Hi all, I've just found this forum and from what I see it is quite populated with lots of various boaters. I purchased a 1989 3607 Aft Cabin last fall and the surveyor said that the waste water discharge valve is open. When I tried to close it I couldn't move it, but I noticed there are 2 wires that go to where the valve lever is located. I there some type of electrical locking mechanism to keep the valve open or closed? Thanks
Those should be ground wires connecting the thru hull to your ships bonding system/ground. You should probably check if is discharge or intake before closing it.
I have the same boat, purchased 4 years ago. I had 2 waste water valves, one for each holding tank both of which were frozen open. I removed them both and capped the inlets with bronze caps for possible future use. I rely solely on the holding tanks. This makes me legal no matter where I boat. The wires ware part of the bonding system. The problem shows you that you should definitely exercise all valves frequently.
I found one discharge on the starboard side, but I can't seem to see the other one....where is it on your boat?
They are right behind the motors close to the transmissions. They are aftermarket installs so the probably will not match yours. My boat was wired for electric heads but I don't believe they were ever installed do to the fact that there are no breakers in the panel. We have manual heads which each had a wye valve allowing overboard or tank disposal. I removed both wye valves when I removed the overboards.
Problem solved....the discharge on the starboard side is for both fore and aft waste tanks, with a diversion valve at the junction. It has been set to close for both tanks so nothing can be pumped directly into the sea/river/lake etc.
Keep in mind that to be legal and pass a boarding, the valves need to be secured. Typically it means either using a zip tie to lock it close or removing the handle. Otherwise, you risk a violation or finel