composting toilet

I use a porty potty, but friends are Tugnuts and have a composting toliet. It's like the guys baby, I would never use it. Guests have to get the instructions of flipping the liquid diverter to prevent the urine from getting on the compost pile. I'm mean don't people sometimes do a one and a #2 at the same time hows that work? Anyway I have heard discussions after strangers used their composting toliet and wondered what they would say if I ever really abused it. Porta Potty users are like plumbers, you only need to know two things, pay day is on Friday and don't chew your finger nails. Pat's boat leaves bubble trails. :beer :beer :beer :thup
D.D.
 
bill j":v8t4gd1f said:
To those of you who have had time to experience the airhead toilets, what is the verdict? Has anyone had problems and switched back to the flush toilet with macerator and holding tank? Am considering which toilet system to have installed in a new boat and any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks - bill j
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I think if you read all the comments by Pat (Daydream) over the past few years on his Airhead, you'll get a two thumbs up endorsement of the Airhead.

It may not be perfect, but it seems simpler and usually a better alternative to a pump out system.

I don't recall anyone removing an Airhead, but David (Anna Leigh) recently removed his factory installed pump out system to replace it with an upscale Porta Potti one.

Hope this helps until they can comment.

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
In all sincerity, This is a really deep topic, and a unnecessary and functional one too. I would really like to install an Airhead on my 22. It seems like that would be the best solution to long term, remote, and sanitary cruising. Wonder if there are any others in the 22 size bracket that have thought about doing the same, and what their pros and cons have been? Where on the 22 Cruiser would you place it? I have thought that maybe (hang on here) under the galley table, port side might work. The table would need to be modified to fold or swing out of the way, and there is storage space below that could be "lost" if needed. Not the most convenient, but there is going to be some space requirement to be met, and V-birth does not seem like a good option in that regard.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Offering up another choice...

Both of my Bertrams have Lectra-Sans, which use salt water (or a salt tank) and electricity to kill all of the biologic components of waste and sterilize the output. The result is pumpable overboard legally almost everywhere, although in my boats the effluent goes to a holding tank for pumpout unless I am far offshore. Raritan makes a variety of Type 1 MSDs. With the holding tank I have what they now call a Hold-n-Treat system (mine are both from the late 70's when their only product was the Lectra-San. Have only had to replace the electrodes in one of the two units, so I'd say they have been pretty reliable for salt-water only devices).

I don't know how much room is available on your boats, so I don't know if it's an option (my C-Dory is only a 16). But I'm very happy with my toilet system, and I'm happy that the waste is sterilized. Lot less stink...
 
A permanent head on a CD-22 is a real problem to install because of the space issue.

We saw a custom CD-22 being built at the factory 4-5 years ago with a head compartment built built on the starboard side behind the helm where the galley ordinarily goes.

There was also one for sale here within the past few weeks with a similar set up.

Tough choice! Head or galley!!!

Complex systems that pump overboard, with or without treatment, are just that, and can become unpleasant nightmares when they go haywire. And their placement down in the bowels of the boat, exacerbates the problems!

Many have concluded that the simple Porta Potti, or even a disposable bag system, is preferable to some of the alternatives.

The Airhead, it would seem, becomes a viable alternative, once a commitment can be made for an available space.

Can't see giving up the galley for it, though, and don't think it'll fit under the dinette.

Back to square one, I guess!

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
Joe,

Tough choices you present. Galley or head. Hmmm. I don't cook, but I do eat. Don't use the Wallas much but when I do I love it. Do use the sink. maybe I need to call OGDave and see if he would stretch my 22.

Been trying to get off "square one" for about 4 years now. Let's see: Door #1 or Door #2 :roll:

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
hardee":30zwdd0b said:
Joe,

Tough choices you present. Galley or head. Hmmm. I don't cook, but I do eat. Don't use the Wallas much but when I do I love it. Do use the sink. maybe I need to call OGDave and see if he would stretch my 22.

Been trying to get off "square one" for about 4 years now. Let's see: Door #1 or Door #2 :roll:

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
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Harvey-

Maybe you can get our resident genius on reversible passenger seat development (TyBoo for the newbies) to design you a Reversible Forward Passenger Seat/Airhead facility with a swivel pedestal base on rails?

