Head in H26

[Tom Wootton]

What are the best options for upgrading from a porta-pottie to a plumbed-in head for a Hunter 26? There appear to be limited options for the suction thru-hull, due to the size and shape of the ballast tank. I'm also concerned about mounting the bowl, since the floor of the head compartment is directly above the ballast tank, with minimal clearance between the floor pan and the tank. The boat doesn't currently have a pressurized freshwater system, and that's not a high priority for future upgrade. The electrical system would be adequate for an electric flush, and I'm interested in the pros and cons of electric vs manual flush. There appears to be space for a holding tank to port and slightly aft of the porta-pottie, or the bowl could sit atop a tank. I'd want to pump out and to discharge overboard when outside the 3-mile limit (coastal Florida). Has anyone done this, or does anyone have a Hunter 26 or 260 that came with a head who could describe the setup? I'm especially interested in what you'd do differently if you could alter your present setup, and photos would be great, too.

 

[Peggie Hall/Headmistress]

I'd stick with pumpable portapotty

Put a y-valve and macerator in the pumpout line so that you can dump it at sea. With your space limitations due to your ballast tank etc, that's really your best option. You don't have the power resources for an electric toilet, even though you may think you do. All you'd really be doing is trading a maintenance free system for one that requires regular maintenance and lubrication, not to mention all kinds of odor problems, starting with trapped sea water in the intake.

 

[Tom Wootton]

Thanks Peggie. Any recommendations?

West Marine offers Sanipottie with 5.2 Gal tank and pumping option, but customer reviews (see link) were not encouraging. Is Thetford a better choice?As for the setup, can you direct me to a detailed description of the installation you suggested? What's the best location for the discharge thru-hull, and what venting is required?

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

I'd go with the SeaLand

There were only 5 reviews...Except for one (and who knows what he may have done wrong in the installation), all the complaints about portability and odor in portable models--which is to be expected about a sealed tank that weighs about 50 gallons when full. Permanently installed models have to be vented to pump them out, and therefore odor is dealt with the same way as any holding tank. Nor would I worry too much about what just 5 people out of thousands have to say...typically only those with complaints ever bother to write anything at all. I've never been particularly impressed with Thetford products...their main focus is the camping and RV industry...there just happens to be crossover into marine.

 

[Tom Wootton]

Sealand it is. Now about this vent...

I read somewhere in your reference library that the vent should be as short as possible, as fat as possible, and as horizontal as possible. I also seem to remember you writing that properly treated tanks would have no odor. (I use KO in my current porta pottie, but it's emptied so frequently it's probably not getting a chance to work.) Is it essential for the vent to go overboard? A horizontal vent to the hull would be underwater on a close starboard tack in high winds. Also, should the discharge line be above or below the waterline?

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

All holding tanks MUST be vented to the outside

of the boat...CG regs, because methane is flammable. Since you also have to keep the vent thru-hull out of the water when you're heeled, you may not be able to run the vent line as otimally as you'd like to...just keep it as straight as possible and as long as necessary to keep the vertical rise at 45 degrees or less. A larger diameter vent line, which would require replacing the small 5/8" diameter vent fitting on the tank with a larger one (not hard to do), will help.And yes, the overboard discharge thru-hull should be below the waterline, which means it needs a seacock.