porta potti?

[ColinR]

following on from the earlier thread re holding tanks, quite a few references were made to using a porta potti as an alternative to a holding tank especially on smaller yachts where it is hard to find space for a holding tank. Could someone who has one comment on some of the points that came up?
1. where to empty them. It was said that many marinas ban emptying them in their loos as the fluid is bad for septic tanks. Is this an issue and is there a more environmentally friendly product to use in them?
2. From the sales blurb I gather that they use a lot less water per flush than a normal sea loo so a standard PP 21lt tank would be equivalent to a considerably larger conventional holding tank. How long would you expect it to last say with two people on board
3. Have they proved to be a reasonable solution, and would this be in addition to a normal loo or as a replacement.

Any comments appreciated. Colin

 

[ridgy]

I had one of the smaller ones for a while and I couldn't recommend it.

It's fine for #1s but the holding tank isn't big enough to cope with #2s as to get sufficient depth of fluid to cover everything, the tank would be almost full to begin with.
And be covered it must, for in summer the stench is intolerable.

Maybe for a singlehander it is an option, but the lady of the vessel in unlikely to approve.

A big version would work better but then emptying becomes a greater hassle. Carting a 20-30 litre tank back and forth will soon see an end to the experiment.

As for emptying, the marina toilet is the optimum place, but out at sea was frequently required as well. Before everyone gets their knickers in a twist about the chemicals, for the amount you put in I don't think its really worth getting excited about. The same as I would say regarding marina septic tanks. It would require alot of people to do it in order for it to become a problem.

Now I just use mine when the boat is on the hard, and for camping trips with the kids, save them walking to the toilets in the night.

 

[ridgy]

Oh and another thing, they don't cope with being heeled very well, especially when nearly full. Which as previously discussed is most of the time.

 

[VicS]

It was said that many marinas ban emptying them in their loos as the fluid is bad for septic tanks. Is this an issue and is there a more environmentally friendly product to use in them?

There are chemicals that are safe to use in septic tanks. It's the old formaldehyde based ones that are not so good.

Elsan Organic is Ok see the WEBSITE

Likewise Aqua Kem Green no doubt others as well.

The marina should allow you to empty your Pp into their septic tank system if you are using one of the formaldehyde free types.

 

[Achillesheel]

We are intending to move up from the current bucket to either a Porta potti or a proper sea toilet in our Achilles 24. Space is an issue, but there are slimline chemical toilets which would fit. However, the "holding tank" will be very small.

I used to caravan (sorry!) in a previous life, and a portapotti would last about three days before needing to be emptied. Three days of "stuff" can be quite heavy and a pain to empty, even if a suitable facility was available.

Emptying a portapotti over the side when out at sea would not be easy or pleasant, and there is the issue of the chemicals.

So its a proper sea toilet for us.

 

[Nealo]

Hi Colin - I've only just joined the forum and it seems somehow appropriate that my first post should be about a toilet (don't ask!) Anyway, these porta potti things are de rigeur on the inland waterways but that is largely because boats have to have holding tanks, obviously, and most boaters tire of the hassle (and expense) of pumping out at designated stations. PP's can be easily emptied at a sanitary station or even a public loo if necessary, some liveaboards I have met just find somewhere to dig a hole in the ground... The smart way is to buy a spare holding tank so you always have one in reserve.
Me and the wife have used PP's for years in motorhomes and on inland waterways boats & I guess they are the best though not ideal solution in those situations.
The main problems offshore I would imagine is even on a marina you might be a long way from the nearest emptying point, and yes, those with septic tanks will take a very dim view of you emptying any type of chemical into it. Most users end up buying one of those cheap folding trolleys for transport. Provided the chemicals are used correctly, odour should not be a problem, and as they are well sealed, the units shouldn't leak though you might have to secure it when under way at sea.
Interestingly there are always a few of these on ebay at any time - make of that what you will.

 

[VicS]

If looking at Porta Pottis also look at what Elsan and Fiamma (Italian) have to offer. IIRC both the smalll Elsan and the Fiamma Bi pots have proper pumps rather than the bellows used on most PPs.

 

[yoda]

Porta pottie

I have the smallest one but have hard plumbed it to a macerator pump. When out at sea I can flush out and rinse with lots of sea water. In harbour it holds enough for my short handed requirements. If you have room a slightly larger one would be better. I have not had a problem when sailing with contents coming out.

