Ok, sensitive question. I just bought a Catalina 22 (1971, #880) and it has the toilet up front. How do I use this thing? (not physically, I can figure that out!). No manual with it, so just wondering how I work it. Do I mix up some of the blue water and dump it in? It does seem to be in two parts, there is the top part (seems to have a pump on the left and a covered hole on the right) and the holding tank on the bottom. There is a lever thing on the front that you pull to open up the 'poo hole'. So, how does this thing work? Do I carry the goo out and dump it, get someone at a marina to suck it, does the blue water kill odors and do something good with the...uh...chunks? I've only had the boat out once, but eventually I'll be taking overnight trips, but so far I'm just considering the potty off limits until I know how to operate that thing neatly! Tom
Questions about the head in my Catalina
- Thread starter tegwilym
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"To Pee or Not to Pee"
I will try to explain. The Toilet you speak of is a Porti Potti which is comprised of two parts, the resovior and the holding tank. The resovior is filled with fresh water for flushing. The holding tank is for the uh yucky stuff which you will have to manually dump out in an appropriate facillity. Before I use the Potti I put some blue sani chemical in the holding tank to block out some of the smell and acts as a disinfectant. I like to keep a small amount of water in the bowl. When someone does their business, you pump some water into the bowl and then pull the lever which allows the yuck to go into the holding tank. When you have to empty the holding tank you split the porti potti in two and carry the holding tank to the nearest toilet. CAUTION make sure the lever that covers the Pooh hole is pushed in (closed). Unscrew the cap on the holding tank, take a deeeeepppppp breath, and dump it there. Hope this helps.
I will try to explain. The Toilet you speak of is a Porti Potti which is comprised of two parts, the resovior and the holding tank. The resovior is filled with fresh water for flushing. The holding tank is for the uh yucky stuff which you will have to manually dump out in an appropriate facillity. Before I use the Potti I put some blue sani chemical in the holding tank to block out some of the smell and acts as a disinfectant. I like to keep a small amount of water in the bowl. When someone does their business, you pump some water into the bowl and then pull the lever which allows the yuck to go into the holding tank. When you have to empty the holding tank you split the porti potti in two and carry the holding tank to the nearest toilet. CAUTION make sure the lever that covers the Pooh hole is pushed in (closed). Unscrew the cap on the holding tank, take a deeeeepppppp breath, and dump it there. Hope this helps.
Important Papers
To add: One might want to consider getting the toilet paper that is bio-degradeable. Places like West marine, camper supply stores or our U.S. Walmarts, (I'm sure that Canada has similar places) sell this type of paper. The purpose is that it rapidly dissolves to make emptying easier and to prevent clogs.
To add: One might want to consider getting the toilet paper that is bio-degradeable. Places like West marine, camper supply stores or our U.S. Walmarts, (I'm sure that Canada has similar places) sell this type of paper. The purpose is that it rapidly dissolves to make emptying easier and to prevent clogs.
Poo hole
Ok! Yes, that helps a lot. I know it is in two parts, but haven't really explored this part of my boat yet. Thanks for the good instructions, I actually didn't know that fresh water goes in the top part. Good to ask questions and wait for answers.
I'll have to check this important equipment out and move some water through it to figure out the functions - a "dry" run without the icky though! Still I think it would maybe be best to take a break at a nearby marina often for crew members to do the #2 with more ease than doing it under someone's bed. Heh! Tom
Ok! Yes, that helps a lot. I know it is in two parts, but haven't really explored this part of my boat yet. Thanks for the good instructions, I actually didn't know that fresh water goes in the top part. Good to ask questions and wait for answers.
