So, does anyone have any comments on the better choice for a head on the H260 water ballast?? I believe there are convincing arguments for either the porta potti (stock) or the marine head. I have never 'lived' with a marine head, but.... As I check off my options list, I would appreciate some input into the pros and cons of either as experienced by other "Owners". Anybody get one and regret it?? Thanks
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marine head H-260
I bought mt H-260 a year ago and opted for the marine head. With a wife and 3 daughters it's the only way to go. It works fine, is easy to get pumped out, and was easy to winterize. We use it sparingly and haven't had any odor problems. I can't imagine emptying a porta potty on a regular basis.
I bought mt H-260 a year ago and opted for the marine head. With a wife and 3 daughters it's the only way to go. It works fine, is easy to get pumped out, and was easy to winterize. We use it sparingly and haven't had any odor problems. I can't imagine emptying a porta potty on a regular basis.
Been there...
There has certainly been much discussion around this topic. You might want to look in the archives for some relevant material. But, I just went through this several weeks ago when I ordered my 260. We decided on the portapotty for the type of use we intend for the boat. We plan to mostly day-sail, on inland lakes. Many launching facilities in the parks in my aresa don't even provide pump-out facilities. We may do some overnights but probably not much more than that. If I were keeping the boat in the water and a pump-out were available I'd have taken the holding tank - if for no other reason than to avoid having to clean out the portapotty!
There has certainly been much discussion around this topic. You might want to look in the archives for some relevant material. But, I just went through this several weeks ago when I ordered my 260. We decided on the portapotty for the type of use we intend for the boat. We plan to mostly day-sail, on inland lakes. Many launching facilities in the parks in my aresa don't even provide pump-out facilities. We may do some overnights but probably not much more than that. If I were keeping the boat in the water and a pump-out were available I'd have taken the holding tank - if for no other reason than to avoid having to clean out the portapotty!
Ask the head mistress...
Certainly am not an expert in this area but I do know that the advice provided by the "head mistress" (available on this same wonderful website) regarding odor prevention on porta potties, was invaluable. I had always hated the darn things but the vinegar and water techniques she suggested have made all the difference. Good luck and let us know what you decide/ Bill Welsch s/v Renewal
Certainly am not an expert in this area but I do know that the advice provided by the "head mistress" (available on this same wonderful website) regarding odor prevention on porta potties, was invaluable. I had always hated the darn things but the vinegar and water techniques she suggested have made all the difference. Good luck and let us know what you decide/ Bill Welsch s/v Renewal
Porta Potti
We chose the Porta Potti for the reasons already discussed. Even though our marina has a pumpout facility, at this time we are doing only short trips with our boat, and some places we plan to visit in the future may not have pumpout facilities. Another consideration is that the Porta Potti has much less that can go wrong with it. If you chose the Porta Potti, be aware that there is more than one size available. If you get the one with the larger holding tank, you won't have to empty it as often and, since it is taller by a few inches, it is much more comfortable to sit on than the smaller model. Good luck with your decision and happy sailing! Ralph C. Regar S/V Shambala
We chose the Porta Potti for the reasons already discussed. Even though our marina has a pumpout facility, at this time we are doing only short trips with our boat, and some places we plan to visit in the future may not have pumpout facilities. Another consideration is that the Porta Potti has much less that can go wrong with it. If you chose the Porta Potti, be aware that there is more than one size available. If you get the one with the larger holding tank, you won't have to empty it as often and, since it is taller by a few inches, it is much more comfortable to sit on than the smaller model. Good luck with your decision and happy sailing! Ralph C. Regar S/V Shambala
Marine Head
Had a H240 with a portable pot. The first time my wife help me empty and clean was the last time. Had a marine head put on out new H260. It is tight quarter in there with any type of head. If you go with a marine head, it is best to test the fittings on the holding tank for water tight. Have had some minor leaks that was fix. The holding tank area is real tight to work in. Bottom line is the marine head. When I go to the pump out station, they take care of every thing. And when I leave them a few bucks for a tip, they really do a good job for me.
Had a H240 with a portable pot. The first time my wife help me empty and clean was the last time. Had a marine head put on out new H260. It is tight quarter in there with any type of head. If you go with a marine head, it is best to test the fittings on the holding tank for water tight. Have had some minor leaks that was fix. The holding tank area is real tight to work in. Bottom line is the marine head. When I go to the pump out station, they take care of every thing. And when I leave them a few bucks for a tip, they really do a good job for me.
Compromise...
When space for a tank is tighter than you want to give up to one, a 5-6 gallon "pumpable" portapotty can be a good compromise 'cuz it offers a choice of having it pumped out or carrying it off the boat where no pumpouts are available. Self-contained, so it takes up no more room than any other portpotty...and because it uses so little flush water, hold about the same number of flushes as a marine toilet and a 10-15 gallon holding tank. Has the added advantage of requiring -0- maintenance. When it comes to boats under 25', I wouldn't go any other way. Over 30', I'd definitely recommend a marine toilet. In between, it's really a personal choice. Some people just don't feel their boat is a "real" boat unless it has a "real" marine toilet. Others just want to keep things as simple and as hassle-free as possible. But whichever you choose, you can definitely escape carrying, dumping and cleaning out a portapotty.