As my Dad always used to say: 'Where there's a will, there's a way!". :lol:

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
Sea Wolf":3pa7rey7 said:
hardee":3pa7rey7 said:
Joe,

Tough choices you present. Galley or head. Hmmm. I don't cook, but I do eat. Don't use the Wallas much but when I do I love it. Do use the sink. maybe I need to call OGDave and see if he would stretch my 22.

Been trying to get off "square one" for about 4 years now. Let's see: Door #1 or Door #2 :roll:

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
Click to expand...

Harvey-

Maybe you can get our resident genius on reversible passenger seat development (TyBoo for the newbies) to design you a Reversible Forward Passenger Seat/Airhead facility with a swivel pedestal base on rails?

As my Dad always used to say: 'Where there's a will, there's a way!". :lol:

Joe. :teeth :thup
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Hey Joe, if it's also heated and has a headrest, I'll take one... :P

Charlie
 
I keep looking and thinking (Ouch that hurts :roll: and someday there is going to be a way to make it happen. Other wise I am going to have to convert my 22 Cruiser into a Nimble Kodiak. That may take some time, more talent than I have currently and more money but that "Seaweed" thread-website sure was neat.

Thanks for the ideas Joe.


Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
I just can't believe all the time and thought that goes into trying to find something to replace the port-a-pottie. It is one of the best devices for the purpose ever invented.

If I were ordering a new boat today I would go with a port-a pottie. They just work well.
 
teflonmom":23kmdqkh said:
I just can't believe all the time and thought that goes into trying to find something to replace the port-a-pottie. It is one of the best devices for the purpose ever invented.
If I were ordering a new boat today I would go with a port-a pottie. They just work well.
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I agree except:
1) They require access to a hose and plenty of water for cleaning if used for #2.
2) If being used by two people, ... they must be emptied after three days, at most.

We're in the market for a 22 for extended cruising and gunk-holing where there is no place to empty a Porta-Pottie every few days. We're happy to dump urine overboard, but will be storing #2 for long periods of time until it can be properly disposed of. So my question is...

Has anyone used the Shorty C-Head in a C-Dory 22? If so, please comment...
http://www.c-head.com/c-head_news.html
 
[/quote]

2) If being used by two people, ... they must be emptied after three days, at most.

[/quote]


Who says? The regular tank is 2.5 gallons, and a 5 gallon porta potty can fit in that space if more is needed. If we're remote enough to not have a bathroom to use nearby, #1 can usually go over the gunnel and bypass the porta potty. 2.5 gallons is a lot of room for #2, no matter what you've been eating :lol:
 
PaulNBriannaLynn":2h6414l6 said:
2.5 gallons is a lot of room for #2, no matter what you've been eating :lol:
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I suppose so, but every flush adds liquid as well. And then, you need a hose to tackle cleaning the sloppy stinky goo out of the tank, which is difficult to clean because the interior of the tank is inaccessible except through the small hole in the top. Did I mention that it really stinks, and sometimes it splatters a bit on you while pouring it out? I can't imagine trying to carry and then empty and clean a 5 gal. container.

We love our Thetford portable toilet. It's convenient and odorless, but we never use it for #2. When we're in a camper on dry land in the boonies, a suitable option for #2 is easy to find. On a boat, you either have a provision for #2 in the boat or you.. oh never mind.

The C-Head Shorty handles #2 by dumping it into a bucket with peat moss. Urine goes into a separate container and no liquid is added to the solid waste compartment. A handle is cranked which stirs it up with the peat moss, forming dry clumps. When the bucket is full, you dump it into a plastic bag or a larger sealed bucket, for disposal later. It's designed to be portable so there is no venting, but the website claims there is no odor when the unit is closed, and the slight odor that is present when the sealed lid is opened smells like a "musty basement", not a poo smell.

I'd like to hear from someone who has actually used the shorty non-vented version on a boat...
 
I just can't believe all the time and thought that goes into trying to find something to replace the port-a-pottie. It is one of the best devices for the purpose ever invented.
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I strongly agree. I laugh at all the comments about those that are afraid to use the porta potti for it's intent. Pee or crap, it works great. One can easily make it go longer by peeing overboard and using a spray bottle instead of a flush. I've rarely been anywhere (and I travel a lot with it) where I can't find a real toilet or outhouse, or dump station every few days. When I get home, I hose it out, rinse a little bleach in it, and just like new. On the road I use my preferred porta potti chemicals in it, and the only smell is when the lid is opened. It's the larger model, still fits under the center cushion, and while I try to empty it before it goes more than half full, even closer to full, the weight isn't unmanageable. Dump slowly and carefully, and you should be able to keep any splashing to a minimum. The trick is to get the spout down close enough to where it is emptying. And if using an old fashioned outhouse without water in the bowl, there shouldn't be any splashing!
 
