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4P1: Overview
The head systems on this boat are reliable, straightforward, and easy-to-use.
First, a note about discharge of sewage:
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 to all Canadian waters. However, in Canada, courteous practice
dictates that the holding tank be dumped only when outside confined marinas or
bays!)
The boat is equipped with Vacu-Flush Marine heads. Each head has a vacuum pump which
macerates waste and puts it into its holding tank. The holding tanks can be emptied either of two ways:
by operating an overboard macerator pump controlled at the lower helm, or by pumping it using a shore
side pump out station through the boat's side-deck pump-out fittings.
4P2: Head Operation
The premium heads are easy to use, odor free, and very reliable. They each work with a
separate vacuum pump/vacuum accumulator. A vacuum is maintained in the unit until the head is
used, when the waste matter in the bowl is sucked out of the head by the vacuum, then it is pumped
through the system by the head pump, which then also pumps up a vacuum again.
Note that it is this rush of the head's contents caused by the accumulated vacuum that is
important to the head's operation! This sudden rush causes any solid material in the waste stream to
be shattered as it passes through the specially-shaped orifice in the bottom of the head. For this
reason, proper head operation requires that the head pedal not be held down for long periods if time.
The head uses about a half pint of fresh water from the ship's supply with each flush.
The head is operated by a the pedal to the left of the head base (as you face the head), and
operation is as follows:
1) Be sure the head compartment switches for each head is "On". The switch should be left
on unless you have trouble with the head, in which case you will turn the switch "Off".
2) Before using the head if the waste will be solid, lift the pedal to add water to the bowl;
3) Use the head;
4) Step on the pedal just long enough to hear the "whoosh" as the head is evacuated and a
small amount of water rinses the bowl - - - about five seconds!
5) Releasing the pedal, if you wish to flush again, wait at least twenty seconds or so (until
you hear the head pump stop) before flushing again.
As the pedal is released, the ball-valve at the bottom of the head seals the head so that the
vacuum can be pumped up, when the pump will stop, and the head is again ready for use.
4P: Head Systems
It is forbidden to discharge untreated sewage in inland US. waters, an area
Section 4P: Head Systems 4.40
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