has anyone installed one of the self contained, pump-out type port-a-pots on an h23. filling and emptying the oem unit is a real pain. i am remodeling the v berth area on my boat pretty much as a head, storage, and room for my grandson so am not real concerned with cushions and sleeping space. a marine head would be nice but i don't find anything compact enough and would probably be more hassle than its worth. william
- Status
A long time ago in a dark world far away...
...my family had a 23 foot Carver cabin. It had the 5 gal Sani-Pottie I think. The additional plumbing was only a modified waste cap that had an extension inside the tank to drain from the bottom. A standard waste hose and vent attached to the outside of the cap. The vent went through the hull and the waste line strait up to the deck. We didn't put it in, but pretty simple. The benifit is no dumping, just pump AND if done right, you can remove and dump the tank the old fashion way if a pumpout is not available. Ours was unfortunately glued in. alan
...my family had a 23 foot Carver cabin. It had the 5 gal Sani-Pottie I think. The additional plumbing was only a modified waste cap that had an extension inside the tank to drain from the bottom. A standard waste hose and vent attached to the outside of the cap. The vent went through the hull and the waste line strait up to the deck. We didn't put it in, but pretty simple. The benifit is no dumping, just pump AND if done right, you can remove and dump the tank the old fashion way if a pumpout is not available. Ours was unfortunately glued in. alan
An ideal solution for your boat, William
I'd go with the larger 5-6 size instead of the smaller one...even if you're never out long enough to fill it up, there's no rule that says you have to...nor any requiring you pump it out after every outing. And because permanently installed models must be vented, odor can be prevented using the same tank products used in "regular" holding tanks. The footprints are the same for all of 'em, btw...the only difference is the height. Pick of the litter is the SeaLand 965-MSD "Sanipottie."
I'd go with the larger 5-6 size instead of the smaller one...even if you're never out long enough to fill it up, there's no rule that says you have to...nor any requiring you pump it out after every outing. And because permanently installed models must be vented, odor can be prevented using the same tank products used in "regular" holding tanks. The footprints are the same for all of 'em, btw...the only difference is the height. Pick of the litter is the SeaLand 965-MSD "Sanipottie."
Peggy, online description is a little vague
sounds like this is about what i am looking for but it sounds a little vague in the description about pump-out. can i plumb from this unit to the deck and then either pump-out at a waste dump or, buy one of the portable kits to pump-out offshore. basically, does the unit plumb to the deck? and, if necessary can i empty it manually? thanks for your help. (btw: "head mistress"...how fitting...i love it
) william
sounds like this is about what i am looking for but it sounds a little vague in the description about pump-out. can i plumb from this unit to the deck and then either pump-out at a waste dump or, buy one of the portable kits to pump-out offshore. basically, does the unit plumb to the deck? and, if necessary can i empty it manually? thanks for your help. (btw: "head mistress"...how fitting...i love it
) william
It can be emptied any way you want to...
Pumpout via deck fitting...overboard via a thru-hull (requires y-valve and pump and is only legal to do at sea at least 3 miles from the nearest point whole US coastline)...or remove the pumpout hose from the tank fitting, put the cap on and carry it off the boat (warning: a full 5 gallon tank weighs about 50 lbs--at LOT to carry off the boat, up a dock and then lift to dump into a toilet). Once you have it and the installation instructions, I THINK it'll all become clear.
Pumpout via deck fitting...overboard via a thru-hull (requires y-valve and pump and is only legal to do at sea at least 3 miles from the nearest point whole US coastline)...or remove the pumpout hose from the tank fitting, put the cap on and carry it off the boat (warning: a full 5 gallon tank weighs about 50 lbs--at LOT to carry off the boat, up a dock and then lift to dump into a toilet). Once you have it and the installation instructions, I THINK it'll all become clear.
Another option: Composting Toilet/Head
William: Another option instead of the Sealand Sani-Pottie is the Air Head composting toilet. If you check, you will find that the footprint is about the same as the Sani-Pottie. The Air Head is higher in height than the Sani-Pottie. The only plumbing required is for the vent. An electrical source is required for running the 12 volt drying fan (if you are day sailor just rely on shorepower when berthed). The toilet diverts urine into a holding tank which must be carried off the boat. When it is time to remove the solid waste after the composting process is finished, just sprinkle the dry sterile material on your yacht club or marina flower beds and wait for the compliments (check with local health authorities and club/marina manager first). ;-) Peggie: What are the thoughts of the Headmistress on this solution? Cheers! Kevin.
