Larson Boats - Single Switch to Pump out Holding

[Pilotpak]

Hi,

I've just seen a post on the main forum from another Larson owner who has a single switch on the Breaker Panel that starts the holding tank pump out.

My Larson 310 Cabrio is the same, there's a breaker marked "WASTE PUMP" next to the breaker for the "WATER PUMP". Turning the Waste circuit breaker on starts the pump going. In my boat too, the waste pump is a diaphragm pump, so, unlike a macerator, if I accidentally turn it on, I don't hear it running.

Is this legal ? I thought that a safety switch was mandatory on holding tank pumps ? The other Larson guy is also from Australia, so I'm wondering if this setup is deliberate because maybe Australia has low pollution standards ?

Wayne

2006 Larson 310 Cabrio

 

[Radioactive]

Most states ( and I believe US federal ) laws require a locking mechanism that will prevent the unintentional/unauthorized overboard discharge of waste.

The particulars vary by state.

Some specify a padlocked "Y-valve", some require a "securing device" such as a one-use plastic wire tie securing a seacock handle. Others allow a keyswitch operated pump.

I have seen many boats that were delivered with a dual spring loaded rocker switch which only works when both switches are pressed and held. ( Such as my 2000 Trophy Pro ). There is some doubt that this arrangement would satisfy the rules/laws in Louisiana and Mississippi, which is my stomping grounds. I am fairly certain that , in my case and location, a single switch would not have satisfied the law.

If your discharge port is below the waterline, then you almost certainly have a seacock, in which case, securing THAT is what would "make you legal".

 

[Vic Willman]

While it may be technically OK, I personally don't like using the circuit breaker in the wall panel as an activating switch. The circuit breaker is supposed to be strictly a safety device to avoid an onboard fire. The macerator pump (in my opinion) should have additional switching to turn it on and off, separate from the breaker box. Using the breaker as a switch on an ongoing basis, will usually shorten the useful life of the breaker.

Plus, its always better to have switching installed closer to the physical location of the macerator pump, so that you can hear it when it's running. When the tank becomes empty, the sound level of the macerator pump will change. If you can't hear it change pitch, and then turn it off, you're risking burning out the impeller in the pump from running it dry. That's why you should never pump out your holding tank while your engines are running - you need to be able to hear the pump.