...is the one you don't ask - I hope! We just bought a new (used) boat that has a fixed head. Up until now we've only had to deal with porta-potties - a completely different animal. Our questions are procedural... How often should the holding tank be pumped out? We will be using the boat on weekends and when we're at the dock we'll use the bath facilites. The head will only be used infrequently on extended day trips. We plan to use only fresh water to fill and flush the bowl so we won't have too many critters from the bay water causing smells. We already have Peggy's book and have learned lots but it doesn't really discuss the daily use. Any help? Thanks, Kathy
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This is hard question to answer
In December my son and I purchased a 34foot Hunter 84 year model. We sail every weekend and have been having it emptied every month. We are going to a a level kit for all our tanks fuel, water and waste before we go off sure in the Gulf. Yor question is a good one I wish I had asked it before ours was overfull and a friend of my sons used it at the dock and the overflow when on the dock. Havae a great day sailing.
In December my son and I purchased a 34foot Hunter 84 year model. We sail every weekend and have been having it emptied every month. We are going to a a level kit for all our tanks fuel, water and waste before we go off sure in the Gulf. Yor question is a good one I wish I had asked it before ours was overfull and a friend of my sons used it at the dock and the overflow when on the dock. Havae a great day sailing.
Here's how to estimate how long the tank will last
The average flush using a manual toilet is about 3/4 gal. The average adult uses the toilet 5x day. That means each person will put close to 4 gals/day into the tank. So multiply the number of people aboard x 4 gal day to get an estimate of how many days it should take to fill your tank. But to be on the safe side, I recommend you install a gauge...'cuz miscalculating and allowing the tank to overflow out the vent is a major no-no. My choice would be the Snake River AcuGage.
The average flush using a manual toilet is about 3/4 gal. The average adult uses the toilet 5x day. That means each person will put close to 4 gals/day into the tank. So multiply the number of people aboard x 4 gal day to get an estimate of how many days it should take to fill your tank. But to be on the safe side, I recommend you install a gauge...'cuz miscalculating and allowing the tank to overflow out the vent is a major no-no. My choice would be the Snake River AcuGage.
Clarification
Thanks for your response. I was also looking to confirm my thinking that it doesn't have to be emptied after each weekend if it's not full. - Kathy
Thanks for your response. I was also looking to confirm my thinking that it doesn't have to be emptied after each weekend if it's not full. - Kathy
It shouldn't...
Use Odorlos in the tank according to directions, and you shouldn't have empty it till it's full.
Use Odorlos in the tank according to directions, and you shouldn't have empty it till it's full.
How many flushes?
We haven't installed a gauge yet (just about to start our second season) and once saw the tank so full that the aft berth cushion and board looked ... well ... pregnant? I did come up with a non-scientific means of gauging our capacity in the interim. I made up a little deal on the computer with a cute picture of a toilet and the numbers 1 - 35, spaced evenly in rows. I laminated it and attached a Sharpie marker with a rubber band (I DID say this was unscientific!), and each time we'd use the head, we marked the next number. My significant other would usually forget, but I'd catch us up. We watched the tank and soon learned approximately how many flushes we could GO
before needing to pump out. Ever since, no more pregnant aft berth!
We haven't installed a gauge yet (just about to start our second season) and once saw the tank so full that the aft berth cushion and board looked ... well ... pregnant? I did come up with a non-scientific means of gauging our capacity in the interim. I made up a little deal on the computer with a cute picture of a toilet and the numbers 1 - 35, spaced evenly in rows. I laminated it and attached a Sharpie marker with a rubber band (I DID say this was unscientific!), and each time we'd use the head, we marked the next number. My significant other would usually forget, but I'd catch us up. We watched the tank and soon learned approximately how many flushes we could GO
before needing to pump out. Ever since, no more pregnant aft berth!- Status