William: Another option instead of the Sealand Sani-Pottie is the Air Head composting toilet. If you check, you will find that the footprint is about the same as the Sani-Pottie. The Air Head is higher in height than the Sani-Pottie. The only plumbing required is for the vent. An electrical source is required for running the 12 volt drying fan (if you are day sailor just rely on shorepower when berthed). The toilet diverts urine into a holding tank which must be carried off the boat. When it is time to remove the solid waste after the composting process is finished, just sprinkle the dry sterile material on your yacht club or marina flower beds and wait for the compliments (check with local health authorities and club/marina manager first). ;-) Peggie: What are the thoughts of the Headmistress on this solution? Cheers! Kevin.
I don't think an H23 has the power resources
For the Airhead to work as advertised, the heater and blower must run continuously 24/7. He claims that a small solar panel is enough to keep the battery charged, but most people disagree. Then there's the matter of the urine bottles. You have to take those ashore--or install a holding tank for urine instead--and if you have to do that, you don't gain anything over a permanently installed pumpable portapotty, or even a portable one. Besides...it costs over $600...plus a solar panel (IF a solar panel CAN keep the battery charged)...a pumpable portapotty and plumbing is well under $200. The Airhead might be a workable solution for a larger boat on "no discharge" inland waters that stays connected to shore power (and I even question that because of the urine disposal issue)...but I don't think it's workable at all for a boat this small...or any boat that doesn't have a continuous source of power to the battery.
For the Airhead to work as advertised, the heater and blower must run continuously 24/7. He claims that a small solar panel is enough to keep the battery charged, but most people disagree. Then there's the matter of the urine bottles. You have to take those ashore--or install a holding tank for urine instead--and if you have to do that, you don't gain anything over a permanently installed pumpable portapotty, or even a portable one. Besides...it costs over $600...plus a solar panel (IF a solar panel CAN keep the battery charged)...a pumpable portapotty and plumbing is well under $200. The Airhead might be a workable solution for a larger boat on "no discharge" inland waters that stays connected to shore power (and I even question that because of the urine disposal issue)...but I don't think it's workable at all for a boat this small...or any boat that doesn't have a continuous source of power to the battery.
Reply to the Headmistress
Peggie: I agree with your concerns regarding the need for constant electrical power for the fan for the composting Air Head. In Canada, we face the problem that portapotties are banned on the Ontario side of the Great Lakes and we are facing similar bans for head systems without fixed holding tanks on many inland lakes and future bans on coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean here in British Columbia. The only permitted discharge system for these tanks is deck pumpout---no y-valves. There is likely to be a delay in full implementation of these measures because of the lack of seaside pumpout stations but an enivornmentally conscious trailer sailor like myself has access to a large number of RV waste pumpout stations along BC's highways (at no charge for use). My plans are to replace the Sealand Sanipottie on my Hunter 23 with a flexible holding tank for waste under the vee-berth, another holding tank for freshwater for flushing, and a Blake Lavac head with a manual pump. There would be no thru-hulls for discharge or water for flushing, just a thru-deck for venting the waste tank and another thru-deck for pumpout. I I an considering placing the vent and pumpout in the anchor locker so there are no exposed hoses in the cabin. I don't believe that I need any loops, vented or otherwise, for this arrangement because there are no thru-hulls for discharge or flushing water. I do think I will need an electric macerator pump between waste holding tank and the thru-deck pumpout fitting. But I would plan to run this with shorepower. Your comments would be greatly appreciated. I have checked the literature and the ABYC but haven't found anything similar to this proposed arrangement. I might have missed something. Your thoughts? Cordially, Kevin.
