Head vs. porta-potti

[John F]

Any opinions out there on whether to replace my 20-yr old broken head with a porta potty?We usually day-sail with a couple overnights. I like the idea of having a head that can pump out but replacing a head seems like a huge mess compared with removing the current toilet and putting a porta potty in its place. I think I'd keep the current holding tank (empty) in case any new owner wants to put in a head if I sell it.I am Interested in whether others have switched from a head to porta potty.

 

[Benny]

Many have done it and iy is a very practical idea.

You can connect a portapoty to your pump out fittings If it is difficult to haul out the tank. The only drawback I can see is the size of the holding tank which can be overwhelmed with to many people aboard or staying out to many nights.

 

[Steve Dion]

Nasty option

John:I would never consider this option if it was mine. I had a 25' with a potta potti and got rid of it and never looked back.Changing the head is normally a very simple procedure. The hoses are a bit of a challenge, but it is worth doing and doing it right.If you have a head that is currently in production it is a matter of removing the four bolts that hold the bowl in place and R/R the two hoses. I have done this more than once and I doubt that it took more than 1-2 hours. A couple of my change outs was with different brand toilets and it was still quite easy.I would highly recommend a PHII if you have the room for the pump handle. Much easier to pump and much better quality than your "average" toilet.

 

[Joseph Shirley]

I did it on a 26' Thunderbird when overboard discharge was first prohibited

It worked OK for me because I only used the boat for both one design, and overnight racing, and only weekend cruising. Most of the crew were guys and would whizz over the side when they could. If you are going to be cruising with ladies, kids, or will be cruising for a week or more it may be inadequate. That is if you are not illegally dumping it over the side. Because of the limitations it presents it will probably reduce the value of your boat, so on all counts I believe you should put in a new head.Have funJoe S

 

[Richard Shelby]

another option

I have one on my boat. After 2 years as a weekender it works fine.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Replacing a toilet isn't a messy job, or a huge one.

You'd have to remove your existing toilet no matter what you decide on to replace it...once you have it out, the rest is easy and very clean.Otoh, if the hoses are anywhere near as old as the toilet, it does become a bit bigger job...but not one that has to be THAT messy if you plan it out to minimize mess before starting to disconnect anything. But again, you'd have to do most of that work no matter what your replacement is.So IMO, your simplest, least expensive, and least labor intensive option is a new toilet. Or you MIGHT be able to just replace the pump if the current version of the toilet you have fits the base.

 

[BobM]

Holding capacity

Can be a big issue. I had a very small porta potti in my last boat. I had some heavy drinking guests on board for one afternoon on the fourth of July. My Wife and I had arrived the night before and overnighted. The porta potty was full by the afternoon of the fourth. My solution, had I kept that boat, would have been to invest in a second potti of the same model soley to have a second tank in a pinch for longer periods of time. BobM

 

[Tim]

Potti with Holding Tank

I am going to give the Porta Potti a try, I like how simple it is. I plan on keeping the existing holding tank. The model potti I got allows for discharge hookup.Install Potti and plump its discharge to the holding tank with a pump. When potti tank gets full pump it to holding tank. At end of season empty holding tank at a discharge facility.Worth a try. I only day sail and occasional overnight so this should be plenty of space.

 

[jimq26]

Tim - that's a smart move!!

Most boats in the 27 - 29 ft. range have a waste tank capacity around 15 - 20 gallons. A Thetford 365 (sold in the chandlery here) will give you about 63 flushes. Compare that to about 35 flushes into a 15 gallon waste holding tank.They both get cleaned out through the same deck fittings, and they both utilize the air vent.