This is a general search for information so any ideas/feedback is welcome.
Some time back the toilet on my Swanson 32 gave up and given that it wasn't ever set up with a holding tank and the rules about discharge from marine toilets had tightened considerably since in was originally installed some 25 years ago I took the thing out and had the thru hull openings closed. In it's place I put a porta potty thinkning that for the little use that the toilet actually got this would suffice. Since then however we have started making more use of the yacht and the porta potty doesn't really measure up (the process of emptying it is really not a pleasant one) so I am looking at re-installing a marine pump out toilet and I have a few questions and need some guidance.
1) What model/brand of marine toilet would people recommend?
2) I have seen some models with a macerator pump attached. Is the macerator essential for good operation as I have heard/seen some installations where there is no macerator and waste is pumped directly into the holding tank?
3) Installing a holding tank is going to be another challenge as the space is limited (isn't it always) not having ever been designed with this in mind but I am wondering about how much bend can be tollerated in hoses before the system gets blocked and I begin wishing I stuck with the porta potty?
Of course if anybody has any general tips and tricks that may assist I would love to hear them.
Thanks,
Matt
Well, as you see my pic. it is Swanson 32, My suggestion would be You need both.
I was about to install it but she was sold. My plan was 2 "V" valves, toilet with macerator and there is plenty of room under cockpit. I have schematic if you need it,
it is very simple and proven solution from DIY. Only thing I haven't decided was if use solid or collapsible plastic tank. Some experten can help with that.
thanks Charriot,
Good to get a quick response to what was a first time post on here. Clearly the system works.
Yep plenty of space under the cockpit, trouble is my head is located forward of the saloon, immediately aft of the forward hatch. Putting the waste tank under the cockpit would require running the waste pipe all the way back there through bulkheads and various storage lockers etc. It could be done of course but a bit of a pain. Then there is the question of where to locate the breater for the waste tank. Don't really want that aroma wafting up around the cockpit while we enjoying a cold drink and nibbles. Out the transom would seem the best option so that when at anchor the yacht would be head to wind and any nasty smells would be carried away from the boat.
As for tanks I was liking the look of a ridgid tank. I have found these guys http://www.atlastanks.com.au/fittings.html have a extensive range of ridgid tanks of all sorts of shapes and sizes (can even get custom ones made to fit any size for a little extra $$).
You right but has to be done, just for comfort and convenience.
Let me add to that,
1/ regardless where you install breather I would always put some remedy into tank.
2/ this valve business is not super simple but macerator does IN and OUT
3/ macerator takes lots of amps. I mean a lot /use serous wire and solenoid /relay.
4/ guess "pump out" would be optional, if you go out to empty the tank
Home made remedy:
Remedy 1
100 ml MYO disinfectant
1 cup Borax dissolved in hot water
1 cup Cloudy Ammonia
Add water to 2 litres
120 to 150 per toilet change
************************
Remedy 2
1 litre of Pine of Clean
1 litre of Cloudy Ammomia
1 Cup of Borax
1 Litre of warm water
Mix Borax and water then add the rest
*************************
Remedy 3
Bottle cloudy Ammonia
Bottle Eucalyptus.
and Borax
Makes a few liters though
We are big fans of the PortaPottie.
Ours holds 18 litres of SHEET! and
really doesnt seem to be too big a hassle
to empty in to toilet when you find one.
No 1's over the side and No 2's inside is
our general rule. (unless your gender requires
other arrangements Lol.)
The 'trick' is to put in 2 breathers in the tank.
I got a custom from atlas they where good and fast to deal with.
I never bothered with a external skin fitting (deck) for the tank, will pump straight from the tank (i've never pumped out and don't know anyone who has),( i've been asked numerous times if we have one)