Peggie: I agree with your concerns regarding the need for constant electrical power for the fan for the composting Air Head. In Canada, we face the problem that portapotties are banned on the Ontario side of the Great Lakes and we are facing similar bans for head systems without fixed holding tanks on many inland lakes and future bans on coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean here in British Columbia. The only permitted discharge system for these tanks is deck pumpout---no y-valves. There is likely to be a delay in full implementation of these measures because of the lack of seaside pumpout stations but an enivornmentally conscious trailer sailor like myself has access to a large number of RV waste pumpout stations along BC's highways (at no charge for use). My plans are to replace the Sealand Sanipottie on my Hunter 23 with a flexible holding tank for waste under the vee-berth, another holding tank for freshwater for flushing, and a Blake Lavac head with a manual pump. There would be no thru-hulls for discharge or water for flushing, just a thru-deck for venting the waste tank and another thru-deck for pumpout. I I an considering placing the vent and pumpout in the anchor locker so there are no exposed hoses in the cabin. I don't believe that I need any loops, vented or otherwise, for this arrangement because there are no thru-hulls for discharge or flushing water. I do think I will need an electric macerator pump between waste holding tank and the thru-deck pumpout fitting. But I would plan to run this with shorepower. Your comments would be greatly appreciated. I have checked the literature and the ABYC but haven't found anything similar to this proposed arrangement. I might have missed something. Your thoughts? Cordially, Kevin.
A few things about your plan seem to be issues
First, you cannot vent a waste tank into the anchor locker...they must be vented to the outside of the boat. That's both a US and Canadian CG regulation. I would make the that vent line as short and straight as possible...and do the same for the pumpout fitting and put it on the side deck where it can easily be reached from the dock to pump out. Bladder tanks are not the best choice for waste holding, either (and btw, you cannot use an unvented bladder for waste holding because the gasses generated--whether stinky or odorless--must have a means of escape). Bladders are invariably installed in an area of the boat that’s inaccessible to install a rigid tank—stuffed down any opening into a place big enough to contain it. And only rarely are the bladders properly secured to prevent any movement. Since sailboats are typically so much more “active” than houseboats or cruisers, heeling side to side, bladders move and chafe till they leak. Fittings must be owner-installed in some bladders, and because the tank is in an inaccessible place, it is almost impossible to install the fittings correctly. Rarely, if ever, is any holding tank checked or maintained, so it isn’t at all uncommon for a bladder to blow out its fittings at the first sign of a clog—even more common in bladders that aren’t vented (which should never be used for waste holding in any event, because waste produces expanding gasses that can blow out fittings or even burst the tank, and because.methane is flammable). Furthermore, because the very nature of a bladder allows little or no air space inside it, preventing odor out the vent from a flexible tank is all but impossible. The very qualities that make bladders attractive to install make them undesirable for use for sewage holding. The Lavac, while a fine toilet, will require either a flush water intake thru-hull, or a dedicated flush water tank that will occupy storage space needed for other things....and a considerable amount of plumbing plus space for the remote pump in a location that's accessible to flush the toilet. And let's face it...there isn't enough space on any 23' boat that you want to give up for anything you don't have to! So here's what I'd do if I were you: If necessary, replace your Sanipottie with the larger 5-6 gallon 965-MSD model that can be permanently installed and fitted for pumpout. No plumbing required except a vent and pumpout hose/fitting. Because it uses so little flush water, it holds at least as many flushes as a 15-18 gallon tank connected to any marine toilet. If it turns out that's not enough, you can always add a second rigid plastic tank...reroute the pumpout line to it with a pump inline to transfer the waste...run the pumpout line off the second tank to your deck fitting. IMO, that's the simplest and least expensive way to accomplish everything you need to accomplish on a boat the size of yours. Dumping the tank at an RV dump station will require some creative plumbing...'cuz RV tanks have 3" discharge fittings and and are emptied via gravity...boat tanks must be pumped out. So to do it you'll need a pump, some hose, and some adaptors to allow you to thread the pump into the deck pumpout fitting. But it can be done. And finally, I suggest you check out the link below.
