I have such a great sense of accomplishment when I encounter a difficult
problem on the boat and figure out a way to fix it. But I feel so
incredibly chagrined and ultra-stupid when I cause the problem in the
first place. Those of you who have not been there stand to the right of
St. Peter for fast-track entrance through the Pearly Gates.

Always check to see that a seacock that is supposed to be open is in
fact open. One could also say the same about seacocks that are supposed
to be closed.

Anyway, having just launbched the boat and in the course of checking
systems I ran the Lectrasan. Turned it on and pumped as one is supposed
to without actually using it, thank God. It had been wintereized and
was full of clean water and antifreeze. There was a loud bang. The
seacock that should have been open was closed and pumping the toilet
built up enough pressure in the Lectrasan to blow a big piece out of the
container's top. Well, nice to know that the sanitation hose and
connections can take the pressure without leaking but a topless
Lectrasan isn't much use. As it happened, only a single but large piece
blew out. Neither the cover nor the case shattered. After cleaning
everything with acetone, I puttied all the edges with Marine-tex and
hammer-tapped the piece back into position where it fit perfectly. The
cover now has a pattern displayed in white Marine-tex but the unit seems
as good as new.