TrailerSailor site has discussion about pumpable porta-pottys. Never knew such a thing existed. What's your take? Small boat for weekends at best----why pump? Why complicate a simple arrangement? Does more than 15 flushes/day indicate a medical concern? Still have to add "sanitizing" liquid? Such a deal. Thanks, Dourdave
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Weeeelll...
If a 2-3 gallon portapotty holds enough to meet your needs, I see no reason why it should be a pumpable model. Otoh, if you have to take it ashore more than once at end of each outing, it's worthwhile to consider installing a larger 5-6 gallon pumpable model (the only difference, btw, are some fittings on the tank that allow it to be permanently installed for pumpout)...'cuz a full 2-3 gal. tank only weighs about 25 lbs, but a full 5-6 gallon tank weighs 40-50 lbs--which is a lot to carry off the boat and up a dock to a bathroom to dump, but easy to pump out. So far from complicating anything, it simplifies. As for your questions about frequency of visits...I'm not a doctor, nor do I play one online...but I can tell you that the average number of trips/day to the bathroom for adults is 5. If you have to make 15 trips--3x the average--I suggest you do see a doctor. No holding tank--portable, self-contained pumpable, or full size remote--requires the use of any sanitizing chemicals. In fact, there are no holding tank product that sanitize the contents...odor control/elimination is the sole purpose for any of 'em, and all any are capable of doing. And yes, if you want to prevent odor, you do have to use one of 'em.
If a 2-3 gallon portapotty holds enough to meet your needs, I see no reason why it should be a pumpable model. Otoh, if you have to take it ashore more than once at end of each outing, it's worthwhile to consider installing a larger 5-6 gallon pumpable model (the only difference, btw, are some fittings on the tank that allow it to be permanently installed for pumpout)...'cuz a full 2-3 gal. tank only weighs about 25 lbs, but a full 5-6 gallon tank weighs 40-50 lbs--which is a lot to carry off the boat and up a dock to a bathroom to dump, but easy to pump out. So far from complicating anything, it simplifies. As for your questions about frequency of visits...I'm not a doctor, nor do I play one online
...but I can tell you that the average number of trips/day to the bathroom for adults is 5. If you have to make 15 trips--3x the average--I suggest you do see a doctor. No holding tank--portable, self-contained pumpable, or full size remote--requires the use of any sanitizing chemicals. In fact, there are no holding tank product that sanitize the contents...odor control/elimination is the sole purpose for any of 'em, and all any are capable of doing. And yes, if you want to prevent odor, you do have to use one of 'em. Pumpable Portapotty Advantages
I agree with Peggy's comments. In addition, here are some reasons we like the pumpable portapotty installation on our '77 h27: - Capacity is deceptive since there is no flushing required. Our 4 gallon capacity is easily equivalent to 12 to 16 gallons in a holding tank requiring flushing. We typically get 4-5 days before pumping. - We are in a marina with assisted pump-out right at the entrance. This is much easier and quicker than carrying a container of waste up the long dock, up a hill, and across the lawn to dump it out. - As Peggy says, use of recommended bio agents controls the oder the same as a holding tank. - Plumbing and maintenance are much simpler. No hoses to saturate and smell. Although we have anchored out for 3-4 days, we have not cruised away from pump-out facilities for a longer period. Of course, our cruising ground - the Great Lakes - seems very well supplied with pump-out capacity, even in natural places like the North Channel. David Lady Lillie
I agree with Peggy's comments. In addition, here are some reasons we like the pumpable portapotty installation on our '77 h27: - Capacity is deceptive since there is no flushing required. Our 4 gallon capacity is easily equivalent to 12 to 16 gallons in a holding tank requiring flushing. We typically get 4-5 days before pumping. - We are in a marina with assisted pump-out right at the entrance. This is much easier and quicker than carrying a container of waste up the long dock, up a hill, and across the lawn to dump it out. - As Peggy says, use of recommended bio agents controls the oder the same as a holding tank. - Plumbing and maintenance are much simpler. No hoses to saturate and smell. Although we have anchored out for 3-4 days, we have not cruised away from pump-out facilities for a longer period. Of course, our cruising ground - the Great Lakes - seems very well supplied with pump-out capacity, even in natural places like the North Channel. David Lady Lillie
We have a Thetford 775 MSD - luv it!
We have a 55 flush Thetford unit on our G-26. It is fixed in place where the original head was. It is connected to a deck pumpout and an air vent. I am on the boat nearly every day in the summer, and we take a few overnighters across the lake, plus many all day races and regattas. Granted - all the marinas that I know of on Lake Ontario have shower and washroom facilities, but with 2 grandkids aboard (10 & 12 yrs. old), you know the head will be used. The past two summers we have only needed 3 pumpouts each year (including the final before putting her on the hard). We love it.
We have a 55 flush Thetford unit on our G-26. It is fixed in place where the original head was. It is connected to a deck pumpout and an air vent. I am on the boat nearly every day in the summer, and we take a few overnighters across the lake, plus many all day races and regattas. Granted - all the marinas that I know of on Lake Ontario have shower and washroom facilities, but with 2 grandkids aboard (10 & 12 yrs. old), you know the head will be used. The past two summers we have only needed 3 pumpouts each year (including the final before putting her on the hard). We love it.
Another reason for a pumpable porta-potti
Hi All; Another reason for having a pumpable porta potti occurs when the porta potti is full half way through a trip. The tendency is to empty it overboard (horrors) and continue on . In some areas I have heard the rules prohibit a removable MSD and therefore the pumpable porta potti attached to the boat is acceptable. Sort of defeats the intent of the word porta I guess. Brett Smith
Hi All; Another reason for having a pumpable porta potti occurs when the porta potti is full half way through a trip. The tendency is to empty it overboard (horrors) and continue on . In some areas I have heard the rules prohibit a removable MSD and therefore the pumpable porta potti attached to the boat is acceptable. Sort of defeats the intent of the word porta I guess. Brett Smith
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