First, you cannot vent a waste tank into the anchor locker...they must be vented to the outside of the boat. That's both a US and Canadian CG regulation. I would make the that vent line as short and straight as possible...and do the same for the pumpout fitting and put it on the side deck where it can easily be reached from the dock to pump out. Bladder tanks are not the best choice for waste holding, either (and btw, you cannot use an unvented bladder for waste holding because the gasses generated--whether stinky or odorless--must have a means of escape). Bladders are invariably installed in an area of the boat that’s inaccessible to install a rigid tank—stuffed down any opening into a place big enough to contain it. And only rarely are the bladders properly secured to prevent any movement. Since sailboats are typically so much more “active” than houseboats or cruisers, heeling side to side, bladders move and chafe till they leak. Fittings must be owner-installed in some bladders, and because the tank is in an inaccessible place, it is almost impossible to install the fittings correctly. Rarely, if ever, is any holding tank checked or maintained, so it isn’t at all uncommon for a bladder to blow out its fittings at the first sign of a clog—even more common in bladders that aren’t vented (which should never be used for waste holding in any event, because waste produces expanding gasses that can blow out fittings or even burst the tank, and because.methane is flammable). Furthermore, because the very nature of a bladder allows little or no air space inside it, preventing odor out the vent from a flexible tank is all but impossible. The very qualities that make bladders attractive to install make them undesirable for use for sewage holding. The Lavac, while a fine toilet, will require either a flush water intake thru-hull, or a dedicated flush water tank that will occupy storage space needed for other things....and a considerable amount of plumbing plus space for the remote pump in a location that's accessible to flush the toilet. And let's face it...there isn't enough space on any 23' boat that you want to give up for anything you don't have to! So here's what I'd do if I were you: If necessary, replace your Sanipottie with the larger 5-6 gallon 965-MSD model that can be permanently installed and fitted for pumpout. No plumbing required except a vent and pumpout hose/fitting. Because it uses so little flush water, it holds at least as many flushes as a 15-18 gallon tank connected to any marine toilet. If it turns out that's not enough, you can always add a second rigid plastic tank...reroute the pumpout line to it with a pump inline to transfer the waste...run the pumpout line off the second tank to your deck fitting. IMO, that's the simplest and least expensive way to accomplish everything you need to accomplish on a boat the size of yours. Dumping the tank at an RV dump station will require some creative plumbing...'cuz RV tanks have 3" discharge fittings and and are emptied via gravity...boat tanks must be pumped out. So to do it you'll need a pump, some hose, and some adaptors to allow you to thread the pump into the deck pumpout fitting. But it can be done. And finally, I suggest you check out the link below.
Followup to Peggie
Peggie: Members of the Canadian CG have told me that they will be looking for a marine head with a holding tank on board recreational small craft. They do not view a 5-6 gallon 965-MSD model Sanipottie as possibly being permanently fitted because vent, pumpout, and base-mounting fittings can be undone so that the waste tank removed could be removed for dumping over the side. So here's the next proposed solution for the Hunter 23: Blake Lavac vacuum marine head with bladder fresh water tank, rigid waste tank with direct hose and manual pump from Lavac, direct vent to deck thru-hull and direct hose to electric macerator pump and thence to thru-deck. Onboard macerator pumps are (or will be) required in Canada as only macerated waste is to be pumped. Moreover, seaside pumpouts cannot be expected to have enough suction to evacuate vessel waste tanks here. Of course, the provincial government's RV pump-outs here are gravity feed only, so a pump is required for dry-land. Your thoughts? On option is to replace the freshwater bladder with a flush thu-hull and looped hose. By the way, installation of the pumping will be accomplished in such a way that all fittings and connections will be accessible for maintenance under the vee birth in the Hunter 23. Your comments about adapters for RV pump-out stations are well taken and were anticipated. Cordially, Kevin.
Peggie: Members of the Canadian CG have told me that they will be looking for a marine head with a holding tank on board recreational small craft. They do not view a 5-6 gallon 965-MSD model Sanipottie as possibly being permanently fitted because vent, pumpout, and base-mounting fittings can be undone so that the waste tank removed could be removed for dumping over the side. So here's the next proposed solution for the Hunter 23: Blake Lavac vacuum marine head with bladder fresh water tank, rigid waste tank with direct hose and manual pump from Lavac, direct vent to deck thru-hull and direct hose to electric macerator pump and thence to thru-deck. Onboard macerator pumps are (or will be) required in Canada as only macerated waste is to be pumped. Moreover, seaside pumpouts cannot be expected to have enough suction to evacuate vessel waste tanks here. Of course, the provincial government's RV pump-outs here are gravity feed only, so a pump is required for dry-land. Your thoughts? On option is to replace the freshwater bladder with a flush thu-hull and looped hose. By the way, installation of the pumping will be accomplished in such a way that all fittings and connections will be accessible for maintenance under the vee birth in the Hunter 23. Your comments about adapters for RV pump-out stations are well taken and were anticipated. Cordially, Kevin.
