Electro-san/Purosan + Vacuflush. Any issues?

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MisterBK

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The "soon to be mine" Carver 3607 has Vacuflush & a macerator. I want to add an Electro-San or Purosan to the system. Is there anything I need to be leery of or take special steps with on the install with this configuration? Is there any advantage of the macerator when there is an Electro-San?

I would think that if I chose to install the unit after the holding tank (in order to service the 2 heads with one unit) that it is really a moot point.

thanks for any advice,
Brian K.
 
lectra san is not designed to be installed after a holding tank, but the newer hold n treat is.
 
Ghost is correct. In the standard configuration, the Electro-scan or Purasan would be installed within a six foot run of hose from the vacuum pump of the VacuFlush system. If you have two vacuum pumps, you'd need two treatment systems - unless both could feed into it with a hose run for each, of six feet or less.
 
Thank you both. I have a mechanic looking to see if there is a central point that is within 6' of each vacuum pump. I am also looking at the Hold 'n Treat controls for a 'post-holding tank' configuration. Am I right in thinking that there is an advantage to doing the H 'n T option over the 'standard' if I will be in waters that do not allow MSD I discharge (one county in the SF Bay Area falls into that category to my knowledge)? Any other pro/cons of one vs. the other?

Still learning,
 
You have to watch out for Richardson Bay, that's the only No Discharge Zone in SF/Delta region.

Depending on your boat and how you boat, Electro-scan and Purasan have different advantages. The Pursan uses a lot less electricy, costs less to purchase and doesn't need the salt feed system to operate in brackish and fresh water like the Bay and Delta. Purasan works in salt water, too. The Purasan disinfectant cartridge lasts me a couple of years: I boat weekends and vacations. Like the Electo-scan, the Purasan macerates so no visible solids are discharged from the boat. I did a self-install Purasan a few years ago and like the system a lot. Not a difficult installation job. It can also be configured with the Hold 'n' Treat system, but I have no experience with that. If I had a larger boat and was a live-aboard I'd consider the Electro-scan.

In some Bay Area counties it is illegal to use a Type I system in a marina if it equipped with a restroom.
 
MisterBK
I have a Hold n Treat and Purasan on my 50' Chris Constellation that has three heads (we're liveaboards). The system works well and does give the flexibility of the holding tank when needed. The only issue I had was the existing diaphragm waste pump put out too much volume/pressure; adding a ball valve between the pump and the unit to restrict the flow some cured the problem AND gives me a way to isolate the Purasan if I need to remove in the future for service (not anticipated).

Delaware Jim
 
Great & applicable comments. Turns out the aft head is Vacuflush & the fore head is electric (with the macerator) ... the things one figures out when one learns what to look for/ask about and not just assume [:-paperbag]. I am getting better at this thanks to all the folks here.

One of the options I'm looking at is a PuraSan hooked to the aft head & leaving the fore head alone with it's holding tank (cost & space). I'll have it all figured out this week.

Thanks again for all the input.
 
Brian - are you doing this yourself, or have you found someone to install it for you?
 
I haven't decided yet. I'm pretty handy at this kind of thing in general & tend to do my own work, especially as I learn how & why things work. With this being in a marine context, though, I do know that "I don't know what I don't know".

Fortunately, everything works as it is today so I'm not in a rush. This gives me time to poke around to see how the plumbing & sanitation systems are laid out, the amount of space I have to work with, etc. once I take possession (about a week from now ... yea!!!).
 
Just curious, because I'd like to put a purasan in my 3396 and am not in the least bit handy. I contacted Raritan's recommended installer but he doesn't seem to have a lot of interest in doing it - we can't seem to connect. Like you said, everything is working as it is today, so I'm not in a hurry either. BTW, I live in Concord and keep my boat at Drifwood Marina in Oakely. Where are you planning to keep yours?
 
manticore999, please PM me, I'd be curious to know whom you contacted...
 
I;m planning on being at the Pittsburg Marina (close to home) until I get the fixup stuff done & I get my training completed, then probably somewhere further up the Delta. I figure if I can learn to navigate in the winds of Pittsburg I can pilot anywhere along the Delta :D.

I'm talking with Mike at Bridgehead (right by you) about my options & he seems willing & able. Now it's a decision between the Hold 'n Treat or "regular" Purasan. My main concern about trying it myself is installing the discharge through the hull, probably around the waterline.
 
Yeah, Mike did some work for me earlier this year when we bought the boat. They do good work. I already have a through-hull, so I think it could be done in the water. My issue is that I think the only area where it could be installed to take advantage of the thru hull and be close enough to the head is kind of tight. I'm not sure if it would fit there. To put it somewhere else would mean another thru hull and I'm not looking to pull it out of the water until I'm likely to use it less - which is usually around Feb-Mar.

Check out Driftwood Marina - right next to Bridgehead. It's a well-kept marina, the harbor-master is great and it's quiet. We've been there about 3 years and love it.
 
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