The owner of this 1997 Chris Craft has a bilge full of waste every spring!! What a treat.
The boat yard, the largest in the north east, replaced the macerator on this vessel 3 years ago. They also repositioned the new macerator and the Y valve and added some new hose.
Question: How many times do you need to replace the sanitation system Y valve.
Answer: Every spring for the last 3 years, because it was full of waste water and froze.
Can you tell why it freezes every winter ?
Findings
- The repositioned Y-valve is BELOW the bottom of the the holding tank, It is always full of waste.
- The loop of hose from the Y-valve to the macerator was added to keep sea water from reverse siphoning into the holding tank. it also serves to keep unwanted waste water in the hose and Y Valve.
- The macerator is positioned below the water line, a very bad idea.
- The pumps positive wire connection to the vessels wiring harness uses a spade type connector
Conclusion
- The correct procedure would be to mount the Y-valve to the hull side or on a bracket at the apex of the looped hose. Above the water line.
- Reposition the macerator above the water line and if possible above the the holding tank. This unit is self priming to 5 feet. The current placement keeps the pump filled with waste/seawater reducing its service life.
- All below the water line hose connections need to double clamped. They are not.
- All hoses used below the water line need to be Certified and Approved for below the water line use. They are not.
- All wire splice connections must use an insulated crimp type butt connector.
- Replace ALL sanitation hoses with a higher quality odor proof type.
The alterations to this vessel do not conform to USCG regulation or ABYC recommended procedures.
The risk of sinking has increased for this vessel.
Suggestions: An alternate plumbing scheme is available to eliminate the use of a Y-Valve yet keep the functionality of the overboard and deck fitting pump-out options.
