Macerator switches

[DaveHume]

Trying to get my 2400 SCR back into shape. Hasn't been in the water since 2011.
Onboard macerator but the helm switches won't move, like they are locked. any experience getting these operational?

My boat is trailered and out of water but trying to make sure tank is clear. Lots of stain on tank walls and want to avoid removing to clean if possible.


Dave Hume

[mmwjr]

Never seen these rocker switch lock up. Mine doesn’t have a macerator. If you have stains pumping out will not clean them

[DaveHume]

Guess I will plan on removing tank to clean out. Pretty sure there is a manufacture name on the double switch set up and will see if I can replace. Haven't removed the panel yet.

[Phillbo]

Are you sure the valve is open? Why worry about staining in a holding tank?

[DaveHume]

Phillbo, Boat hasn't seen water since 2011. Working on getting everything back in working order.

[biggerseagar]

It is illegal to empty your waste tank overboard in US waterways anyway. That's why most boats don't have a macerator anymore. Use your effort on something that matters.

This is the waste tank you want to take out because of stains on the inside? Un screw the waste cap and pour some warm water in and let it slosh around for a day or so. Then get it pumped out. It will be as clean as can be.

Roger

[DaveHume]

Thank you Roger, Just trying to check all the systems out. I will unbolt the tank to see if there is anything in it. I was concerned that the dark stain is an indicator of some waste left in tank from many years ago. I am planning on cruising outside of the Puget Sound waste water restricted discharge areas from time to time but also will use marina vacuum systems at all possible ports.

[biggerseagar]

Well have fun then!

Roger

[Derby Time]

We have treated our holding tank like our freshwater tank in the spring to freshen it up a bit. Add one cup of liquid detergent to a gallon of hot water and let that sit for a while. Then fill the tank and let that sit for a few hours. It wouldn't hurt to let it slosh around a bit. Pump it out and should be fresh as a daisy. There are a number of products made specifically for cleaning the holding tank on the market as well.

[DaveHume]

Thank you! My boat has been stored since 2011, just purchased for a very favorable amount. It is trailered on my lot so have some ability to clean things out.

Thank you for the recommendation.

Dave

[Phillbo]

Did you get the switches freed up?

[DaveHume]

Haven't tried yet today. 94 degrees and not a breath of wind here today

[shrew]

Locking a discharge seacock wouldn't prevent the switches from being thrown. They might simply be seized. Replace the switches. They are Momentary On/Off switches (Think Horn Switch). They need to be thrown together in order to actuate the macerator discharge pump.

Correction on discharge, it is illegal to discharge in INLAND waters and within the 3 mile 'no discharge' zone. Further out than that in the ocean, you can discharge legally, unless posted otherwise. US Territorial waters are 200 miles from shore, so technically you can discharge between 3 - 200 miles offshore and be legally discharging in US waters.