Securing overboard waste discharge

[Boston-boater]

I have a 2000 310DA with a macerator and overboard discharge. I understand that I need to secure the system to avoid accidental discharge. I have seen newer boats with a key lock to secure it but my boat does not have that feature. What do others here do to secure their discharge system? Thanks.

 

[BryanOnTheBay]

Close the through-hull and remove the handle.

Bryan

 

[Georgia SeaDawg]

Zip tie.

 

[firecadet613]

I bought this. http://m.grainger.com/mobile/product/BRADY-Ball-Valve-Lockout-WP82384/_/N-lqe?fromPidp=true

Secure it with a zip tie.

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

 

[AFD]

Zip tie.

 

[dpmulvey]

Saint Max has an eye in the stringer next to the discharge handle in the closed position. During a routine stop the USCG saw the handle zip tied to that and they were fine.

 

[mmhauer]

I am in the process of removing the macerator output hose plugging it and installing a pump to supply lake water from the through hull to the stern sprayer. Saving fresh water when spraying off the stern.

 

[JimFromMD]

+1 on zip tie or remove handle... That was the feedback during a USCG vessel safety check.

 

[Woody]

So every time you guys want to empty the holding tank when offshore you have to open the engine room hatch and remove the zip tie and open the valve? I thought electrically with the keyed switch was sufficient.

 

[JimFromMD]

So every time you guys want to empty the holding tank when offshore you have to open the engine room hatch and remove the zip tie and open the valve? I thought electrically with the keyed switch was sufficient.

I cant think of a time where I've ever been in waters where it would be alloable to dump overboard. My guess is that is the case for a lot of folks, so rarely an issue.

 

[dpmulvey]

So every time you guys want to empty the holding tank when offshore you have to open the engine room hatch and remove the zip tie and open the valve? I thought electrically with the keyed switch was sufficient.

That's kind of the purpose of the law in reverse. It's to keep you from going to the ER and closing the valve and zip tying it when being approached for an inspection. Additionally, the pump being electric can fail and turn itself on. Far fetched? Sure. But it could happen. Having the valve closed precludes such problems.

Quite honestly, I think the law has it's ups and downs. I'm not for dumping raw sewage, but the law has gone from raw sewage no discharge to limiting MSD usage. Considering how much animal waste and fertilizer runoff to the ecosystem every time we get a bad rainstorm here a macerated turd out of a boat is the least of my worries.

 

[2000SR380]

The overboard discharge rules are good for the environment, but mostly for revenue raising. Here, in the San Francisco Bay area, they have been cleaning up the live-aboard issue at Treasure Island but, in Richardson Bay, there are still hundreds of boats that are used as low-cost housing. These boats are not Colreg compliant in any way. Most never move, and most have no proper sewage management. If I owned any of these boats, the government would be at my door with a ticket list a mile long and a staggering number of fines. However, most of the owners of these anchored heaps could not afford a cup of coffee, so they are largely left alone by law enforcement. For those of us who choose to be active participants in society and want to follow (most of) the rules: Tie-wrapping the discharge through-hull handle closed, or simply remove the handle, works great. The rules do allow for electronic discharge gates but they require two separate switches, or a switch and a valve. The idea is that two operations need to be performed to discharge sewage, so it is unlikely it could happen by mistake. You can bet cruise ships, and navy ships do not have zip-ties :0) Our 380 does not have the overboard discharge option, but I am OK with that as it has a 40 Gallon holding tank, which is plenty for how we plan to use the boat.

 

[my DOG HOUSE]

I am sure you would get a push back from the CG, but newer Searay overboard discharge switches require two actions. 1 push and then 2 turn. It is one key but is 2 switches that are required to make contact to activate the discharge pump.

 

[eweise]

Quality Zip Tie