Troubles with my new (to me) Tomcat

F

faceplant

New member
Hey everyone! My wife and I purchased a 2007 Tomcat 255 almost a month ago. This is our first boat and everything has been working pretty well except for two recently revealed problems. Ive tried doing my homework, but haven't really come across problems similar to this on the forum.

First up, our head is leaking into the cabinet under the sink. The leak seems to be coming from the hose that goes from the macerator to the y valve. Speaking of which, how should the y-valve be oriented to NOT pump over the side?

Second, I have a leak by my raw water washdown pump. Whenever I use the pump, water sprays inside the hanging locker.

I've checked the hose clamps on all connections and they're as tight as they will go. What else can I do? Is it time to start replacing hoses? When I bought the boat, it had about 150 hrs on it and had been sitting on a trailer for a while. Other than some mold/mildew in the hatches, it's in really good condition.

Sorry if these are really simple questions. I'm completely new boating and these sorts of problems.
 
Just a thought..........if your boat sat on a trailer for awhile was it setting there in freezing weather with water not properly drained. That could crack plastic and even metal fittings and that will not show until pressure is applied. Those freezing cracks are really hard to see.
Good luck.
 
Welcome to C-Brats. You have a heck of a first vessel! I have the same vessel/same year.

Perhaps you know all the following and are mechanically thorough but I'll suggest some things just in case.

I suggest you and your regular boating companions take a safety course such as those offered by the Power Squadron or USCG Aux. It will offer a great foundation for your new adventures and will also likely result in a discount on your boating insurance.

First things first - make sure your safety gear is up to snuff. Charged fire extinguisher you can reach in a hurry, a throwable floatation device, emergency signal kit (flares, etc. with current dates), first aid kit, anchor and rode, and of course life preservers for everyone aboard.

Mechanical - have you changed your fuel water separators? If no change those ASAP. You mentioned the boat sat on a trailer for quite some time. Be prepared for the fuel that will spill out and don't let it run into the water if changing on water. Those things will hold a good amount of fuel. I dump them into a clean and clear container to check for water and foreign objects. I then filter it through a towel or such then dump it into my truck (unless of course there is all kinds of water - dispose properly at station). Make sure your volt meters show 14+ volts charging when the engines are running (running more than idle that is). Others will chime in with more suggestions.


To your questions:

I had a similar leak from the macerator hoses/y-valve. I made sure the hoses were not cracked at the end, slid sufficiently over the nipples, and then tightened good with the hose clamps. I also zip tied my macerator so all waste of course goes only into the holding tank. I don't recall the position of the top of my head but will try to remember to check the next time I'm out.

If water is spraying inside the hanging locker I suspect the plastic water filter case is cracked or the hoses are not fully connected to the pump. There are the hoses with the hose clamps and I also recall wing nut like plastic ends that connect the hoses at the base of the pump. Make sure those are fully connected. The plastic water filter cover is often stuck on there pretty good - take a hair dryer or (carefully) with a heat gun to warm it up and twist it off. Turn it counter-clockwise to get it off. Those are easy to replace of course.

--Matt
 
faceplant,

Good suggestions so far. Here is a link to a web site that has information on Vessel Safety Check and the equipment needed. It is a free service, and the sticker may provide an exemption for a CG boarding while on the water.

Enjoy the TC 255, and be safe. Hope to cross wakes out there with you sometime. See you at a CBGT, (C-Brat Get Together) some where this summer.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
The Y valve has markings on if you look carefully. I'll check mine to see which way it is.

One of the problems is that that perticular C Dory builder (2006/07) used a sealant called Bostic on almost everything. Problem is that many things do not need sealant. The most common leak was from one of the shower fittings. The fitting is a British standard thread-and it is threaded into an American Standard thread. They are close, but not exactly, thus can leak. You can get new end fittings for the shower. Look carefully at this first.

As for the raw water pump--I had the same problem--actually ruined some clothes. Again, remove the Bostic--and clean up the ends, then put on DOUBLE hose clamps. It is best to double hose clamp all of the fittings.
 
I concur with Bob about double clamping. I bought my boat new in 2006 and didn't get all my leaks stopped until I double clamped everything.
 
Hey guys, thanks for the thorough replies and suggestions!

I found out the y-valve was turned to direct flow to the macerator. I changed it to be legal for cruising in Puget Sound and now I'll see how that effects the leak.

Good to know about the Bostic and English vs American standard fittings. Thanks for that info. Now I need to check the shower too. All of the hoses in question have double clamps, so I'm betting on leaky fittings or cracks due to freezing as mentioned above. I'll report back if I find out what it was.

Aside from these problems, its a helluva boat! I've been reading the c-brat forums for a few months now. I really appreciate the wealth of info and all of the help you guys dish out. As SleepyC said, hope to cross wakes with you guys sometime!
 
faceplant":3flf5jea said:
Hey guys, thanks for the thorough replies and suggestions!

I found out the y-valve was turned to direct flow to the macerator. I changed it to be legal for cruising in Puget Sound and now I'll see how that effects the leak.
Click to expand...

Welcome to the Brats! I just installed a y-valve and macerator. Good to have if you ever have to use it. To be "legal" however, you need to "lock" it in the non-overboard position in some manner. In some places, a zip tie will suffice, some places actually require a small padlock of some kind. Check with the local inspection folks and see.

Great boat!

Charlie
 
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