Tom Cat Scuppers & Macerator

Doryman · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 12:10 pm Post subject: Tom Cat Scuppers & Macerator

When I took the boat to Lake Washington for SeaFair we had 5 or 6 people on board every day. When too many people congregated in the cockpit, water started coming in through the scuppers. In addition, there is always water in the little recesses just forward of the scuppers. I know similar problems have been discussed here, mostly related to the fishboxes. Roger on Dreamer had plans to re-engineer the entire system but I don't think that happened. So what I am wondering is whether some kind of stopper would be a good idea, assuming I could get stoppers of that size.

My starboard macerator no longer works because the same Lake Washington guests piled luggage on the switches and only told me about the noise after the macerator had been running for some time. I want to check the fuse first but don't know where it is located. Can anyone help?

Thanks,
Warren

Captains Cat · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 12:52 pm Post subject:

Warren, not sure about the fuse but there's an internal overload switch that, after it cools down, will allow it to run again. My stbd macerator has something in the inlet and, despite my attempts to blow it back up into the fishbox, resists that. It will run and pump slowly but after awhile it trips.

I posted a wiring diagram in the documents section but it doesn't tell you WHERE the fuses are. Let us ALL know when/if you find out. Not likely to be the same on all TC255 boats!

Charlie

Doryman · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 1:28 pm Post subject:

I have the wiring diagram and in fact had some large copies printed. Very nice, thanks for posting it!

When I flip the switch on my starboard macerator nothing happens at all. I'm concerned that if work is required on the motor holes will have to be cut in the fiberglass to provide access. The boat is going into the shop in a couple of weeks to get the new windlass installed and I will have Stan look at it then if I don't get it figured out before then.

Thanks,
Warren

Captains Cat · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 1:31 pm Post subject:

Warren, I think someone with looooooong arms could reach in and loosen the clamps holding the suction/discharge hoses to the pump and then pull it up to where you could get to it. Mine aren't even fastened to the transom but are "hanging" on the hoses.

Your problem sounds like a fuse though, unless the motor burned out Crying or Very sad

Hope not. I have the same problem with the stbd bilge pump. It will work on automatic but not when I flip the switch on the dash. Electrical problems on a boat are a pain in the .....

Let us know how you make out.

Charlie

20dauntless · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 1:52 pm Post subject:

We have the same scupper problem on the Whaler when there is too much weight in the boat. We got some simple rubber plugs that can be put into the scupper which stops all water from going in or out. I think we got them at Lake Union Sea Ray.

thataway · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 4:04 pm Post subject:

The fuses are off the main buss bar which is under the seat. (If you have the bait tank option, it should be near the house battery. Those are the only two fuses off that buss bar on my boat--there are fuses for the Wallas on the house battery, plus I put in some other fuses for the extra battery banks, I added.

The scupper is 1 3/4" to 2" tapered sink plug--these are a fairly standard item at hardware stores--or big box stores. So far we have not had this problem, but we have never had more than 6 people aboard.

@ C · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 4:10 pm Post subject:

I had a similar problem with my Trophy. I replaced the rubber flaps with a set of Rebud scuppers. They work well.
They are a plastic hosing with a floating ball inside. Took me about 10 min. to replace them both.
@C doesn't have scuppers, so I'm not sure if they will work on your boat.
Good luck.
Bill

Wefings · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 9:33 pm Post subject:

FYI as an occasional home brewer and a boat guy , the best selection of sizes of rubber plugs is a lab supply or a home brew store.
The simple reality is when the scupper is underwater and the weight of all your friends puts the deck below water line , in comes the water . All boats do it . We sometimes describe boat as "self bailing at rest" meaning without all your friends in the back corner.........
Marc

Alok · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 10:40 pm Post subject:

Warren:

As Bob said the fuses are on the starboard side under the aft seat- 15 amps, if I remember correctly. They blow often.

Also jiggle the wires at their attachment to the switch- my starboard macerator has to go through a switch on/ jiggle the wires procedure each time. I guess the humidity back there does bad things to electrical connections.

BrentB · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 10:43 pm Post subject:

http://www.thmarine.com/category.cfm?CID=10&CHID=32

They have an assortment of drains and drain plugs.

Sea Wolf · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 11:03 pm Post subject:

This is kind of a side topic (sorry).

But my Sea Ray had to have it's sanitary plumbing re-routed to be licensed/permitted in freshwater Shasta Lake, where it's been all it's life.

The overboard through hull was blocked, and the macerator now feeds into a 5 gallon jerry can in the engine compartment.

The sewage tank still functions normaly, and can be pumped at any pump out.

The advantage is that you can empty the jerry can at any bathroom facility, be it a floating on the lake bathroom, a vault or flush toilet at a campground, your house, the marina, etc.

It's all the function of a full flush toilet with the advantage of the PortaPotti dump tank, plus the pump out option.

The only disadvantage is not being able to pump overboard beyond the 3 mile limit, but one could dump the jerry can manually if that's in your game plan.

Just thought I'd share this with some of you who could be in a similar situation.

Joe. Teeth

doc · Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 12:35 am Post subject:

I have had problems with our head macerator about once a season. It just freezes up and blows the breaker. We don't put any solids in the tank so I'm not sure why it hangs up but I have always been able to get it going again by removing the end plug and turning the shaft by hand with a straight slot screwdriver.

Forty Two · Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 3:48 am Post subject: Re: Tom Cat Scuppers & Macerator

matt_unique · Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 10:08 am Post subject: Good to know

Good to know...so far I've had no more than 7 aboard and I have not yet had water coming back through the scuppers. I also keep my fuel level low and add based on my specific voyage. If your tanks are kept full for example that will pull her down a bit more.

Gene Morris · Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 10:17 am Post subject:

I had to change an impeller at Elfin Cove. The pumps are not very easy to work on. However, I was able to remove and replace the pump through the access hole in the lazareth. All it takes is a screw driver and a sharp knife to cut a small piece hose at the pump to aid in removal of the pump unit. Oh yes it also requires a little skin from hand and arm. My fuses are attached to the buss bar in the port lazareth 20amp on in line fuse holders. Follow the wire from the switch, it should be within 12 inches of the buss bar.

Sport Craft Marina gave me plugs for the scuppers. They fit perfect I've only had to use them once. I'm sure you will be able to find something that will work.

Gene