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 very reliable. Failures are virtually always
due to mis-use!
There is a plunger under the sink.
4P4: Head Problems
If the holding tank is full, the heads cannot work! Pump the holding tank (see below)
when required. Allow time between flushes for the vacuum to be restored (wait til the pump
stops!) Hold the pedal down for 3-5 seconds with each flush so enough water is added.
4P5: Holding Tank
There is a 50-gallon holding tank on the boat midships under a hatch in the
companionway. The sewage from the head goes to the holding tank.
4P6: Head Holding Tank Level Gauge
The boat is equipped with a tank level indicator in the
forward head compartment, so it is easy to tell if a tank is full.
Check this indicator regularly and don’t flush if full!
4P7: Head Holding Tank Pumpout
If dumped overboard from this tank, the effluent passes
through a through-hull valve which is normally in the correct
position. To dump the tank, use a shore side pump out station
connecting to the "Waste" deck fitting on the deck just forward of
trhe starboard pilothouse door.
4P8: Head Waste Overboard Pump
If not in U.S. waters or a "no-discharge zone", you can
dump the tank overboard without a pump out station by turning
"ON" the macerator pump at the DC panel. Leave it on until you hear the pump run free. This
pump is in the forward bilge compartment. Do not leave the pump running dry for long as it will
damage the pump!
It takes about 20 minutes to empty a full holding tank. The best way to monitor it is to
run it until bubbles come out from under the port side of the hull.
If it is emptied while underway, have someone monitor the operation,
checking the tank level indicator to be sure that the pump is not
forgotten and left running, lest you ruin the pump!
Section 4P: Head Systems 4.43
