Has anyone ever replaced a manual head with holding tank for a portable head? I just daysail with the rare weekender and find my current set up too cumbersome for the little use that it gets. Any opinions are welcome as I've only been sailing for a year. Thanks.
Head downgrade
- Thread starter Eric14428
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What size is the boat, Eric?
Portapotties, especially the models that can be permanently installed and fitted for pumpout, are a great solution for smaller boats...and, if it suits the owner's needs better, larger boats to--at least those that never get far enough offshore to flush directly overboard. So if that's what you think will suit your needs, go for it. But if your boat is bigger than 27-28', you'll most likely have to put the "real" marine toilet, tank and all the related plumbing back to when you sell it, 'cuz portapotties don't appeal to buyers of larger boats.
Portapotties, especially the models that can be permanently installed and fitted for pumpout, are a great solution for smaller boats...and, if it suits the owner's needs better, larger boats to--at least those that never get far enough offshore to flush directly overboard. So if that's what you think will suit your needs, go for it. But if your boat is bigger than 27-28', you'll most likely have to put the "real" marine toilet, tank and all the related plumbing back to when you sell it, 'cuz portapotties don't appeal to buyers of larger boats.
My experience
The head Mistress makes some great points as always. I am not going to disagree with her, but I am going to offer a different perspetive.. I bought an Irwin 32 with a porta potty and cruised it on the Great Lakes for 7 or 8 years that way. I had to carry the portable tank into bathrooms all over L Michigan and it was not so bad. We rarely anchored out, so all I emptied most of the time was liquid. It was OK. I did finally convert the boat to a holding tank becasue I wanted to anchor out more. For me - a good move. I did prefer the holding tank to the porta potty - no question. Had I kept my sailing to marinas and day sailing, the porta potty was just fine, but it was nice to not worry about the tank until it has 20 gal in it as opposed to 5.
The head Mistress makes some great points as always. I am not going to disagree with her, but I am going to offer a different perspetive.. I bought an Irwin 32 with a porta potty and cruised it on the Great Lakes for 7 or 8 years that way. I had to carry the portable tank into bathrooms all over L Michigan and it was not so bad. We rarely anchored out, so all I emptied most of the time was liquid. It was OK. I did finally convert the boat to a holding tank becasue I wanted to anchor out more. For me - a good move. I did prefer the holding tank to the porta potty - no question. Had I kept my sailing to marinas and day sailing, the porta potty was just fine, but it was nice to not worry about the tank until it has 20 gal in it as opposed to 5.
Peggy is totally correct in her recommendation
You will get more flushes (at least 62) from a built in Thetford (6 gallon) porta potty. Make sure you install it with the pumpout and the air breather. You might only get about 40 flushes maximum with a 15 gal holding tank. For lots of additional information go the the archives on this site. This a topic that comes up quite often.
You will get more flushes (at least 62) from a built in Thetford (6 gallon) porta potty. Make sure you install it with the pumpout and the air breather. You might only get about 40 flushes maximum with a 15 gal holding tank. For lots of additional information go the the archives on this site. This a topic that comes up quite often.
Thanks ....
Thanks for the input. My boat is a 27' Catalina and as a newbie I find that between the thru-hull, holding tank, pump-out, and occassional funky odor that little area adds too much stress ... thought the portable may relieve all that.
Thanks for the input. My boat is a 27' Catalina and as a newbie I find that between the thru-hull, holding tank, pump-out, and occassional funky odor that little area adds too much stress ... thought the portable may relieve all that.
I put in a portable on my 27'
I replaced the old stinky Mansfield Traveller head (basically a porta potty on steriods) on my sailboat this summer with a Sealand MSD porta potty. The main reason I chose that was that the pump out had been broken at my marina and is also located in a place that can be a log jam of boats. My decision was made easier since I had a very limited budget. I am honestly very happy with it and the admiral seems to be okay with it (and man, is she picky!). The only odor is when you "flush" which only lingers for a minute, and after using Odor Los it's hardly noticable. My only complaint is that I wish the bowl was deeper. My boat smells a lot better since installing that unit, also I probably shaved a good 50 pounds off of my starboard side. Considering the diesel fuel tank and my auxillary outboard are on that side, it has helped reduce the slight "lean" on that side. One other plus is you can take the porta potty home and give the whole thing a good cleaning if necessary. Manny
I replaced the old stinky Mansfield Traveller head (basically a porta potty on steriods) on my sailboat this summer with a Sealand MSD porta potty. The main reason I chose that was that the pump out had been broken at my marina and is also located in a place that can be a log jam of boats. My decision was made easier since I had a very limited budget. I am honestly very happy with it and the admiral seems to be okay with it (and man, is she picky!). The only odor is when you "flush" which only lingers for a minute, and after using Odor Los it's hardly noticable. My only complaint is that I wish the bowl was deeper. My boat smells a lot better since installing that unit, also I probably shaved a good 50 pounds off of my starboard side. Considering the diesel fuel tank and my auxillary outboard are on that side, it has helped reduce the slight "lean" on that side. One other plus is you can take the porta potty home and give the whole thing a good cleaning if necessary. Manny
Same Plan
I am planning to do the same thing. I have a 1971 Ericson 29 with a standard head and holding tank etc. The smell in the V berth can be overpowering at most times and it makes the admiral upset. Given that I will do most anything to improve her enjoyment of sailing so she will go with me this is a problem I must solve. Rather than go through the whole rebuild and reinstall etc I am looking at a self contained potty with the pumpout fitting and all. With the primarily day sailing with a few weekends this should be more than adequate. Disadvantages: relatively small holding tank size although it seems you can get more flushes, probably make head a little more cramped. Advantages: far simpler design, pumpout capable, no smell because of no water pipes, two through hulls I can close up, holding tank removed so more room and less weight. Sounds like a clear winner.
I am planning to do the same thing. I have a 1971 Ericson 29 with a standard head and holding tank etc. The smell in the V berth can be overpowering at most times and it makes the admiral upset. Given that I will do most anything to improve her enjoyment of sailing so she will go with me this is a problem I must solve. Rather than go through the whole rebuild and reinstall etc I am looking at a self contained potty with the pumpout fitting and all. With the primarily day sailing with a few weekends this should be more than adequate. Disadvantages: relatively small holding tank size although it seems you can get more flushes, probably make head a little more cramped. Advantages: far simpler design, pumpout capable, no smell because of no water pipes, two through hulls I can close up, holding tank removed so more room and less weight. Sounds like a clear winner.
I am quite pleased with this method
Just last year I dumped the whole dam system for a portable. Best thing I ever did. Solves too many problems to ignore. Holding tank, hoses, & "Y" valves, Gone. Oders, Gone Easy for anyone to use. And does not clog. I just use the marina restroom and pour carefully. No problems. Flush just before you pour for reduced oders. I got two tanks and just swap them out on extended trips but for the typical weekender for two adults and a 12 year old, one 5 gallon is plenty.
Just last year I dumped the whole dam system for a portable. Best thing I ever did. Solves too many problems to ignore. Holding tank, hoses, & "Y" valves, Gone. Oders, Gone Easy for anyone to use. And does not clog. I just use the marina restroom and pour carefully. No problems. Flush just before you pour for reduced oders. I got two tanks and just swap them out on extended trips but for the typical weekender for two adults and a 12 year old, one 5 gallon is plenty.
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