I love 'em, but...
I don't think they're quite what you imagine, and they're not suitable for every boat in all waters. Type I and II MSDs (treatment devices) aren't replacements for existing toilets, they're separate devices into which the the toilet flushes and where waste is treated before being discharged overboard. So replacing a holding tank with a treatment device will not eliminate hoses, valves etc. In fact, adding a treatment device COULD actually complicate your life, because you'd still have to use a holding tank in any "no discharge" harbors or marinas..."no discharge" means NO discharge, treated or untreated. Treatment devices are power hungry and expensive--power consumption is about 1.7 AH/flush--and prices for 'em start at around $1,000 list, around $750 discount. The above sounds as if I'm trying to discourage people from using treatment devices...not so! They're wonderful conveniences for boats that are big enough to have the power resources to support 'em and spend most of their time in waters where they can be used...it's just that they aren't suitable for every boat in all waters, and not quite what, from your question, what you imagine them to be. The best and most popular--and oddly enough, the least expensive--is the Raritan Lectra/San. I suggest you spend some time on the Raritan website (link below) learning how it works and whether it's suitable for your boat. If there's room for it in your budget and your boat's power resources, I highly recommend it and will be glad to answer any questions about it.