I'd double check your info...'cuz...
Permanently installed self-contained systems ARE legal in Candian waters of the Great Lakes...only the portable models are illegal. Besides...using that logic, what's to stop anyone from disconnecting the hoses from a holding tank and dump IT over the side? It's not that much harder to do...in fact, just as easy if the pumpout fitting is on the top of the tank with a tube inside to the bottom. And it's not uncommon at all for CG and other law enforcement people to misunderstand new regulations, or new people to misunderstand regs that aren't new...I can think of a dozen examples. But if you want to use up all your storage for flush water tanks and holding tanks and all the additional plumbing required, it's ok with me. Btw...why would Canadian pumpout equipment be any less capable of sucking out a tank than US pumpout equipment? And why would waste in a tank have to be macerated to be pumped out? Neither of those things make ANY sense. Since it's gonna be a while before you have to do anything, I strongly recommend that you take the time to run down the accuracy of the information you're getting before doing anything.
Permanently installed self-contained systems ARE legal in Candian waters of the Great Lakes...only the portable models are illegal. Besides...using that logic, what's to stop anyone from disconnecting the hoses from a holding tank and dump IT over the side? It's not that much harder to do...in fact, just as easy if the pumpout fitting is on the top of the tank with a tube inside to the bottom. And it's not uncommon at all for CG and other law enforcement people to misunderstand new regulations, or new people to misunderstand regs that aren't new...I can think of a dozen examples. But if you want to use up all your storage for flush water tanks and holding tanks and all the additional plumbing required, it's ok with me. Btw...why would Canadian pumpout equipment be any less capable of sucking out a tank than US pumpout equipment? And why would waste in a tank have to be macerated to be pumped out? Neither of those things make ANY sense. Since it's gonna be a while before you have to do anything, I strongly recommend that you take the time to run down the accuracy of the information you're getting before doing anything.
Portapot not an option in Ontario waters
Peggie: The following is a cut-and-paste from the Transport Canada website for small vessels. Portable toilets are illegal on Ontario waters. The owner of a pleasure craft shall ensure that each toilet and the holding tank(s) is/are installed so that; The toilet and equipment are connected in such a manner that the equipment receives all toilet waste from the toilet. Equipment designed for the storage of human excrement is provided with a deck fitting and such connecting piping as is necessary for the removal of toilet waste by shore-based pumping equipment. No means of removal of toilet waste is provided other than the means mentioned above. All parts of the system for removal of toilet waste are congruent with one another and the boat.
Peggie: The following is a cut-and-paste from the Transport Canada website for small vessels. Portable toilets are illegal on Ontario waters. The owner of a pleasure craft shall ensure that each toilet and the holding tank(s) is/are installed so that; The toilet and equipment are connected in such a manner that the equipment receives all toilet waste from the toilet. Equipment designed for the storage of human excrement is provided with a deck fitting and such connecting piping as is necessary for the removal of toilet waste by shore-based pumping equipment. No means of removal of toilet waste is provided other than the means mentioned above. All parts of the system for removal of toilet waste are congruent with one another and the boat.
Ontario Regulation will hurt small boat Indsry
If this law is true, it will devistate the small sail boat industry. (19-23ft) We go out in a friend's 21 footer that has a portapot with family and they would not sail with 2 small kids if it were not for the portapot. There would need to be radical new technology to accomodate these boats and would shut out a large segment of sailors. I agree with Peggy in that there must be some reasonable accomodation for this market. /Chuck S/V Winsongs '85 H23
If this law is true, it will devistate the small sail boat industry. (19-23ft) We go out in a friend's 21 footer that has a portapot with family and they would not sail with 2 small kids if it were not for the portapot. There would need to be radical new technology to accomodate these boats and would shut out a large segment of sailors. I agree with Peggy in that there must be some reasonable accomodation for this market. /Chuck S/V Winsongs '85 H23
Nothing there that indicates self-contained
systems are illegal. I think the confusion here is one of semantics--the name "portapotty"--rather than the actual type of system. Permanently installed and fitted-for-pumpout "portapotty" models are not portable toilets...they're self-contained toilet/tank systems. The only real difference between a self-contained system and any other toilet and holding tank is the location of the tank--whether it's remote from the toilet or attached to it. And there's nothing in Canadian law that requires the tank to be separated from the toilet by a length of hose...only that the system not be one that has a portable tank.
systems are illegal. I think the confusion here is one of semantics--the name "portapotty"--rather than the actual type of system. Permanently installed and fitted-for-pumpout "portapotty" models are not portable toilets...they're self-contained toilet/tank systems. The only real difference between a self-contained system and any other toilet and holding tank is the location of the tank--whether it's remote from the toilet or attached to it. And there's nothing in Canadian law that requires the tank to be separated from the toilet by a length of hose...only that the system not be one that has a portable tank.