When space for a tank is tighter than you want to give up to one, a 5-6 gallon "pumpable" portapotty can be a good compromise 'cuz it offers a choice of having it pumped out or carrying it off the boat where no pumpouts are available. Self-contained, so it takes up no more room than any other portpotty...and because it uses so little flush water, hold about the same number of flushes as a marine toilet and a 10-15 gallon holding tank. Has the added advantage of requiring -0- maintenance. When it comes to boats under 25', I wouldn't go any other way. Over 30', I'd definitely recommend a marine toilet. In between, it's really a personal choice. Some people just don't feel their boat is a "real" boat unless it has a "real" marine toilet. Others just want to keep things as simple and as hassle-free as possible. But whichever you choose, you can definitely escape carrying, dumping and cleaning out a portapotty.
Room permitting: SeaLand Marine Traveler Head
Full size bowl mounted on tank base, 9.5-gl. capacity, and pumpable like a standard marine head through a 1-1/2" discharge hose. (Discharge and vent fittings provided)
Full size bowl mounted on tank base, 9.5-gl. capacity, and pumpable like a standard marine head through a 1-1/2" discharge hose. (Discharge and vent fittings provided)
A good choice for larger boats, George...but...
I don't think it'll work on smaller boats. There are two issues: 1) it uses pressurized water, so it has to be plumbed into the onboard freshwater system...and even a pint or so a flush may put too much stress on the water supply on a small boat...and it wouldn't be possible at all unless the boat has pressurized water...hand pump won't work with it, at least not with any practicality. 2) the tank footprint is about 18" x 20"...a wee bit big for the head in most 23-27' sailboats. But if it will work on your boat, Defender has the best price by far...it lists for close to $500...their price is about $275....WM's is somewhere in the high $300s.
I don't think it'll work on smaller boats. There are two issues: 1) it uses pressurized water, so it has to be plumbed into the onboard freshwater system...and even a pint or so a flush may put too much stress on the water supply on a small boat...and it wouldn't be possible at all unless the boat has pressurized water...hand pump won't work with it, at least not with any practicality. 2) the tank footprint is about 18" x 20"...a wee bit big for the head in most 23-27' sailboats. But if it will work on your boat, Defender has the best price by far...it lists for close to $500...their price is about $275....WM's is somewhere in the high $300s.
Much good info
I appreciate all the good advice and I have been to the Head Mistress postings. Peggy your knowledge and advice is greatly appreciated by all, I'm sure. Still unsure though. I know I will hate the cleaning ritual of the porta potti. My wife an I will sail weekends primarily, in the Keys, along the water ways of the east coast and in the Gulf and Tampa Bay. I may not have access to pump out on all occasions/sailings. It's when I invite another couple for the day or weekend that may make the difference. One other factor - anyone ever had to test the second home definition for tax deduction of interest with the porti head? I am certain there would be no issue with the marine head.
I appreciate all the good advice and I have been to the Head Mistress postings. Peggy your knowledge and advice is greatly appreciated by all, I'm sure. Still unsure though. I know I will hate the cleaning ritual of the porta potti. My wife an I will sail weekends primarily, in the Keys, along the water ways of the east coast and in the Gulf and Tampa Bay. I may not have access to pump out on all occasions/sailings. It's when I invite another couple for the day or weekend that may make the difference. One other factor - anyone ever had to test the second home definition for tax deduction of interest with the porti head? I am certain there would be no issue with the marine head.
Cleaning a portpotty
Portable models: Rinse pretty thoroughly after you dump it...then put a little more water in it, along with a healthy squirt of "C.P. Cleans Potties" (which you can get from the online store right here or from BOAT/US), put the cap back on and shake well. Pour it out and rinse again. If you're leaving the boat for the weekend, don't put the tank back in the unit...'cuz sealing it up causes odors. Instead, leave it out, with the cap off, so that air can circulate in it while you're gone. Use C.P. to clean the bowl Pumpable models: Since they're vented, maintain just like any other holding tank. Pump, rinse well with C.P. and pump again. Leave it with a little C.P. and water in the tank. Use C.P. to clean the bowl.
Portable models: Rinse pretty thoroughly after you dump it...then put a little more water in it, along with a healthy squirt of "C.P. Cleans Potties" (which you can get from the online store right here or from BOAT/US), put the cap back on and shake well. Pour it out and rinse again. If you're leaving the boat for the weekend, don't put the tank back in the unit...'cuz sealing it up causes odors. Instead, leave it out, with the cap off, so that air can circulate in it while you're gone. Use C.P. to clean the bowl Pumpable models: Since they're vented, maintain just like any other holding tank. Pump, rinse well with C.P. and pump again. Leave it with a little C.P. and water in the tank. Use C.P. to clean the bowl.
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