I'll have to check this important equipment out and move some water through it to figure out the functions - a "dry" run without the icky though! Still I think it would maybe be best to take a break at a nearby marina often for crew members to do the #2 with more ease than doing it under someone's bed. Heh! TomPotta-Potti's
Most small boats are equipped with "potta-potti's" that can be found as well on RV's. If you looked into the number of models you will be surprised! Walmarts, K-Marts, as well as camping and boating stores carry them. If yours is old then the $50 - $100 is worth the investment for a nice fresh new unit. That bottom portion that has a handle and can be carried like a suitcase is made to carry it to the marina head and hold over the toilet. You then pull the handle to release the contents. They can be quite messy if you are not careful and as stated before you must make sure the seal that covers the waste compartment really seals well. Everyone uses a "bio-degrader" (blue solution) to add to the bottom holding tank unit not only to de-odorize but degrade the waste as well. Using "biodegradable" toilet paper is VERY CRITICAL here, so make sure you use only that. If you do not you will find that when you empty the contents over the toilet at the marina or wherever, it will be a terrible clumpy mess.... The key to these "heads" is keeping the seal closed when not in use otherwise you can get some leakage when healing the vessel. Your right in trying to get the crew to use the head at the marina before taking off. They can smell up the cabin, they are really uncomfortable and using one in a seaway is a balancing act!! Add the fact that you cannot stand over these in a 22-footer and you have barebones convenience at best. Hail the cedar bucket!!!!!!!! Bob 30 Catalina
Most small boats are equipped with "potta-potti's" that can be found as well on RV's. If you looked into the number of models you will be surprised! Walmarts, K-Marts, as well as camping and boating stores carry them. If yours is old then the $50 - $100 is worth the investment for a nice fresh new unit. That bottom portion that has a handle and can be carried like a suitcase is made to carry it to the marina head and hold over the toilet. You then pull the handle to release the contents. They can be quite messy if you are not careful and as stated before you must make sure the seal that covers the waste compartment really seals well. Everyone uses a "bio-degrader" (blue solution) to add to the bottom holding tank unit not only to de-odorize but degrade the waste as well. Using "biodegradable" toilet paper is VERY CRITICAL here, so make sure you use only that. If you do not you will find that when you empty the contents over the toilet at the marina or wherever, it will be a terrible clumpy mess.... The key to these "heads" is keeping the seal closed when not in use otherwise you can get some leakage when healing the vessel. Your right in trying to get the crew to use the head at the marina before taking off. They can smell up the cabin, they are really uncomfortable and using one in a seaway is a balancing act!! Add the fact that you cannot stand over these in a 22-footer and you have barebones convenience at best. Hail the cedar bucket!!!!!!!! Bob 30 Catalina
Cat 22 Head
I have a 1985 Catalina 22 (13021) and it has a head with a holding tank. Check yours out and see if it is a porta-potti or a true flushable head.
I have a 1985 Catalina 22 (13021) and it has a head with a holding tank. Check yours out and see if it is a porta-potti or a true flushable head.
potty stuff
Yeah, mine is the full self contained potty. No external stuff on mine. Good idea about tossing the old one and getting a new one that has no questionable seals. I've seen them at the boat shop for about $65. Fortunately this seems to be a pretty cheap boat item for a change!
Yeah, mine is the full self contained potty. No external stuff on mine. Good idea about tossing the old one and getting a new one that has no questionable seals. I've seen them at the boat shop for about $65. Fortunately this seems to be a pretty cheap boat item for a change!
A WORD OF CAUTION
WHEN YOU PULL THE HANDLE THAT OPENS THE WASTE HOLDING TANK, DO IT WITH THE LID DOWN. OFTEN PRESSURE WILL BUILD UP IN THE HOLDING TANK AND WHEN YOU OPEN IT IT WILL "SPIT" AT YOU. YUCK! BETTER TO HAVE IT SPIT ON THE CLOSED LID. GOOD LUCK!
WHEN YOU PULL THE HANDLE THAT OPENS THE WASTE HOLDING TANK, DO IT WITH THE LID DOWN. OFTEN PRESSURE WILL BUILD UP IN THE HOLDING TANK AND WHEN YOU OPEN IT IT WILL "SPIT" AT YOU. YUCK! BETTER TO HAVE IT SPIT ON THE CLOSED LID. GOOD LUCK!
stars
Ah...that does sound nice! I really miss seeing the stars. Winter in Seattle this year has been 6 months long.
Ah...that does sound nice! I really miss seeing the stars. Winter in Seattle this year has been 6 months long.
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