NW Explorations
AQUILA OPERATING MANUAL
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4P:
Head Systems
4P1: Overview
The head system on this boat is reliable, straightforward, and easy-to-use. First, a note about discharge of
sewage:
It is forbidden to discharge untreated sewage in inland US. waters, an area that includes
all US. waters in which this boat operates. The boat holding tank must only be emptied at
proper pump-out stations if it is in US. waters. (This rule does not apply in Canadian waters.
However, in Canada, courteous practice dictates that the holding tank be dumped only when
outside
confined
marinas or bays, as we are sure the reader agrees!)
The boat is equipped with two marine heads. These heads each have a separate system which macerates
waste and puts it either into a holding tank or directly overboard, as determined by the setting on a Y-valve in
the head plumbing lines. The holding tank is emptied either of two ways: by operating an overboard macerator
pump controlled at the DC power panel, or by pumping using a shore side pump out station through the boat’s
pump out fitting at the inside base of the Portuguese bridge, starboard side.
4P2: Head Operation
The premium heads are easy to use, odor free, and very reliable.
These heads use about a pint of fresh water from the ship’s supply
with each flush.
Each head is operated by the Dometic panel located on the nearby
vanity.
To operate, be sure the power button is illuminated with a green
light. For the light to be illuminated, the breaker for the head in the
DC panel must be on. There is also a switch by the sink in each head that must be on for the heads to receive
power.
The button on the left is used for filling the bowl with water. Simply push on the toilet icon to add water. The
button on the right is for flushing the toilet. Press on the toilet icon on the right for one to two seconds, release
and the toilet will flush. The flush button can also be used to set the function of the toilet. Hold it down for five
seconds or until the green power light flashes and it switches between dry flush mode and one that adds quite
a bit of water to the flush. The dry flush will also add water, but not nearly as much.
Only things which were eaten or drunk, or the toilet paper supplied with the boat, should be put in the
heads! Facial tissues, tampons, and other foreign matter will clog the system. If these heads are used
properly, they are quite reliable. Failures are virtually always due to mis-use!
4P3: Head Problems
The two head systems are completely separate: If you have trouble, turn off the faulty head and use just the
other head; call for assistance. Of course, if the holding tank is full, the heads cannot work! Pump the holding
tank (see below) when required