vented loop for head

[Ericl]

My Catalina 30 does not have a "vented loop" between the head and the holding tank as recommended by the head manufacturer -Groco. It simply goes horizontal from the head to the waste tank. Putting in a vented loop looks difficult because of lack of space.
Is this normal installation for the Catalina 30 (1985) ?

 

[Team118]

That is how my head is too. I have a 1977 Catalina standard rig.

I took the original toilet out this spring and am intending to put replace that and completely replumb with new hoses after the summer. I've seen a lot of posts and articles about venting the intake between the through hull and the toilet too.

I was going to just install the vented loop on the bulkhead in the head and assume the plumping would add to the 'look' of a sailboat.

However, I could make an argument that if I only use the head at anchor, then I don't need the vented loop and if I did need to use it while sailing (no matter what the heel angle), then I would just shut the through hull off when not in use.

Since I have till next summer...I'll let you sink your boat and let me know!

Just kidding! Sounds like we're on the same path...

Keep me posted.
Chris

 

[Bad Obsession]

It is a wise upgrade to install a vented loop onto the head. The sign in the head says to close the through hull after each use. That is because they knew that it could be a suction issue without a vented loop. Oh well.

 

[adezafra]

I've got a 1989 MkII and I have been planning to put a vented loop on my boat for some time now. My plan is to come up through counter behind the head, up the bulkhead wall and into the cabinet above the sink (bulkhead side). To avoid the unsightly hoses I plan to build an "L" shaped teak cover that will fit snugly on the bulkhead on the one side and follow the contour of the hull on the other. This should (hopefully) give it a more finished look. If anyone has done similar I'd sure love to see a picture or two. I'd be great to not have to mess around with my through-hulls all the time. Hope this helps!

-Aaron

 

[Old Skool Neil]

If all your head related thru-hulls are in the same location as mine were (under the port settee), I understand the hassle involved in using the head and the interest in vented loops to be able to safely leave the valves open.

I took a different approach. I moved the head intake and sink drain thru-hulls to a location that's easiily accessible. That way there's no reluctance to closing the thru-hull after use and the valves get exercised more.

Note that I didn't relocate the head/holding tank discharge thru-hull. I always use the holding tank and have discharged it at sea only once in 5 years. Replaced its valve 2 months ago due to stiffness from non-use.

 

[tomfoolery]

antisiphon vent

my vents for the head discharge and the head intake are behind a panel in the head - see photo. I can access the vents for servicing easily.