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Greetings to the Head Mistress, Peggy, I recently bought a 1986 Hunter 25.5. I realize it is a day sailor, but I have been doing some reno, and trying to add some big boat features. I would like to install a regular, marine style flushing head with y-valve (or so I beleive), options for over or to a holding tank etc. I had a bottom job done recently, and while it was in the shop, I inquired as to this possibility. Boat guy told me it could not be done. I assume this is because of tight quarters. I have not been able to speak to him as of yet as the information was relayed to me by a third party. It originally came with a porta-potty. I would prefer not to use it. Any suggestions? Thank for the help...................and for forgiving my tasteless tagline, Mike
There are portable portapotties...and then there
are portapotties that can be permanently installed and fitted for pumpout...you wouldn't be able to bypass the tank to flush directly overboard, but you can install a y-valve and macerator or manual pump in the pumpout line that will allow you to dump it at sea. I can't blame you for not wanting to mess with a portable tank...but IMO, a self-contained model fitted for pumpout makes the most sense on the boat that small...'cuz a toilet, all the plumbing and a tank would eat up close to half the storage space on your boat. A self-contained system doesn't require a flush water intake thru-hull...no plumbing except the pumpout/dumpout line and vent, no toilet maintenance...a 5-6 gal model holds about as many flushes as a manual marine toilet would put into a 12-15 gal tank (anything smaller wouldn't be worth the effort and expense)...and would cost you only about $250--if that much) for the toilet/tank, hoses, pumout fitting, and any other parts. A decent quality manual toilet and good quality tank, intake thru-hull and seacock, hoses, and all the other parts will run you at least twice that much. With a self-contained system, you have all the same advantages (ok, you wouldn't be able to flush directly overboard at sea, but you can dump the tank easily enough) of "big boat" system with none of the maintenance and problems...AND you don't lose any storage space. The SeaLand 965MSD (be sure it IS the "MSD" model...that means it can be permanently installed and fitted for pumpout...the 965 without the MSD designation cannot be) is the best quality. The fittings are even designed to allow you to disconnect 'em and take the tank ashore in a crunch.
are portapotties that can be permanently installed and fitted for pumpout...you wouldn't be able to bypass the tank to flush directly overboard, but you can install a y-valve and macerator or manual pump in the pumpout line that will allow you to dump it at sea. I can't blame you for not wanting to mess with a portable tank...but IMO, a self-contained model fitted for pumpout makes the most sense on the boat that small...'cuz a toilet, all the plumbing and a tank would eat up close to half the storage space on your boat. A self-contained system doesn't require a flush water intake thru-hull...no plumbing except the pumpout/dumpout line and vent, no toilet maintenance...a 5-6 gal model holds about as many flushes as a manual marine toilet would put into a 12-15 gal tank (anything smaller wouldn't be worth the effort and expense)...and would cost you only about $250--if that much) for the toilet/tank, hoses, pumout fitting, and any other parts. A decent quality manual toilet and good quality tank, intake thru-hull and seacock, hoses, and all the other parts will run you at least twice that much. With a self-contained system, you have all the same advantages (ok, you wouldn't be able to flush directly overboard at sea, but you can dump the tank easily enough) of "big boat" system with none of the maintenance and problems...AND you don't lose any storage space. The SeaLand 965MSD (be sure it IS the "MSD" model...that means it can be permanently installed and fitted for pumpout...the 965 without the MSD designation cannot be) is the best quality. The fittings are even designed to allow you to disconnect 'em and take the tank ashore in a crunch.
Peggy
Peggy, thanx for the reply, and the good advice. I will investigate the sloution you suggest. My original reason for not wanting a porta-can, (among other things) is the chemical smell. How does this one fair? Thanx,Mike
Peggy, thanx for the reply, and the good advice. I will investigate the sloution you suggest. My original reason for not wanting a porta-can, (among other things) is the chemical smell. How does this one fair? Thanx,Mike
Because the "pumpable" models are vented...
You can use any "regular" holding tank product in the tank. I recommend either Odorlos or Raritan K.O. Just be sure to use 'em according to directions. Another advantage to the "pumpable" portapotty: all you have to do to rinse out the tank--which all tanks need at least 2-3 x/season--is open the "trap door" in the bowl and pour water into the tank while it's being pumped out. A LOT easier than flushing out a "regular tank."
You can use any "regular" holding tank product in the tank. I recommend either Odorlos or Raritan K.O. Just be sure to use 'em according to directions. Another advantage to the "pumpable" portapotty: all you have to do to rinse out the tank--which all tanks need at least 2-3 x/season--is open the "trap door" in the bowl and pour water into the tank while it's being pumped out. A LOT easier than flushing out a "regular tank."
Sure you can!
I put a PHII in my Venture 24. I have seen a Catalina 22 with a real head. Your only problems are headroom
(no pun intended) knee room and a place for the tank. Vetus makes 15 gal soft tanks that fit anywhere
I put a PHII in my Venture 24. I have seen a Catalina 22 with a real head. Your only problems are headroom
(no pun intended) knee room and a place for the tank. Vetus makes 15 gal soft tanks that fit anywhereMike, I have a marine head on my 86' 25.5
No it doesn't take up a lot of room. I have a y-valve and macerator pump all neatly plumbed behind the head under the shelf on the 25.5. I have a small holding take placed under the foward berth. The water inlet through-hull is under the berth next to the head. I have two exits. One hose up to the deck for pumping out at a marina and I have a through-hull outlet just under the dinette seat for pumping over board. Had this set up for years and works great. If you are serious about putting in a real head, post your email address and I'll email you some pics. Ted
No it doesn't take up a lot of room. I have a y-valve and macerator pump all neatly plumbed behind the head under the shelf on the 25.5. I have a small holding take placed under the foward berth. The water inlet through-hull is under the berth next to the head. I have two exits. One hose up to the deck for pumping out at a marina and I have a through-hull outlet just under the dinette seat for pumping over board. Had this set up for years and works great. If you are serious about putting in a real head, post your email address and I'll email you some pics. Ted
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