Electric Solenoid Valve - Holding Tank

[JamieM]

My 2002 Pilot 34 has a big red sticker on a bulkhead saying that the seacock for the holding tank must be kept closed when the boat is moving. I assume this is to keep seawater from being forced into the holding tank and perhaps over pressuring it and causing a leak. However, the seacock is located ahead of the engine on the port side. I really don’t enjoy crawling up there every time I need to open or close this valve. Is there any reason why I can’t install an electric solenoid valve before the seacock so I could control the valve from the electrical panel? Seems to make sense to me. The seacock would remain in place in case of emergency.

Thoughts?

Jamie Morrison
2002 Pilot 34 “Foto”
Halifax, Nova Scotia

 

[Solly]

Instead of a solenoid how about a 12v electrically operated ball valve ?
They also make an electrically operated seacock.

https://www.groco.net/products/valves-seacocks/evalve-electric-valve

 

[JamieM]

Hey Solly, that looks like what I am looking for. I’ll check it out and post my findings here.

Jamie

 

[hmason]

OMG Soon we can go boating through and app and never have to leave home.

 

[EdSail]

Are you sure that it’s not just to prevent discharge in protected waters?

 

[bayview]

You could install another valve in an easier to access location and leave the seacock open.
If you have Y valve that too can block the water from coming in. They must be locked in the no discharge position anyway except well offshore.

I also wonder if that sticker is a no discharge notice. Is the notice original or added by an owner? Was the boat ever in charter service??



I have never heard of water pushing into the tank. Is the tank very low below the WL? You dont have a scoop instead of a mushroom do you?

 

[bayview]

OMG Soon we can go boating through and app and never have to leave home.

Other than docking I think my boat with auto pilot ang plotter could well make most trips without me.