25.5 Head
Hi Bob! We have the same boat, and I installed a head/holding tank over the winter. I highly recommend doing this, especially if you like to overnight on the boat. A side benefit is that the head, unlike the porta-potti, doesn't turn into a missle in moderate seas. The details--a compact manual head will fit under the bench above the porta-potti with no problem. I used a Wilcox-Crittendon model but there are several equivalent heads on the market. You want to lift the porta-potti platform (it is held down with adhesive sealant) and thru-bolt the head. For water supply, you have two options. You can install/have installed a thru-hull in the forward cabin, probably right next to the head by going thru the platform and the cabin sole underneath it. I chose to replace the gate valve for the galley sink drain with a seacock and fit a bronze "tee" atop the seacock. On top of the "tee" a 1.5" bronze hose barb will take care of the drain. On the side fitting, you will need either a 1.5"-to-.75" reducer (West Marine has them) and nylon nipples for joints (don't use brass), or you will need a series of reducing hose barbs and short lengths of hose between. I used the reducer, then I fitted a .75" ball valve. From there, run .75" marine sanitation hose through the bilge and come up into the fuel tank compartment. Bore a 1" hole throught the forward bulkhead to get underneath the head platform, then come through the platform at the appropriate place to fit the hose to the head. This solution works fine in all situations except substantial heel on a starboard tack since the "tee" is still about 2-3" below the waterline, and it avoids another thru-hull. For the holding tank, I used a Todd 9-gallon tank and installed is in the compartment under the V-berth using stainless eye straps and anchors to tie it down. To economize space, it is best to install the holding tank "on-edge" and move the fittings. You can also get 8-9 gallon tanks from Raritan; they're a little thicker but more expensive. We have had no odor problem, but have been using Raritan's non-chemical tank treatment which is very effective. An alternative solution is to get Raritan's compact head and their 5-gallon tank which is made to fit around the head--less run of hose but you will be pumping out more often. The hose run from the head to tank is fairly direct. For pump-out you will need to bore a few holes thru the wood panels to bring the hose up to a deck fitting a little forward of the fuel fill. Finally you will need a 1/2" above-waterline thru-hull with 1/2" hose barb for the tank vent. This can go forward of the vent for the fuel tank. We have used this system 2 months with no regrets. I can get some pictures, but will not get to the boat for about 2 weeks. If you want them in that timeframe, email me at dweir@sbandg.com. Good Luck! Dave Weir