Connected porta-potty works fine
We have a plumbed in porta-potty on our '77 h27. We understand the legal situation in Canada as Peggy does. We certainly meet all of the requirements in Kevin's post. Having visited every harbor from Leamington to Port Bruce on the north shore of Lake Erie, I can tell you that this set-up works fine with all the pump out facilities we have used. In fact, there is no difference between a plumbed porta-potty, and a holding tank as far as pumping out is concerned. The big difference comes in storage efficiency. Because of the minimal flush requirement, the same amount of waste requires much less storage capacity. David LAdy Lillie
We have a plumbed in porta-potty on our '77 h27. We understand the legal situation in Canada as Peggy does. We certainly meet all of the requirements in Kevin's post. Having visited every harbor from Leamington to Port Bruce on the north shore of Lake Erie, I can tell you that this set-up works fine with all the pump out facilities we have used. In fact, there is no difference between a plumbed porta-potty, and a holding tank as far as pumping out is concerned. The big difference comes in storage efficiency. Because of the minimal flush requirement, the same amount of waste requires much less storage capacity. David LAdy Lillie
Canadian Federal Law
Peggie: Unlike Ontario, BC does not have a law that bans portable toilets on small recreational craft. But we must follow the following Canadian federal law: Pleasure Craft Sewage Pollution Prevention Regulations From which I quote the following paragraphs. SEWAGE DISPOSAL 5. (1) Subject to subsection (2), no pleasure craft shall discharge sewage into any body of water described in the schedule and no person shall discharge or permit the discharge of sewage from a pleasure craft into any of those bodies of water. (2) For the purposes of Part XV of the Act, sewage may be discharged from a pleasure craft into any body of water if the discharge (a) is to ensure the safety of the craft or any person on board; or (b) results from damage to the craft or its equipment and all reasonable precautions are taken by the persons on board the craft after the occurrence of the damage to prevent or minimize the discharge. (3) A pleasure craft that is fitted with a toilet shall be fitted with a holding tank. (4) Subject to subsection (5), a pleasure craft may be fitted with a piping system that allows the discharge of sewage directly (a) from a toilet into a holding tank; (b) from a toilet overboard by bypassing the holding tank; or (c) from the holding tank overboard. (5) Where a pleasure craft is fitted with a piping system referred to in paragraph (4)(b) or (c) and is in a body of water described in the schedule, the system shall be visibly disconnected and closed so as to prevent the possible discharge of sewage from the craft. SOR/94-374, s. 4. HOLDING TANK 6. Where a pleasure craft is fitted with a holding tank, the tank shall (a) be an integral part of the hull structure of the pleasure craft or be securely attached to the hull; (b) be constructed of structurally sound material that prevents the tank contents from leaking; (c) be resistant to corrosion by sewage; (d) have an adequate capacity for the craft's normal complement; (e) be provided with a discharge connection and a piping system for the removal of the tank contents by a pumping facility; (f) be designed so that the level of sewage in the tank may be determined without the tank being opened and without contacting or removing any of the tank contents, or be equipped with a device that allows that determination to be made; and (g) be equipped with a ventilation device that (i) has its vent outlet located on the outside of the pleasure craft and in a safe location, (ii) prevents the build-up within the tank of pressure that could cause damage to the tank, (iii) is constructed of material that cannot be corroded by sewage, and (iv) has a flame screen of non-corrosive material fitted to the vent outlet. SOR/93-251, s. 2(E).
