We just went through this SAME ordeal. I had to replace the pump, went with the more gallons per minute and heavier amp one this time.

Its a stinky job, but someone has to do it, LOL, i fixed it cheaper than any yacht mechanic ever wanted to work on our boat and it got done right.

 

Sounds like there may be an obstruction in the input line causing the pump not to self prime. Assuming by your comment about having the hose flowing in the drain you mean you are pushing water back into the pump.

 

If they are not self priming, the pump must be mounted lower than the water level in the fish box. Be sure all clamps are tight and you not getting air into the drain hose ahead of the pump. If the setup is correct then I'd look at returning the pump under warranty.

 

If it looses its prime, you have to spray water in the outlet hole on the outside of the boat, while you press the macerator pump button. This will allow the primer to catch and begin pumping.

 

I am inserting a hose into the drain inside the fishing box for it to prime. I will check the connections for air and check for obstructions.

 

If they are not self priming, the pump must be mounted lower than the water level in the fish box. Be sure all clamps are tight and you not getting air into the drain hose ahead of the pump. If the setup is correct then I'd look at returning the pump under warranty.

and ck for dried out snapper scales in the pump or line they are a sure blockage.

 

Macerator

Yella,

Did your fishboxes have macerators when you bought the boat or did you install them after ?

If you aren't replacing existing pumps, you have setup the system. Depending on the brand of pump like the ShurFlo or Jabsco; there is a limit as to how much "lift" or pull on the intake or suction side they have. Most macerators don't lift more than 4' but reality is closer to 3'.

If the pump is mounted above the drain hole in the fishbox, you're limited in how much of a run on suction side hose you can have. The fact that you can force prime the new pump leads me to believe you've got a lift problem assuming there are no air/suction leaks on the suction side. I would try to keep the hose run as short as possible.

Try this trick as well. Put plenty of water in the non-working fishbox and get your boat on steep incline like a boat ramp. Once there, turn on the macerator and see if it doesn't pump. If it does, it's almost certainly a lift problem.

Tight Lines,

Capt. Carman