Fixed vs Porta Potti Question

[rardiH36]

The fixed toilet on my recently acquired 1980 Hunter 36 will need a valve/diaphram clean out or repair to make it operational again. And the marine surveyor who performed the pre-purchase inspection recommended some modifications to the hose and vent routings. I am using the boat for day sailing, generally less than 4-5 hours, and generally with only 1-3 other people besides myself. An over-nighter would be the upside duration of a trip. Can people give opinions whether a porta-potti might be the better option than repairing/upgrading the fixed system for this type of usage? I am new to larger boats, so do not have experience with either system. So please excuse my uncertaintly with the question. But it seems to me that if a toilet is actually used on an outing (assuming maybe on 25% of outings), it would seem to be simpler and cleaner just to take a porta potti waste tank ashore for disposal, than it would be to use a fixed system with a holding tank that remains partially filled (and fermenting?)for weeks or months between pump-outs.For those opining towards the porta-potti option, what features would be desired? Thanks.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

aesthetic choice

RandiNot the answer you may be looking for but it seems (to me) like a false economy to save what amounts to just a few bucks on something like a boat which can only be described as a purely discretional expense. Any good quality porta potti can't be substantially cheaper than a new Jabsco $150 toilet particularly when compared with the pain, embarassment and stink of having to manually carry and empty a porta potti which could get tedious very quickly. A real toilet also would come in handy should you ever decide to take longer trips now that you have a bigger boat.

 

[TN]

fixed toilet

After watching a power boater empty his portapotti recently, I have learned to appreciate the fixed system in my boat in spite of the maintenance hassles. I would either install a nice fixed portapotti that has a holding tank and then connect it to the pumpout port, or I would stick with the complete original system (ie, marine toilet and holding tank). Pump out frequently and treat the tank with Peggy's recommended treatments. It is WAY more pleasant to suction the holding tank than to carry and empty a portapotti.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

I'd repair/replace/upgrade yr existing system

There are self-contained systems (portapotties) designed to be permanently installed and fitted for pumpout, a self-contained system is really only appropriate for smaller boats. From your comments about the surveyor's recommendations, it sounds like your toilet only needs a "rebuild kit"...though if the toilet is a Jabsco, I'd replace it with one that's better quality instead. As for the "modifications to the hose and vent routings," what exactly did your surveyor recommend? Since you're new to all of this, I suggest you check out the link below...it'll take you to a comprehensive "marine toilets and holding tanks 101" manual that'll help you learn how to maintain and operate your plumbing.

 

[rardiH36]

Thanks for the Input

Thanks all for the input. I also asked a bit locally. I'll stay with the fixed system.regards,rardi

 

[rardiH36]

Thanks for the Two Cents

Dear Manny:Thanks as to the others for the opinion. I have subsequently found that setting right the existing fixed system will be quite easy, so that is the direction that I will go first. We'll see later if gravitating to a full featured porta potti might be a bit simpler for the use pattern of the boat.regards,rardi