GS-249 Holding tank pump out question

[i_build]

I can't figure out how the macerator works. This is the first boat I have had that had one. I have a breaker switch on my panel that specifically says macerator and I also have a small LED light in the head that is supposed to indicate when the holding tank is full. The light is not on (if it is functioning) but when I flip the macerator breaker nothing happens. According to the book the pump is located somewhere under the hose used as the pump out... which I believe to be one on the starboard side of the boat outside of where the head is located but Glastron didn't specify in the manual. So far it's been only urine and it has 4 peoples worth on 5 full fishing days offshore so I would like to get rid of it. My marina doesn't offer pump outs and I would like to know from other similar boat owners... should this pump out when I flip the breaker? None of the switches at the helm seem to control it or have any text indicating it. Does it need to be full (light on) in order for the macerator to work? If it is supposed to pump out just solely based on me turning the breaker on... I am assuming the macerator pump is stuck or dead do I have to disassemble panels in the head to get to it? There is a petcock ahead of the engine in the bilge that I have left closed up until last trip. I usually ask anyone using the head to use some of my fresh water from the sink to flush cause when you pump the toilet it doesn't fill with water so I am assuming that petcock at the front of the engine which runs to the bottom of the boat below the water line might be a saltwater supply for the head? I know it shouldn't be that complex to figure out... but the whole head concept is new to me being a center console guy that got older with grandkids that need a place to be stored on long trips.... Please help if you can. Thanks.

 

[alldodge]

The macerator is a pump that shreds crap as it's pump overboard. The pump isn't running so you first have to find it. Somewhere between the hole in the side and the tank is the pump "IF" it hasn't been removed

Some toilets have a hand pump which just pumps everything straight overboard. Post pic of your toilet so we might have an idea of what might be there

 

[Grub54891]

In our area: the Great Lakes, you cannot pump it overboard. If you have that system you have to have the diverter valve locked or wired shut Or you will get a fine if coast guard inspection finds it.
ive found a few like that. But some maceraters pump from one holding tank to another. Seen a fair amount of them that are simply plugged up or shot.

 

[Scott Danforth]

in most areas, you cant use the macerator until you are over 3 miles off-shore in international waters. (thats why you dont tail cruise ships out of the harbor). many salt water boats have a key switch that controls the macerator for that reason. some require turning on a breaker.

not sure what body of water your boat is in, however if it is in inland waters, the macerator may have been removed as indicated above.

 

[i_build]

Thank you I am aware of needing to be well offshore in the Tampa Bay area before pumping out. I have removed some of the trim and the TP holder to gain access behind the head liner and the hull and used my scope to look down in between and see no pump whatsoever. My model did not come with factory air conditioning so the breaker was not installed however there is a factory installed breaker for the macerator so I am assuming its somewhere. Problem is that Glastron documentation shows an illustration with the pump in free air and gives no indication of where it is or how to get to it. I checked under the step down into the cabin but that only has the shower pump out there. I hope the liner to the head doesnt have to be removed because they used copious sealant on all the seams. If anyone knows where the macerator is or is supposed to be on a GS-249 please let me know. I will keep googling as well and post back if I find it.

In Tampa I believe you must be at least 9 miles out.