Peggie: Unlike Ontario, BC does not have a law that bans portable toilets on small recreational craft. But we must follow the following Canadian federal law: Pleasure Craft Sewage Pollution Prevention Regulations From which I quote the following paragraphs. SEWAGE DISPOSAL 5. (1) Subject to subsection (2), no pleasure craft shall discharge sewage into any body of water described in the schedule and no person shall discharge or permit the discharge of sewage from a pleasure craft into any of those bodies of water. (2) For the purposes of Part XV of the Act, sewage may be discharged from a pleasure craft into any body of water if the discharge (a) is to ensure the safety of the craft or any person on board; or (b) results from damage to the craft or its equipment and all reasonable precautions are taken by the persons on board the craft after the occurrence of the damage to prevent or minimize the discharge. (3) A pleasure craft that is fitted with a toilet shall be fitted with a holding tank. (4) Subject to subsection (5), a pleasure craft may be fitted with a piping system that allows the discharge of sewage directly (a) from a toilet into a holding tank; (b) from a toilet overboard by bypassing the holding tank; or (c) from the holding tank overboard. (5) Where a pleasure craft is fitted with a piping system referred to in paragraph (4)(b) or (c) and is in a body of water described in the schedule, the system shall be visibly disconnected and closed so as to prevent the possible discharge of sewage from the craft. SOR/94-374, s. 4. HOLDING TANK 6. Where a pleasure craft is fitted with a holding tank, the tank shall (a) be an integral part of the hull structure of the pleasure craft or be securely attached to the hull; (b) be constructed of structurally sound material that prevents the tank contents from leaking; (c) be resistant to corrosion by sewage; (d) have an adequate capacity for the craft's normal complement; (e) be provided with a discharge connection and a piping system for the removal of the tank contents by a pumping facility; (f) be designed so that the level of sewage in the tank may be determined without the tank being opened and without contacting or removing any of the tank contents, or be equipped with a device that allows that determination to be made; and (g) be equipped with a ventilation device that (i) has its vent outlet located on the outside of the pleasure craft and in a safe location, (ii) prevents the build-up within the tank of pressure that could cause damage to the tank, (iii) is constructed of material that cannot be corroded by sewage, and (iv) has a flame screen of non-corrosive material fitted to the vent outlet. SOR/93-251, s. 2(E).
Port-a-Pot replacement
I have sailed my 260 in both Canada and the USA. However the 5 Gal portable potty just does not have enough capacity for extended sailing with the wife onboard. Besides she wants a toilet. I purchased a great unit from West Marine that is made by Sealand. It has a "China Bowl" flushing toilet that is mounted on top of a 9 Gallon Holding tank. The great thing is that it fits EXACTLY in the space of the port-a-poty WITH NO MODIFICATIONS TO THE BOAT. I mounted the pumpout port above the swim ladder and ran the sewage line from the holding tank to the pumpout port under the floor of the aft berth. A fresh water line was run under the sink and plumbed into the existing water line.
I have sailed my 260 in both Canada and the USA. However the 5 Gal portable potty just does not have enough capacity for extended sailing with the wife onboard. Besides she wants a toilet. I purchased a great unit from West Marine that is made by Sealand. It has a "China Bowl" flushing toilet that is mounted on top of a 9 Gallon Holding tank. The great thing is that it fits EXACTLY in the space of the port-a-poty WITH NO MODIFICATIONS TO THE BOAT. I mounted the pumpout port above the swim ladder and ran the sewage line from the holding tank to the pumpout port under the floor of the aft berth. A fresh water line was run under the sink and plumbed into the existing water line.
Kevin, there's nothing in that which makes
self-contained systems illegal. In face, a permanently installed self-contained system is actually MORE securely attached than most holding tanks...many of which aren't even strapped down. Permanently installed "portapotties" aren't the only self-contained systems...composting toilets, recirculating systems, the SeaLand 711-M28 "Marine Traveler" that John describes (although, with a 20" x 20" tank footprint, I can't see how it could have exactly the same footprint as a 15 x 16 portapotty...but the only thing that matters is that it fits in his head)...the Raritan 5 gal tank that "wraps around" compact manual toilets...incinerating toilets.... Once again, however, it's YOUR boat...if you want to eat up all your storage space with separate toilet and tank and all the associated plumbing needed, it's ok with me.
self-contained systems illegal. In face, a permanently installed self-contained system is actually MORE securely attached than most holding tanks...many of which aren't even strapped down. Permanently installed "portapotties" aren't the only self-contained systems...composting toilets, recirculating systems, the SeaLand 711-M28 "Marine Traveler" that John describes (although, with a 20" x 20" tank footprint, I can't see how it could have exactly the same footprint as a 15 x 16 portapotty...but the only thing that matters is that it fits in his head)...the Raritan 5 gal tank that "wraps around" compact manual toilets...incinerating toilets.... Once again, however, it's YOUR boat...if you want to eat up all your storage space with separate toilet and tank and all the associated plumbing needed, it's ok with me.
