DockEdge Visa or Thetford 550 MSD Porta Potties on 26' Live Aboard?

[saltyfriends]

Hi all!

I'm new to boat life and trying to figure out what MSD porta potties to install on my live aboard Grampian 26. I'll be at a marina with washrooms available, so I am putting it in mostly for marina/provincial rules, but I imagine it will be nice to not have to go out in the rain for the washroom on some wetter days (in Victoria, BC), and for when out sailing.

Would you recommend 1) the DockEdge Visa MSD, either 8 or 18 liter or 2) the Thetford 550 MSD? I am thinking that a smaller (8L) holding tank might leave me more space for other storage, but not sure how much of a difference it would make. I read on another forum that the Thetford was tricky to get from moving around, not sure if that is an issue with the DockEdge.

I'll have to install a deck fitting to put it in, so any resources you have for that process are also much appreciated

Thanks!!!!!

 

[jssailem]

Welcome to the Forum. Good to have another PNW sailor in our crew.

I used a basic porta potty on a 15ft boat for 12 years. It was better than hanging the tush out over the water or in the forest (fewer mosquito bites) but is was an issue of odor when held inside the boat for more than a couple of days.

I tried a composting toilet for 30 days. It was an efficient way of dealing with the issue. Here is a link to the one.
OGO™ ORIGIN Compost Toilet System
You still need to dispose of the liquids separately than the solids. The unit stirs the solids to help them composting. There was little to no odor. You need to dispose of the compost separately.

These composting toilets need to have a little space to set properly in your boat, storage for the composting medium and an electrical connection for the stirring mechanism and warning lights.

The composting toilet would be my choice in your situation. On the other hand if you’re going to be only adding the equipment to keep the marina/provincial rule watchers happy, a vented Thetford would likely be my second choice.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Hi all!

I'm new to boat life and trying to figure out what MSD porta potties to install on my live aboard Grampian 26. I'll be at a marina with washrooms available, so I am putting it in mostly for marina/provincial rules, but I imagine it will be nice to not have to go out in the rain for the washroom on some wetter days (in Victoria, BC), and for when out sailing.

Would you recommend 1) the DockEdge Visa MSD, either 8 or 18 liter or 2) the Thetford 550 MSD? I am thinking that a smaller (8L) holding tank might leave me more space for other storage, but not sure how much of a difference it would make. I read on another forum that the Thetford was tricky to get from moving around, not sure if that is an issue with the DockEdge.

I'll have to install a deck fitting to put it in, so any resources you have for that process are also much appreciated Thanks!!!!!

Im not familiar with the DockEdge brand...but Go with an 18 liter regardless of the brand. The only size difference is the height...any 8 liter would be like squatting on a bucket...18 liter is domestic toilet height.

--Peggie

 

[Project_Mayhem]

I had the Thetford. It had issues flushing the bowl (uneven water distribution) and the bellow leaked very quickly. There are others that are happy with it but I wouldn't recommend it based on my two seasons of ownership

 

[Alan Gomes]

I had the Thetford. It had issues flushing the bowl (uneven water distribution) and the bellow leaked very quickly. There are others that are happy with it but I wouldn't recommend it based on my two seasons of ownership

Did you have the 550P? As far as I know, it does not use a bellows pump.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Did you have the 550P? As far as I know, it does not use a bellows pump.

My mistake -- I had the 965. I think the 550 has bracket issues?

 

[Alan Gomes]

My mistake -- I had the 965. I think the 550 has bracket issues?

Yeah, completely different pump.

It does have "bracket issues." I've reported them; maybe you read that. Perhaps others have as well.

That said, I had a custom stainless bracket made that is really nice. And I could have easily done a less fancy one myself that would have worked just fine. The flimsy plastic ones they provide are terrible.