Composting toilets

[bartmac]

Cocopeat and coir....same stuff....we even resorted to leaf litter at one stage...worked fine just took longer to settle and compost

[gabid]

After one year of port-a-potty experience, I installed an AirHead on my , last spring at the beginning of the season. I just love it, no smell at all, it works great. We use it underway as well, while heeling at 20 deg, no problems.
The liquid recipient has to be emptied after 3/4 days of live-a-board of 2 adults and 2 children. The solids never needed to empty it yet, I am waiting for spring. I estimate we spent about 25 days on the boat last season.
The reason I decided for AirHead instead of Nature head, is the removal of the liquid container. On AirHead no need to lift the top of the solid container when taking out the liquids tank.
No more chemicals to store and worry about.

Gabriel

[Chinook]

Hi Gabriel,

I see you're from Toronto. I've read that Ontario Province requires that boats disable their "Y" valves and have a pumpout system, and that porta potties which can be emptied overboard are prohibited. Obviously, the composting toilet can't be fitted with a pumpout. Do you have any idea how provincial officials feel about the Airhead? We are planning a trip next year which will take us through Ontario Province waters.

[Ormonddude]

My head of choice electric flush I can stand up to pee a fraction of the cost all 5star rating - http://www.amazon.com/Thetford-92360-Po ... tric+flush

[mdeane]

I believe there are some locations in Florida that have similar pumpout requirements. Does anyone know if there are composting toilet restrictions there?

Marc

Hi Gabriel,

I see you're from Toronto. I've read that Ontario Province requires that boats disable their "Y" valves and have a pumpout system, and that porta potties which can be emptied overboard are prohibited. Obviously, the composting toilet can't be fitted with a pumpout. Do you have any idea how provincial officials feel about the Airhead? We are planning a trip next year which will take us through Ontario Province waters.

[Saxacussionist]

I would encourage you to check out the C-Head composting toilet. While I don't own a composting toilet yet, I will be installing a C-Head before spring. I checked out the Nature's Head and the Air Head at the Strictly Chicago show. While doing a little research on them, I found out about the C-Head. Do yourself a favor and read through this guy's website. His design, while essentially the same as the others in principle, is much better than the others. He uses off the shelf parts where possible, thereby allowing you to repair it yourself with readily available parts. His collection system is greatly simplified, resulting in fewer parts, and the best of all, it requires significantly less cleaning. He even provides instructions on how to build a cardboard mock-up that you can make in about 20 min. It can be used to determine how it will fit in your boat, or which of a couple different models he offers that best fits your requirements. The best part is the price. They start at about 1/2 the cost of the Nature's Head or the Air Head. I know, you're thinking the same thing I did - It can't be as good, right? I Googled the C-Head and found all kinds of posts from those who actually use them - for several years. They swear by them!

His website: http://c-head.com/C-Head.html

[fishheadbarandgrill]

I've been using the Natures Head for 18 months. Absolutely no odors. No bugs. No liquid/solid mixture problems. Excellent customer service from Larry. Fits fine in my 26M shelf. Do I wish for more headroom.... Maybe but pros vastly out weigh this con. Use peat moss as composting substrate. Well worth the investment.

Bob

[parrothead]

I can't speak to the fit of the Nature's Head into the , or the , but the composting system itself works great! The PO had installed a Nature's Head in the Gemini that we purchased last spring, and after a full season of use, we wholeheartedly endorse it. We also used peat moss as the medium, and had no problems with any odors or bugs.

Doug

[fishheadbarandgrill]

That's funny Parrothead. The Admiral and I have been researching Geminis and the first thing she said to me was that we'd swap out the MSD for the Natures Head.

Bob

[gabid]

Hi Gabriel,

I see you're from Toronto. I've read that Ontario Province requires that boats disable their "Y" valves and have a pumpout system, and that porta potties which can be emptied overboard are prohibited. Obviously, the composting toilet can't be fitted with a pumpout. Do you have any idea how provincial officials feel about the Airhead? We are planning a trip next year which will take us through Ontario Province waters.

I took a sailing course 3 years ago and I remember a discussion about this matter. The port-a-potties were not banned from boats, at that time, but it was against the law to empty them overboard. Honestly, I don't know if law has been changed since then. I asked my marina last year, they said it's Ok as long as the port-a-potty is emptied in a toilet.

That is correct, boats with holding tank must not have a Y valve or if Y valve exists already, it must be disconnected. Whoever brings boats from US that's the first thing to be done, to disconnect the Y valve.

[Highlander]

port a potties r illegal & not aloud in Ontario lakes for over 25 yrs or more if not properly installed , I just dont think they really chase u down on it unless u get caught dumping it O/B , but alot of marina's r pretty forcefull in not allowing u to freelly mty them in their toilets @ the marina for free , they will not even let u pump them out unless they r legally installed to code as they r the one's legally responsible if a spill of sewage ocurrs

J
PS Just look it up in the reg's as long as it is plumbed in to code its OK , but not as a loose porta pottie just sitting on the head floor

[Y.B.Normal]

I bought a Natures Head at the Chicago Strictly Sail Show last year in anticipation of our North Channel Cruise with the Trailer Sailors Assoc.

I had a Porti-Potty, but per Canadian regs I would've had to install a pumpout or put in a holding tank.
When you factor in the cost of a head, holding tank and plumbing, plus the headaches, the Natures Head comes out "ahead".

NO problems with odor, had to empty only once last summer, limited reduction in headroom in my 26Ms head (I'm 5' 11" and my head only interferes with the ceiling an in or so.)
all are positive aspects of my Natures Head. The only change I would've made is to install a solar vent instead of wiring up the fan that's included in the head. The fan works well,
it just would've eliminated any draw on the batteries. I drilled a hole in the plexiglass above the head for the vent (Drill slow and run the hole cutter backwards to prevent cracks and drill grab.)

I couldn't be happier with it.

[Y.B.Normal]

By the way, not only is the Natures Head legal in the U.S. and Canada, but the Coast Guard is equipping their smaller boats with them.
Natures Head will provide you with a copy of the U.S. and Canadian regs if you need one.

[DaveB]

I am Game, Send it off to all the Birds, Fish etc. that Polute our Waters.
I have a fish tank .
I feed 4 ft. Carps and others on a Dayly Basis on a Fresh water Lake.
They Like any type of bread, golup a ham,swis,turkey.mayo,mustard sandwich in 3 seconds shared with 6 of them Carps and 20 Sheepheads.
Dave

A little off topic as our PP is liquid only UNLESS! Absolute emergency. I've made buddies blow up the digny and row to shore many times. Or there's a perfectly good and nice harbour facilities when at dock or in another town. BUT?? Any other suggestions like the sugar to control the beast? Would like to keep it green. We use bio friendly stuff that kinda works, but its not that great. Any suggestions?

[Seapup]

So if you are going by the rulebook where should...and in reality in reality 99% of the time actually does...that liquid tank get emptied? That capacity is less than one case of beer....