355 98 ACMY

T

timjet

Member
Joined
Mar 7, 2010
RO Number
32060
Messages
73
My new to me 98 355 ACMY sanitation system came factory installed with a vac u flush and overboard discharge system. In familiarizing myself with the boat I noticed the Y valve handle that ports waste from the two holding tanks to the overboard maceration pump is pointing in the direction of the line that leads to the aft holding tank. I cannot reach this Y valve (at 6'3" I'm too big) and I'm assuming with the handle in that position, the pump dumps the aft waste holding tank. I cannot see any writing on the valve or handle. Is my assumption correct?
Does the Y valve have an OFF position that suffices for the CG requirement that the overboard discharge be disabled? If not, will removing the handle of the sea cock with the valve closed, comply with all CG requirements?
 
Can't help with the legal question, but I wouldn't disable a seacock for obvious reasons.
 
my different model 1997carver has a similar set up. The Y merely selects which tank is connected to the discharge. Discharging require the seacock be open and in your case the macerator to be running. I have a pump but not macerator and added a keyed electrical switch to the pump to comply with the locking law.
Not every LEO understands the switch and wants to see a lock on the seacock handle but it has passed several inspections and a CG boarding. Apparently there is a type accepted macerator system with a locking switch so LEOs will become familiar with the idea.
You can also add wire tie or even a lock to the seacock handle if that make you feel better. The key must not be left in the switch.
 
Thanks pdecat. I'm not sure if I have a macerator, but do have a pump. The owner left the seacock open and the switch for the pump located in the ER in the on position. The Y valve was left in the rear tank position. I guess the valve can only select the fwd or rear tank position, there is no off position. By simply selecting the on position of the Discharge C/B would start the pump and empty the aft waste tank. My guess is if I were boarded, I would have been fined.
The PO was lucky he was never inspected.
Do you know if removing the handle will satisfy the requirement for disabling the system. The seacock handle is nearly impossible to get to and will have to hire someone smaller than me to remove the handle.
 
so when/if the hose from the seacock starts leaking, fails, how are you going to stop your boat from sinking if you disable the seacock and can't close it???????
 
Well, my thinking exactly. The PO left it open and it is very difficult to get to. My wife bless her heart being smaller than me was able to reach it but didn't have the strength to close it. My question: Will closing the valve and removing the handle satisfy the requirement to lock the valve in the close position.
Tim
 
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