Air Head Toilet

[CYCLEPATH747]

Hello Peggy,

I am purchasing a Stabicraft 859SC, and the present owner fabricated an aluminum frame/roof with removable canvas over part of the cockpit. Included in this is a frame and canvas for a toilet. I would like to put an Air Head toilet there, he will install it. I have been in touch with Geoff at Air Head reference installation options. The present owner took the toilet out of the V-berth, which pleases me.

My question is, what do you think of the Air Head toilet? I've read a lot of positive reviews, but have seen where you may not be so inclined to think so? I will be boating mostly in Prince William Sound. Obviously it is a little cooler here than a lot of places, and I see that is a factor? It's either the Air Head, or a Porta-Potty. I am kind of liking the Air Head. Any information or opinions you may have would be appreciated. Thank you, Peggy.

Mike

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Temperature is the main concern

I don't think there's anything wrong with the AirHead, or composters either...I JUst can't see any advantage to it. But in your part of the world--and especially considering where you want to install it--I'm not sure it will even work.

The system needs bacterial activity to work...and bacteria aren't active when they're cold. Bacteria are most active above 80 F...below 70 F, bacterial activity starts to get pretty sluggish...too sluggish below 60 for much composting to happen...and bacterial activity ceases altogether at 40. That's why, even in temperate climates, the heater and fan have to run continuously 24/7 in order for the system to work. Furthermore, you want to install it on deck where it won't have protection from cold it would have below in the cabin...boat hulls don't provide much insulation, but they provide a whole lot more than canvas! So the main questions are:

Can the heater and fan produce enough heat to keep the "chamber" temp at 75 or higher (really should be at least 80 to work most efficiently) on a night when the temps are in the 50s or even 40s?

Will you have a source of continuous power? Geoff insists that a small solar panel will supply enough power, but I've never run into anyone in AK who has an AirHead, and I'd want to talk someone in AK who has one before plunking down that much money.

There's also the matter of making sure urine stored jugs doesn't freeze, btw.

So IMO, you'd be a lot better off with a 5-6 gal "MSD" portapotty. "MSD" means it's designed to be permanently installed and fitted for pumpout...but you can still remove it and store it at home for the winter. I'd also put the d'd thing in the v-verth where it belongs...'cuz going out into the cockpit at 2 am and baring your bottom when it's 55 and raining--even if you can stay dry in the enclosure--isn't ANYone's idea of fun!