[C320-list] Holding Tank Flooding

[Onat Dogruer]

Just an observation- #546 has the similar set up and I have done a few off-shore passages, including in somewhat rough seas with the holding tank through hull open, and never had a back fill problem. I found that if the through hull is left open, the macerator takes a bit longer to prime after rough seas but that was it.  It is a good habit to keep it closed any other times; less to worry about.

I don't think there is a loop or a check-valve.  The impeller pump creates vacuum on the other side and if the impeller is worn out, maybe it could let water pass through without running. Just like any other impeller pumps, the impeller might need servicing.  Although, now that I think about this project, I would rather replace the whole macerator than opening it up :)

-Onat

      From: Greg Flanagan <greg.flanagan at shaw.ca>
 To: C320-List at Catalina320.com 
 Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2016 9:31 PM
 Subject: Re: [C320-list] Holding Tank Flooding
   
Yes. The tank fills if you leave the through hull open. I always close it and put a tag on my macerator switch on the panel to remind me to open it before running. After running I close it again. Of course while in the US we only pump out.

Greg Flanagan
Sidney, BC
Hoop Dancer #1076 

> On Jul 19, 2016, at 1:25 PM, Kaare Wold <sailor3952 at charter.net> wrote:
> 
> Skippers,  Recently we noticed that our holding tank fills with water when at rest at the dock.  At first, thought our dock attendants failed to pump out.  We have an AccuGage digital monitor on all tanks.  Love that setup! We had the tank pumped, while we were present,  and as the tank was being pumped out, I could see the AccuGage digital level drop from 3/4 to 1/2 down to empty. A couple days later, it was back to 3/4 full without any personal use whatsoever.  The macerator thruhull had been open all the time, although we never use that device.  All thruhull are opened for winter layup and I never closed it after spring launch.  I now closed the thruhull, had the tank pumped out again and.....bingo...,  the tank remained empty.  Any ideas from our knowledgeable group???  Could there be a check valve in the macerator pump that is leaking?    Looking for some suggestions or comments from someone that may have experienced the same problem.  Thanks to all for your comments.
> Kaare & Mary Wold
> Sheet Music, #945  Sturgeon Bay, WI