effluent.