Macerator Vacuflush

B

borst

Member
Joined
Sep 27, 2007
RO Number
28689
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Another question for the group. I have not gotten a clear answer as to why my boat has a macerator main switch with the vacuflush toilet? When I turn on the macerator switch I cannot hear anything running. I looked at the vacuflush system and it does not look like there is any additional pumps or components. Is this just an extra switch for the addition of the macerator? Not sure why there is a switch for the head (operates the vacuflush) and why there is a seperate switch for the macerator??
(2008 2565) My first cruiser.
 
Your panel may have a 12v breaker labeled macerator, but unless you have another "keyed" switch near the panel you will not have the overboard discharge. Regal will use a standard panel for each model, but options may vary --leaving some breaker switches not wired and working.
 
macerators for overboard discharge have nothing to do with the vacuflush. the vacuflush (vacuum tank/generator and vacuum pump) sends waste to the holding tank.

The macerator is connected to the holding tank to pump out waste when youre at least 3 miles off shore.

two different system. Some boats dont' have macerators if they are on inland waters where they can't be used.

if you're not sure whether or not you have one, you need to become more familiar with your boat and its system, for safety reasons, expecially plumbing and wiring. you need to know where pumps are, and all thru hulls. open hatches, panels, and get a clear picture. It's real important, not just to be able to troubleshoot a problem but if you get a leak, etc... you need to know for instance where the macerator thruhull is... if under water, like many boats, there would be a sea cock. you need to know where they are.
 
I do not have an over board discharge system. It was my understanding that the macerators was built in the vacuflush holding tank and was for the purpose of helping aid in the pump out process. There is only one sea cock and this is for the AC system. I guess the macerator switch is just an extra on the main panel.
 
It could be part of a treatment system, the macerator may be used to mix the contents of the holding tank with treatment chemicals.
 
quote:
Originally posted by borst

It was my understanding that the macerators was built in the vacuflush holding tank and was for the purpose of helping aid in the pump out process.

Click to expand...


Nope. Your system has just the vacuum pump for working the toilet vacuum. It is mounted on top of the waste tank or remotely placed elsewhere.

Since you said that you do not have overboard discharge/thruhull, then there is not a macerator on your boat.
 
the macerator in a VF is the venturi had the bottom of teh head. The sudden suction from the vac tank breaks down most solid as they pass thru that venturi opening.

the bellows vac pump also helps breaks down solid.
 
Thanks gang, this helps a lot. I had a suspicion that the macerator panel switch was just there for the over board system. Since I do not have this, it is an extra switch. I have looked long and hard at the vacuflush holding tank and pump, there is only one motor pump on the system. Which is just for the vacum. Like I said earlier, new to cruisers and the systems. I spent an entire nite without AC because I did not know the sea cock or AC pump could loose prime. Needless to say I found this out by taking apart the inlet AC pump hoses and purging the air. This forum is of great help to new owners.
 
normally a vacuflush works as follow...

head ----> vac tank ---> vac pump ----> holding tank----pump out fitting

on most new installs, the vac tank and vac pump are combined with the pump on top of the tank.

re. air con, your water intake/pump shoudl not loose prime if the instal was done correctly (dont' assume boat builders always do it right...) the hose from teh seacock/strainer should run uphill to the pump inlet with no high/low points which are what causes issues. normally once the boat in the water, you should never loose prime but incorrect instal is a OIB whenever you haul out or clean the strainer as you need to reprime.
 
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