Raritan Compact Holding Tank

[Mike Leary]

Raritan is advertising a 5 gallon capacity compact holding tank which fits around the form of several of its head models, including the Compact II, PHII, PHEII, etc. I have just purchased a 1973 Catalina 27 with the original Compact model head. I understand that the compact holding tank will also fit this model. However, on the Catalina 27 the Compact head is mounted on a triangular pedestal at an angle of about 45 degrees facing forward. I'm not sure if the two-sided compact holding tank will fit in this configuration.Have you had any experience with this set up, or any other thoughts about using the compact holding tank?Also, if you would recommend this compact holding tank, which type - permanent (with pump-out) or portable - would be preferable?Thanks.Mike Leary

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

I've never liked the "wraparound tanks"...

For one thing, they stick out in front of the toilet just enough to be uncomfortable behind the knees for anyone sitting on it...for another, the fact that they're wrapped around the toilet means exposed pumpout and vent hose in the head if you install it to be permanent...and if you install it as a portable, you have close to 50 lbs to carry off the boat when it's full. They're only about the same size as a "pumpable" portapotty, but because a marine toilet uses so much more flush water than a portapotty, they only hold fewer than half the flushes. And they cost more than a 10-15 gallon remote holding tank. Even Raritan admits they're more for "show" than "go"...just to make a boat "legal." Your head is 27 years old...it has to be completely worn out by now, even if it's still managing to pump anything out of the bowl at all. I'd either replace it with a PH II or a Cricket and 15-20 holding tank...or a "pumpable portapotty."