Noob? What is the First Mate Switch For

[Sadey]

New to me 2003 356. What is the First Mate system? I have a switch under the step at the battery switch panel labeled First Mate which is off since I took ownership. Should it be off?

[g36]

Could it be this heater or similiar?
https://www.firstmatemarine.com/marine-heaters.html

If not I would be vary cautious turning that on. Could be disatrous. Generally you only want 1 firstmate. I know some first mates may be a big handful and if you already have 1 first mate you may not need to activate another you could really have your hands full if they don't get along . ha sorry couldn't help it.

[waybomb]

See if you can follow the wires to what they lead to.
I looked up First Mate and seems they manufacture air operated doors for boats.

[Sadey]

You had me going for a minute G36!! Partially because I turned the first mate on last night. Right back at ya. I’ll keep looking.

[gardenargo]

looks like a remote for lift at the dock, to lower and raise....

[Sadey]

Found out it was a LoJack type system offered from Carver/Volvo. Company stopped supporting it in about 2004-2005. So what do ya know right? Also discovered an overboard black water discharge system factory installed. Aren’t those illegal in the states?

[Midnightsun]

Mine was delivered with a system called SeaKey which is basically a onStar for boats. Quite elaborate and apparently was installed in over 10,000+ boats but is now defunct. Ripped most of it out by the way. https://www.boattest.com/view-news/3237 ... -and-you!-

Black water discharge is quite common on boats as it is legal to dump almost anywhere 3 miles off shore if you are in the ocean that is. In fact, this Carver is the only boat I have ever owned that does not have one and I assume it is only like that since it was custom ordered for a land locked lake when new. Otherwise they pump out boats from the factory not knowing where they will end up and seem to install this option on most of them. My 3 previous boats were Bayliners, ranging from 23' to 32' yet had the option from the factory.

[Sadey]

After my post I was reading through all of the ops manuals and found the Seakey info. The first mate switch is the master for the Seakey system. I too found the company to be out of business. This boat was custom ordered to be used on Lake Michigan as well but the owner said that the overboard came standard. I’ll be having a Coast Gaurd inspection this spring do you think that will be an issue?

[Midnightsun]

As mentioned most boats do have overboard discharge. I have been through many inspections and the discharge option has never been an issue.

[Viper]

QR_BBPOST...... A I’ll be having a Coast Gaurd inspection this spring do you think that will be an issue?

It might be, really depends on the folks doing the inspection and how thorough they are. A good surveyor will also note it in his report which may become a red flag with the insurance company. Authorities prefer that it's disconnected/inoperable so that it's not tempting to use when the tank is full and you're away from a port.

IMO the best way to disconnect the system is to ensure there is no waste in the hoses and hardware of the discharge system, then remove the hoses to the Y valve from the tank and deck fitting and couple them together or replace the line with a single piece. If this can be done in such a way as to keep the hose going uphill to the deck fitting, that would be preferable as it would eliminate standing waste in the line and minimize permeation. Disconnect the discharge hose from the seacock, remove the barbed fitting from the seacock, install a bronze plug in its place and leave the valve open at all times. Do not remove the handle. Plug all hose ends that are not being used to prevent odours. Disconnect the Macerator pump wiring from the breaker at the panel.