Hello Folks,
I recently aquired a 1992 Harbormaster 47. The boat is fitted with a non operating Lectrasan that is plumbed to two Crown Macerating Heads. The area where I do my boating is a no discharge zone. The Lectrasan is currently non functional, and I want to remove it and put a waste tank in its place. The toilet discharges already run there, so it would seem my only task would be to remove L/S unit and replace with a large waste tank and plumb in a waste pipe and vent. The discharge port to the L/S is already a 2" sanitation hose, can I just refit it to a waste port through the deck, or should I use something other? Is there anyhting I should also be aware of or be looking for in this task? Thanks in advance for the advice...Gianni

Your plan should work. I'd recommend that you order the tank with separate inlet fittings--preferably ON the top of the tank--for each toilet instead using a wye or tee to connect both toilets to the same inlet fitting. That should not only make plumbing it much easier, but also reduce the potential for a clog that disables both toilets in the event a guest flushes something they shouldn't.

I'd also spec the pumpout fitting on the top of the tank, with a pickup tube inside the tank. That will elimnate standing waste in the pumpout line. Specify a 1.5" vent fitting and put it on the top of the tank too.

I think you'll find that the discharge from the toilet and the Lectra/San are 1.5" hoses, not 2"...'cuz hose sizes are always determined by the ID (inner diameter) and 1.5" is standard.

Your best source for a new tank is Ronco Plastics http://www.ronco-plastics.com. They
make TOP quality poly tanks for a very reasonable price and have more than 400 shapes and sizes...and they install fittings in the sizes and locations specified by the customer when they make the tank. Crown Heads use a LOT of flush water...so put the largest tank you can fit into the space (remember it has to go through a hatch, so the shape is a major consideration)...at least 50 gals...more if possible.

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Peggie Hall, Moderator
Specializing in marine sanitation since 1987, Author: "Get Rid of Boat Odors--A Guide to Marine Sanitation Systems and Other Sources of Aggravation and Odor."
[L=http://shop.sailboatowners.com/books/detail-books.htm?sku=66438&cat=1304[/L]

Absolutely sure Peg's not getting paid for "plugging" Ronco!!

They ARE an excellent company to do business with.

Bob

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I carry a gun because it's too tiring carrying a cop.

Thank you Peg,
I have respected your knowledge and experience for many years that I have followed and read these forums. I am honored that you have written to me. I know your the expert and agree that the discharge hoses on the toilets are 1.5 ", but I was very surprised to see the discharge hoes on the L/S unit is 2" inner diameter that runs to a 2" valve and through hull fitting. The valve is frozen open, and I don't wish to mess with it until the boat gets hauled and it isn't sitting underwater. If I am correct, do you see any negatives routing the 2" discharge hose to the pump out fitting, and what would be your recomendation about the through hull discharge fitting that will be abandonded. Do I just close the valve and cap it off inside, or do you have another recommendation? Gianni

I'm sure that Ronco makes a good product, but in 3/07 I bought a very servicable poly fresh water tank from PlasticMart.com for about 25%cheaper and 10 days quicker delivery. You might want to shop.

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Harbor Master 47
Watts Bar Lake - TN River

There's only one problem with routing a 2" ID hose to a deck pumpout fitting: all deck pumpout fittings have 1.5" barbs. You could order the tank with a 2" discharge fitting, but you'd have to put a reducer in the hose to connect it to the deck fitting. So IMO, it makes more sense to buy a few feet of 1.5" hose. In fact, if the hoses are anywhere near as old as the boat, you'd be smart to use ALL new hose..'cuz even if they haven't become permeated with odor, even the best hoses don't last forever...they get dry and brittle with age...and if they're original, they're nearly 20 years old. (So I'd check ALL the hoses on the boat for signs of deterioration).

And btw, unless you know for certain that it was done in the last year, I'd put a rebuild kit in both toilets too...'cuz seals, valves, gaskets etc wear out and shold be replaced at least every 5-6 years as preventive maintenance to ensure continuous trouble-free service. If the PO wasn't smart enough to keep the manual for 'em, you can download and print one from the Raritan website here: http://www.raritaneng.com/products/toilets/electric/crown_head.html

As for the frozen seacock and thru-hull...since you can't use it on your waters, I'd have it glassed over while the boat is out for the winter. 'Cuz an unused thru-hull becomes "out of sight, out of mind" and so is never inspected or maintained till it fails and boat starts taking on water.

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Peggie Hall, Moderator
Specializing in marine sanitation since 1987, Author: "Get Rid of Boat Odors--A Guide to Marine Sanitation Systems and Other Sources of Aggravation and Odor."
[L=http://shop.sailboatowners.com/books/detail-books.htm?sku=66438&cat=1304[/L]