My first retired year I planned a 100 day cruise, with very few marina days. I found a "bag and bucket" system to be very practical. A smaller than 5 gallon rectangle bucket with triple layer bags was plenty sturdy, and adequate for over 2 weeks, of #2, and I added some blue liquid odor control.... worked well. #1 went over the side in most places. Disposal was the same as if I was using disposable diapers. Into the garbage, available when and where I filled fuel. Actually takes up less space than a porta-pottie, and need no flush water.

That's the whole poop. If I had a bigger boat, 25vor TC, it would have an AirHead.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Just for fun, and in search of some additional further information, I am bringing this one back again with a new question.

IF you have a composting toilet, whichever kind, ---
#1. Would you do it again?
#2. With the same kind?
#3. Have you found anything you disliked about the one you have? Please note the dislike and the brand.
#4. Would you recommend your brand for inclusion in a land based vehicle?

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Does not answer your question Harvey, but as a variation on ye ole bucket we are using a 5 gallon with a gamma seal lid and keep a small jug of sawdust on board. Do the business, top with sawdust, screw lid back on (loose enough to let pressure out). It lives in the cockpit and moves to the cabin for use. Also can easily be moved to shore for our land base camps. I am one of “those” people who detest a porta-potti. The smell of toilet chemicals gives me the feeling of traveling in a gas station urinal. My kids prefer this bucket over most USFS toilets if that is any kind of testament. I dump it in a compost bin at home (Remind me to bring you some produce 😂). Not sure how long we can go in this system, but i suspect a very long time if toilet paper is put in a separate trash container and we are opportunistic about land toilet usage.

That said...a properly vented composting toilet with a hand crank would be a welcome addition and the first thing I installed on a 25’er. Let the poop deck jokes ensue. Also eagerly awaiting responses from those with composting experience

Nigel
 
Harvey,
I have an Air Head and it is one of THE BEST things on my boat. No holding tank, no sewage lines to permeate , no valves to seize, no sea water stewing with micro organisms to stick up the boat, no vent on the side of the boat to have to smell when down wind of the vent, no joker valve to fail in the middle of the night, no small self contained "port a potty with limited holding capacity, no oder. What am I missing?
We have had seven cruises and had up to 4 on board numbers days. Six months has gone by and it is still not ready to empty (aside from the liquid tank).
My wife and I would never have a holding tank in our future... Life is too short to clean up a mess in the middle of the night, when on extended cruises.
 
I see these discussions on boat forums and RV forums, and one thing is consistent in all of them. Those who have composting toilets seem to have highly favorable opinions of them, and those who do not have one can't seem to imagine why anyone would want such a thing and find the whole idea disgusting.
But dealing with poop IS disgusting, and if you have a cruising boat or an RV then you have to deal with poop, one way or another.
 
If just alone or with the guys, I'm with Nigel on the 5 gal bucket with the Gama Lid, but instead of sawdust I use peat moss. Double bag the bucket, a base of peat moss, and then a light covering with peat moss (kept in a smaller separate bucket pre-compressed), seal the lid - no fuss no muss! Can go for many weeks before needed to pull out the inner bag, tie off, and dispose in regular trash which is legal in all the States I've operated in. The big thing is you MUST keep the urine separate from the fecal matter!

Unfortunately a woman I know who will remain nameless but is probably not unique in this regard, doesn't quite have the ability to keep things separate and considers that "gross" so the porta-potti is the way to go with her along. So far the limited capacity has been fine for all the days we've been out, but have cut it pretty close and I have had horrible thoughts of what would happen if it over flowed. :sad For longer than 4 nights, I will bring the bucket along too.

Regarding AirHead composting toilets. We did have the occasion to raft up with some folks with one and unfortunately the smells from the top vent where wafting into our cockpit when the breeze was just right, and was a bit unbearable at times. Probably would have been better to raft on the opposite side of the vent.
 
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