08-19-2022 06:39 AM
Hi folks, I have a 2018 270 SDX OB. While I don’t intend to dump waste, I would like to understand the system. I also want to make sure it’s secured as per USCG regs. I’ve looked everywhere and I can’t find the seacock. I thought it was supposed to be in the aft port ski locker. Can anyone help with the location? Thanks, Dave
08-19-2022 08:17 AM - edited 08-19-2022 08:19 AM
Welcome to the forum.
Here is the Owner's Manual for your 2018 270SDX.
According to page 21 the seacock is within the ski locker hatch floor. It is possible / likely for the seacock to be fully covered by a floor panel that must first be fully removed, after the locker is emptied.
WRT to regulations, the discharge must be inhibited. On my 2000 380DA I close the seacock and remove the handle. Others use nylon wire ties or padlocks.
The regulations say this: While operating a vessel in an EPA designated no discharge zone, flow-through devices are only permitted if adequately secured to prevent discharges of all treated and untreated sewage. For example, closing the seacock and padlocking, using a non-releasable wire tie, or removing the seacock handle are considered to be sufficient in most cases. For short voyages, locking the door to the head with a padlock or a door handle key lock is another acceptable method. For vessels that routinely operate in no discharge zones a Type III MSD is recommended. For more information see 33 CFR 159.7 and 40 CFR Part 140.
08-19-2022 04:24 PM
Thanks - maybe I’m being dense but I saw this in the manual and the drawn location seems to be under the helm, nowhere near the ski locker. I guess I’ll have to start unscrewing panels but I would have thought it would be in a reasonably accessible location.
08-20-2022 12:39 AM
The online images show a long central ski locker, aligning w/ the Vacuflush vacuum generator shown in the manual line drawing.
Can the base / sides for that ski locker be removed to expose the vacuum generator / waste tank / macerator seacock?
08-20-2022 08:32 AM
I’ll give that a try - thank you for the suggestion.