Holding tank size

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Suze

What size holding tank would be good for a 260 with Raritan PH-ll head? Any info regarding install, would be appreciated!
 
Dec 2, 1997
8,939
- - LIttle Rock
That depends on several things...

1. Where you sail--offshore where you can flush directly overboard most of the time, or in coastal or inland waters where it all has to go into the tank. 2. Do you only daysail, or do you spend weekends or even longer aboard? 3. How many people aboard? Depending on your answers, on a boat that small you might be better off with a self-contained system (5-6 gal portapotty that's permanently installed and fitted for pumpout) than with a marine toilet and holding tank. 'Cuz each flush from a marine toilet averages .5 gal...each flush of the portapotty is only about a pint. And the average adult goes 5x/day. So unless you only daysail, a holding tank and plumbing that's big enough to last even 2 people more than a day is gonna use up a LOT of your storage space. As for installation help, check out the link below...it includes detailed instructions for installing a head and holding tank.
 

Suze

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Jul 8, 2006
3
- - Phoenix
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There will be two or three people, and we do plan to take the boat out this fall for longer than a week in coastal waters.
 
Dec 2, 1997
8,939
- - LIttle Rock
You can't fit a tank big enough to last 3 people

continuously aboard for a week if you're waters where all flushes have to go into it. You'd need a 65 gallon tank! Even a self-contained system only holds about 50-60 flushes...the average for 3 people in a week is between 90-110. However, you don't carry enough water to last 3 people a week either...so you'll have to come in at least once or twice to refill your water tank--maybe your fuel tank too...get decent shower and just put a little space around you for a few hours, which will give the opportunity to pump out. So a 5-6 gal. self-contained system should give you enough capacity for any cruising you want to do. Both Thetford and SeaLand have good quality portapotties that are designed to be permanently installed and fitted for pumpout...no plumbing needed except the pumpout line and vent...no moving parts to maintain either. IMO, the best choice for your boat and your use.
 
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