Fitting a chemical toilet to Westerly Centaur

nevster

nevster

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I would like to swap my sea toilet in my 1975 Westerly Centaur for a chemical unit. Is it just a case of closing sea cocks, removing pipework and toilet and just installing chemical unit or is there more to it than that. Also if anyone has done mod and has any tips as to make and model to fit any advice would be gratefully recieved.

Thanks

Mark
 
When you mount the new toilet, make sure that the seat isn't too high for the feet of the smallest members of your crew to touch the floor - it's bad enough having the seat too high on a shore loo, but at sea it is very uncomfortable! Also, make sure that you fix it VERY securely - there is a lot of force generated by a, say, 120kg person sitting on the loo when the boat is moving. You do not want a chemical loo to tip over.

Personally, I can't stand chemical loos and would only consider one if there was no alternative.
 
I removed the sea toilet ( which needed repair) from my Colvic Atlanta and replaced it with a 'portapotti'.

I have had too unblock too many sea toilets and am allways aware that there a two big holes in the bottom of my boat (another thing to go wrong)
The portapotti can be used when in harbour and simply chucked out when at sea.
Yes it is vital to secure it and to get the height right.
Mine now travels secured over the shower and is lifted up onto a step for use (not advisable for use in a sea)
Go for it!!
 
IMHO .....

Having had 2 boats with Chemi jobs and variuous with proper pump out jobs ........................

I would NEVER EVER contemplate returning to a Chemi Loo again.

I have had the contents slop around the bilge, had the contents in another boat slop around the cabin .... NO NO NO NO ..... Honest - once you have had that happen - you will never ever want to see one again ....

I have a trad Baby Blake .... it works fine...


WHY are you considering this change ??
 
[ QUOTE ]
I would like to swap my sea toilet in my 1975 Westerly Centaur for a chemical unit. Is it just a case of closing sea cocks, removing pipework and toilet and just installing chemical unit or is there more to it than that. Also if anyone has done mod and has any tips as to make and model to fit any advice would be gratefully recieved.

[/ QUOTE ]

There's a bit more to it than that...'cuz just closing the seacocks puts them "out of sight/out of mind"...till your boat starts taking on water as a result of lack of maintenance to 'em. And, seacocks that don't get regular exercise and maintenance tend to seize, never to work again.

So unless you MUST add a holding tank and are faced with either replacing the toilet with a self contained unit or losing already limited storage space to a tank and related plumbing, I wouldn't do it.

If those are your only choices, I'd opt for a self-contained model that can be permanently installed and fitted for pumpout, and install a y-valve and pump in the discharge line that will allow you to dump it at sea. Because the "pumpable" units must be vented, it's much easier to keep them odor-free...and it removes the need to carry it ashore or try to dump it over the side without dropping it in 6' seas and a driving rain.

Why DO you want to do this?
 
Re: IMHO .....

The reason for the change to a chemical loo is that the boat is moored on drying mooring so unable to use sea toilet when staying overnight also tend to find that when staying in marina vistors berths are the furthest from from facilities which again is inconvenient with family on board. Logic was that chemical loo would be used overnight and emptied regularly, well strapped down and so hopefully not suffer from problems you have had, but can see dangers.

Regards

Mark
 
Re: IMHO .....

Possible Plan B: put a small portapotty aboard for use on the mooring or in a marina that requires holding...continue to use the sea toilet all other times. If stowage for the portpotty is a problem, there are systems that consist of nothing more than a seat to go on a bucket (which you ready have) and sealable plastic bags. Not what I'd want as the ONLY toilet, but one possible solution for emergency use.

With a little digging you may find more alternatives to replacing your sea toilet altogether...the only question is whether any of 'em fit your needs.
 
Drying and Marinas

I have a drying mooring on a tidal marina ... meaning I have the same problem as you - actually worse as the mooring is not well away from others ....
Second we all go into marinas at some time ....

I appreciate your problem ... we seem to survive as is ... don't know what to suggest as your boat is similar to mine in size etc. -so space is a premium .... not a lot of space to have 2 systems .....
 
Re: IMHO .....

Same logic as for me. I can carry the waste container ashore or dump it at sea. But not with 6 foot waves!
I closed the valves but also bunged them on the outside so no worries.
I do try to keep the toilet unused as long as possible but some guests have not got the hang of the plastic bag routine yet!!
 
Re: IMHO .....

Your best bet would be to retain the option of both types. Surely you can find a space if only tempory for a porta potti. You will soon find out if it is suitable.
Regards olewill
 
Let me speak up in favour of a chemical loo.

Crianza has had one from new - I never got around to fitting a sea toilet. Its a Portapotti, cost £60 and works perfectly.

I can use it at any time withut fear of poluting the neigbours (I spend most of my time in marinas ).
There are no big holes through the boat.
There are no nasty smells from copulating microbes.
There are no nasty smells from anything.
The lower tank is sealed, so even if it did breakaway from its mountings it wont spill anywhere.
It can't block up.
It's environmentally friendly.
It's visitor proof - no seacocks that need closing.
I clean it once a year - fill it up with cleaning gunk and leave for two days they throw away - job done.

The only draw back is that when in a marina I have to carry the tank up to the marina loo.


The original plan was eventually to fit a sea toilet - very unlikely to bother now.

Crianza
 
I had a \'Cruiser-Loo\'

This is the chemi-loo designed for boats .... two piece job that separates to allow easier carraige to the empty point.
It was supposed to seal completely and stop any accidents. This was true when separated from top "seat" and "flush" section .... but when together for some reason that we could never understand - it was not so good. Especially the top flush tank ... which used to empty half its contents at slightest excuse. But then the flush top is clean water ... so not a big problem. But who wants water slopping around clean or not ???

No sorry - Chemi-loo ?? Not for me.
 
Re: I had a \'Cruiser-Loo\'

Perhaps Nigel had some back luck with a bad product or even a Badly designed model.

I have used a "Porta Potti" - actually a "Sani Potti" for several seasons with no problems and appreciate the ability the convenience wether dried out on a beach or in a harbour or just first thing in the morning in a marina before I am awake or dressed. Not a single leak. Definitely a vote for the porta potti option.

I wonder how many peeps WITHOUT holding tanks subtly use their facilities in a marina when it 10:00 at night and raining outside ?
 
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