Reply to Peggie
Peggie: Concerning the Canadian Recreational Sewage Pollution Prevention Regulations: the holding tank must be designed so that the level of sewage in the tank may be determined without the tank being opened and without contacting or removing any of the tank contents, or be equipped with a device that allows that determination to be made. Are the Sealand 5-6 gallon Sanipottie or 9.5 Traveler equipped with appropriate waste-level sensors? I note Sealand does sell the Sensatank 100 level sensor which does not require cutting holes in holding tanks but the whole kit is set to measure fluid levels in 3 tanks: fresh, grey, and black water and seems to be a bit of overkill for a Hunter 23. The problem I have with the 5-6 gallon Sanipottie is that it screws up the vee birth area with infill, pumpout, and vent hoses to the deck in addition to the fact that the section cushions over the head area must be permanently removed to accommodate the height of the bigger Sanipottie and all its vertical plumbing. The Traveler model has the same problems but looks enough like a marine head (no detachable tank base) that it is not likely to raise eyebrows with the Queen's cowboys, sailors or her fish and game officers. I can keep the vee berth untouched with a Blake Lavac vacuum head and have the option of placing the waste tankage aft under the huge lazarette-access bilge/storage area while the water intake thru-hull forward under the vee-birth. (Whoa, that's a lot of sewage hose running aft though.) I also note that according to the Canadian regulations the waste tank vent must have a flame screen of non-corrosive material fitted to the vent outlet. I interpret this to mean that I use a fuel vent and fuel-vent hose for connection. Correct? Just to give you some BC background about regarding the Canadian regulations and enforcement: the regulations were drafted to legislate human behavior. A few trailer boaters in the the 6-8 metre LOA range in the province of BC where caught dumping waste into a few of our large pristine inland lakes. (Yes, portapotties were involved in some instances.) These lakes are a source of untreated drinking water for cottagers and a few smaller communities. Thanks for all your time! Still undecided about the plumbing solution, Kevin.
Peggie: Concerning the Canadian Recreational Sewage Pollution Prevention Regulations: the holding tank must be designed so that the level of sewage in the tank may be determined without the tank being opened and without contacting or removing any of the tank contents, or be equipped with a device that allows that determination to be made. Are the Sealand 5-6 gallon Sanipottie or 9.5 Traveler equipped with appropriate waste-level sensors? I note Sealand does sell the Sensatank 100 level sensor which does not require cutting holes in holding tanks but the whole kit is set to measure fluid levels in 3 tanks: fresh, grey, and black water and seems to be a bit of overkill for a Hunter 23. The problem I have with the 5-6 gallon Sanipottie is that it screws up the vee birth area with infill, pumpout, and vent hoses to the deck in addition to the fact that the section cushions over the head area must be permanently removed to accommodate the height of the bigger Sanipottie and all its vertical plumbing. The Traveler model has the same problems but looks enough like a marine head (no detachable tank base) that it is not likely to raise eyebrows with the Queen's cowboys, sailors or her fish and game officers. I can keep the vee berth untouched with a Blake Lavac vacuum head and have the option of placing the waste tankage aft under the huge lazarette-access bilge/storage area while the water intake thru-hull forward under the vee-birth. (Whoa, that's a lot of sewage hose running aft though.) I also note that according to the Canadian regulations the waste tank vent must have a flame screen of non-corrosive material fitted to the vent outlet. I interpret this to mean that I use a fuel vent and fuel-vent hose for connection. Correct? Just to give you some BC background about regarding the Canadian regulations and enforcement: the regulations were drafted to legislate human behavior. A few trailer boaters in the the 6-8 metre LOA range in the province of BC where caught dumping waste into a few of our large pristine inland lakes. (Yes, portapotties were involved in some instances.) These lakes are a source of untreated drinking water for cottagers and a few smaller communities. Thanks for all your time! Still undecided about the plumbing solution, Kevin.
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