Toilet vs porta potti

[R. Young]

I would like to propose a very simple solution to most marine toilet problem. Consider using a porta potti type instead. Consider:(1) Since less water is needed to flush, the capacity of a porta potti is similar - maybe even larger then the typical tank.(2) There is little flushing action required - just whatever you need to rinse the bowl - your not lifting gook and water to a tank.(3) Its a simple device - no valves, tanks, plumbing - little to go wrong.(4) No pump out necessary. Just discretly remove the holding tank component, wrap an inconspicuous plastic bag over it - and go to any toilet and dump it. Perfectly legal and simple.(5) Environmentally superior - less cheating. I think it was one of Casey's books that said "most marine tanks have never held anything other then air". No need to lock a three way valve to pass coast guard inspection.In fact, the only reason I can think of to use a standard installation is our fixation with wanting the boat to look/feel/resemble our home bathrooms. To me its not worth it. I will be removing the toilet and install a stand to secure the porta potti where the toilet use to be.What is the fault with this reasoning?

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

It's a fine idea for small boats, and...

what I recommend to most owners of boats under 26'. But let's face it: a weekend aboard a 23-25' boat, power OR sail, is basically floating camping with a toilet and stove in the "tent" instead of down the path...and a portapotty is a camp toilet. It's fine for two people overnight, but owners of larger boats that stay out longer, with more people aboard, need more holding capacity than even the larger 5-6 gallon portpotties offer...4 people will max it out in two days. Then there's matter of disposal. Although carrying a 2-3 gallon portapotty tank off the boat to dump down a toilet isn't much of problem, a 5-6 gallon portapotty tank weighs upwards of 50 lbs when it's full. Not only is it a struggle to get up the dock, but it's also not easy to pour the contents down a toilet without spilling it. In fact, many marinas don't allow portapotty dumping in their public rest rooms...too many people aren't all that careful about making sure it all goes IN the toilet, even from small ones. As for "cheating"...I'd bet at least as many portapotties are dumped over the side than holding tanks--and for the same reason: when it's full, and it's 20 miles to the nearest toilet or pumpout, they can't just quit using the toilet. As I said...portapotties are a fine idea for some boats, but they're not a "one size fits all" answer for all boats. Few things are.

 

[Richard Laribee]

I've already done this -- and it works

My '83 Hunter 25 came with a direct pump marine head. No holding tank. I locked the seacocks and sealed the marine head sufficiently to convince the Coast Guard not to ticket me, and bought a porta-potti. I left the marine head in place for two seasons before I was convinced the porta-potti was the way to go rather than installing a holding tank. This winter I removed the marine head and store in my garage in case the next owner (if there ever is one) should want it.To me the porta-potti is a lot easier than messing with pumpouts.On the other hand... I have never used it. My wife, daughters, and female guests have. But even easier than the porta-potti, both for use my males (most of the time) and to transport off the boat is an empty liquid detergent bottle. It's water proof, has a handle, is easy to transport, and is a whole lot more conspicuous when carrying to a public restroom from a public dock.You do have to cut away part of the spout inside the bottle neck. But believe me, this is a whale of lot easier than pumpouts or porta-potties... for most male use.

 

[marv otto]

I agree with R. Laribee

With a H26 with porta-potti as original equipment, I have found it to be convenient to use it primarily for faeces. Since only my wife and I use the boat for extensive trips we have little need for excessive privacy and she, too, using an adapted liquid detergent bottle can make do. I have also taken into account this statement from "The American Medical Association Family Medical Guide" page 502: "There are no micro-organisms in a healthy urinary tract and normal urine is sterile." Any thoughts on what to do with sterile urine, especially when you are sailing, anchoring in sea water?