Porta Pottie Question...

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

We havent used the head for anything but storage since our outings have been fairly short, and a return to the marina has been convenient for pottie necessities. However, future voyages will be on the water longer, and with guests. Will you advise regarding chemical, any additives, and is "holding tank" toilet paper required. I want the Mac-X to be comfortable for guests & family, and any advice would be very appreciated. The boat has the standard factory unit. And Im wondering if I should upgrade since the crowd will usually be a total of 4 adults, occasionally 2 kids too. It would be aweful to discover that I shouldve upgraded "too late" ... if you know what I mean...tactfully speaking.
Ive seen the thread on "disposal" advice, and that was very helpful

[They Theirs]

Not exactly the home commode: But they sell some special T-paper at Marine stores at a premium price. The wife purchases the single ply TP, least expensive stuff on sale. We buy the chemical for the PP at Wal-Mart or where we find it on sale. The smaller PP is good for day outings, but for multiple day use youll need a large unit about 5+ gallons. (Probably the best investment from the start, if you have to buy new)

[Scott]

We use the stock Mac porta-lieu. Drop in one pool type chlorine tab for freshness and empty into the out door head (hole in the ground type) at the boatramp.

[Chip Hindes]

Drop in one pool type chlorine tab for freshness and empty into the out door head (hole in the ground type) at the boatramp.

This is an incredibly bad idea. These tabs outgas a significant amount of gaseous chlorine as they dissolve; that's how they work. In a small enclosed volume like a porta potti which is designed to hold pressure without leaking, they could develop enough pressure to rupture the holding tank, or at the very least blow some of the contents out the flush valve when you open it.

Use the stuff designed for Porta Pottis.

[kevin carroll]

Would concur with most comments, you don't need a chemical to break anything down ala larger holding tanks. All you need is a deodorizer also concur that Cholorine while good at cleaning could be an issue in a confined space. Most launch ramps have head cleaning facilities, same as the larger boats, stick the sucking end in the hole, I usually fill it up with water and suck it out at least 2-3 times & than I feel comfortable enough to use a hose at the dock to rinse it out.

Kevin Carroll

[Scott]

Chip said

they could develop enough pressure to rupture the holding tank, or at the very least blow some of the contents out the flush valve when you open it.

Wish someone wouldve told me that 5 or 6 years ago as weve been doing it that long. lack of dirty bomb effect is prob a good indicator that I should replace the rubber gasket on the holding tank. Still seems to hold fluids when carried suitcase style though.

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

....An exploding porta pottie, wouldnt that be a log entry for posterity...and can one imagine the clean-up ordeal with the stuff that ran under, on, over, in, through, and out, and etc.
I do appreciate all the advice. I was considering chlorine tabs, but I'll probably just try to find a good deodorizer additive without formaldehyde. And it appears youall recommend single ply toilet paper too.
Thanks to all for experienced advice, including the chlorine tabs.
Now that I have my boat guest's "whizzing" problems solved...back to sailing.

[Catigale]

Ive got the 5 gallon Sanipottie and we will fill it (two adults, two gorgeous 8 year old girls) on a 5 day trip, even if we are careful to use as many heads off boat.

I use deodorant (formaldehye type) only - I also have the above deck pumpout option which includes a vent so you dont get gas build up with this setup.

Ive seriously considered a macerator to dump while at sea, but havent pulled the trigger on this yet. I was amazed at how hard it was to get a pump out around Cape Cod - at home on the Hudson you can get one every 3 miles with little hassle.

[Frank C]

....An exploding porta pottie, wouldnt that be a log entry for posterity...and can one imagine the clean-up ordeal with the stuff that ran under, on, over, in, through, and out, and etc.

Yeppers - bad enough to contemplate the complexities of cleaning the bilge ...
just imagine how that might be with a "carpeted" hull!

[They Theirs]

We'll be renting a "Power Bissell" to get that one out!

[Jack O'Brien]

A WORD OF WARNING

I have read that accidents occur more frequently than one hears about when male crew do a whiz off the stern, or wherever. As you can imagine, with the imminent danger of zippers, the tightness of some underwear, and the flexibility -or not - of one's member, two hands are often needed to do the job. That's when THE BIG WAVE HITS. If one does not go overboard, the sudden reach for a steadying handhold may cause instant pain or possible interior flooding. Seriously, falls and other injuries are not uncommon. The experts* say it is MUCH safer to use a container and dump it afterward than to try to whiz over the side or stern. Drugstores sell easy-to-hold plastic male and female urinals which work well.

*Definition of expert: ex = hasbeen, spurt = drip under pressure.

[maddmike]

I'll post how I set-up my head on the Zeno's thread, you might find it interesting.

And, per the above; while I might slack on wearing my harness all the time, I ALWAYS use a plastic pee bottle while at sea, I personally know of 3 deaths from peeing over the side (2 sailing & 1 whitewater rafting), and yes before anyone asks, I have on a couple of occasions at night in heavy storms pi$$ directly in the cockpit rather than risk unhooking from the wheel in order to find the damn bottle (besides, the next big wave over the side always took care of the 'flush' part for me).

[johnnyonspot]

Wow! Thanks all for the great advice on how to safely relieve myself. I will definitely put it to some good use!

[James V]

I recomend that you get a 5 gal MSD pottie with a pumpout. There is usually pump out station close by and you do not have to lug it around unless you have to. Look at the Thetford Aquamate 875 MSD Manual - http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... 715/209/11

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

...since this thread has become methods of "whizzin", I might add that I and my boat have no problems when single handled. Whizzin is a "fella event" that wimmens will never enjoy or understand. Having the boat on a good hook, anchor light on, sober, standing on the bow, on a star lit night, looking 'round whizzin in a light breeze, sigh.....Some of you ole krusty Sailors know what I'm talking about...