Thanks for your advice Peggie and for taking the time to give it. It is
exactly the information I need.


Peggie Hall wrote:


Cam wrote:
Thanks Peggie, Based on that information it looks like a handy unit
to have. Anything specific I need to look for while inspecting it?
Actually, how would I inspect it? Since the boat batteries are
probably dead is there any manual inspection for it. It doesn't
appear that the previous owner has cared for the boat to well
including, probably, this unit.

There's no way to test it without power. Any visual inspection wouldn't
tell you anything...either the macerator and mixer motors run or they
don't...either the electrode pack works or it doesn't.

How old is it? The only way to tell is the type of controller. The
original Lectra/San had a dial timer--now obsolete, no parts still
available...that was replaced by the EC (electronic control)
version...the current version is the MC model. If it doesn't still have
the dial control, compare the control with the one in manual at the link
I gave you to know whether its the EC or the MC.


How is company support?

It's excellent.

Thinking of that are there specific models that need to be looked
for/avoided? How would I identify those?

As I said above, there are only 3 versions...the only real difference
between any of 'em is the controller...the treatment unit has actually
changed very little. If you were asking about buying a used one eBay,
I'd tell you to avoid the dial timer...but since it's already on the
boat, the system either works or it doesn't. If it doesn't, there could
be several reasons, some of which--like fuses--are not
expensive...others--electrode packs and controllers are...and it worries
me a bit that you say the boat has been neglected. So I wouldn't
consider it in deciding how much the boat is worth to you.

As for comments by others...

The Lectra-San kills all the bacteria.

Not necessarily...it does reduce the count to 10/100 ml (the law
requires only a reduction to 1000/100 ml)

It does not reduce or break
down the material effluent, which contains nutrients and changes the
local ecological balance.

Again, not quite true...The L/S does reduce BOD by 35%. The discharge
has the equivilant nutrient "load" of 4 oak leaves. In fact, just ONE
illegally dumped tank has more negative impact on the surrounding waters
within at least a mile than 1,000 boats, all equipped with L/S in the
same area for 24 hours. You'll find the results of a study he
http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/...port-jun02.pdf

Runoff from the shore and the rivers that feed coastal waters are the
problem, not boats.