pump out vs holding tank

[johndoe]

one of the options i see on dealer websites is a marine head w holding tank, or marine head w pump out... then there is the macerator. what's the difference and what is reccomended for an overnight cruiser?

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: pump out vs holding tank

Some areas allow overboard pumpout (yuck!!). I use a storage tank and chemical breakdown (no mercerator required). If the pumpout station only accepts a 1" hose or smaller, you will need a mercerator pump. <br /><br />A mercerator breaks everything down into tiny bits so that it doesn't clog up the system when pumping out.<br /><br />The chemical I use does the same thing, plus it neutralises smells.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[navigator336]

Re: pump out vs holding tank

For a cruiser, you want a marine head (which should have a built in macerator, which is very similar to a garbage disposal, as part of the raw water pump) and a holding tank. The holding tank will generally have a macerator built into the pump out pump for emptying the tank if you are outside your area's restricted discharge zone and your holding tank is full and you will be out for awhile longer. Othewise you go to a pump out station and vacuum the tank out. The West Marine catalog usually has good schematics of the various plumping systems which have been used and what is preferred today.

 

[flashback]

Re: pump out vs holding tank

would like to say that overboard discharge is "illegal" in all inland waters in the US. and even coastal areas. I don't remember all the rules regarding it but I would get a holding tank if I were you..

 

[cuzner]

Re: pump out vs holding tank

I realy hate carting around 15 gals of turd soup,but it is illeagal to pump it in any inland water. Another cheaper way is buy a porta poti.If pump out service isn't available you just take the whole thing home and dump down your toilete.<br /><br /> Jim

 

[travism]

Re: pump out vs holding tank

I have a holding tank with both a macerator and a pumpout port. I'm on inland waters and pumpouts can get expensive here. So I use my macerator when the boat is on the trailer most of the time. I run the macerator to pump it into a nearby campground dump facility or wait until I'm home and run the macerator there. When I get too lazy to do that I pay for the pumpout.