Yoda

 

[VicS]

I have the smallest one but have hard plumbed it to a macerator pump.

had been wondering about doing something similar. Would it be possible to connect to a hand bilge pump.(like a Lavac pump) What did you do just cut a hole on the bottom tank and fit a skin fitting.
can you completely MT it?

 

[V1701]

I've been reading "Voyaging on a Small Income" (Annie Hill), they've been using one for years & prefer it to a sea toilet, which I know isn't the issue here but suggests to me that it's got to be worth trying for so little money and potential hassle compared to a holding tank. They also make the point that it's less intimidating for visitors. I wonder how many of the ones for sale on ebay are those who tried it and didn't like it. I also wonder how much of the discussion about toilets in general is because most of us on here are English??? (Or should I say British, cue for discussion on the British and their toilet habits, one for the lounge?)

 

[Blueboatman]

Some of the nicest camp sites in the New Forest are 'without facilities' so I bought the smallest Portapotti.
Then when working on the boat on the hard for 6 weeks I simply plonked the thing on top of the existing loo. Empties neatly down any regular land toilet. Every 3 days for 2 people.

Come the summer and into Europe I may well unbolt the marine loo and rely on the portapotti. Any slight odors will be whisked away by the deck vent and opening hatch in the loo, whilst it really is (imo) a doddle to use and empty discretely. It is also silent at night-and all for the price of one Blakes seacock or one length of discharge hose or one loo service kit or one new holding tank or diverter valve or...No brainer for me.

 

[PetiteFleur]

I've used one on my trips to Holland over the last couple of years and found it to be fine, no smell at all but I did use the blue chemical recommended. Fine for two people over a fortnight but we did use shoreside facilities whenever possible. Emptying is easy, usually there were facilities in most marinas. We in fact keep it in the rear cabin on a semi-permanent basis so it can be used by guests during the night.

 

[V1701]

Some of the nicest camp sites in the New Forest are 'without facilities' so I bought the smallest Portapotti.
Then when working on the boat on the hard for 6 weeks I simply plonked the thing on top of the existing loo. Empties neatly down any regular land toilet. Every 3 days for 2 people.

Come the summer and into Europe I may well unbolt the marine loo and rely on the portapotti. Any slight odors will be whisked away by the deck vent and opening hatch in the loo, whilst it really is (imo) a doddle to use and empty discretely. It is also silent at night-and all for the price of one Blakes seacock or one length of discharge hose or one loo service kit or one new holding tank or diverter valve or...No brainer for me.

Completely agree, I don't understand why some people seem to be getting themselves a bit stressed about it, being told what they can & can't do maybe?

 

[Blueboatman]

Aye lad, we're all 'ornerary..

Mind you, if the crew threaten to jump ship after the first really hot windless day, then it's each to their own ...bucket ?

 

[ColinR]

I have the smallest one but have hard plumbed it to a macerator pump. When out at sea I can flush out and rinse with lots of sea water. In harbour it holds enough for my short handed requirements. If you have room a slightly larger one would be better. I have not had a problem when sailing with contents coming out.

Yoda

Could you elaborate? thanks, Colin

 

[planteater]

1. where to empty them. It was said that many marinas ban emptying them in their loos as the fluid is bad for septic tanks. Is this an issue and is there a more environmentally friendly product to use in them?

It shouldn't be a problem for a septic tank or sewer but some small marinas and boatyards use "bio spirals" that rely on bacteria to break down the waste. In this case, anti bacterial chemicals can cause problems.

 

[MoodySabre]

Our marina loos have a big sign

"Do not empty Porta-Pottis or similar in these toilets. The drains can't cope and our cleaner refuses to clear up after you.

If you need this facility arrangements can be made"

As long as you only want to empty it in office hours.....

 

[aquaplane]

We have a porta potti, it's not a small one, and it lasts a few days with night time use and an occasional emergency. Daytime use of the bucket by some of the crew prolongs the interval between emptys.

The boat club didn't like it when I took it to their toilet to empty it, I think they prefered us to use the loo without introducing the PP as a middle man. Any public loo is OK though so long as you are carefull, and practice improves aim no end. It is much easier to empty a half full one than a brim full one

The first one to lay a log empties the loo, we are almost always within a straight leged walk of a public loo for a morning constitutional so there is ample opportunity before the activities of the day.

It doesn't smell, even with solids in if you use Elsan or whatever.


HTH.

 

[kds]

I used one on my Atalanta for 5 years with success. No smell if you follow the instructions, never leaked ( and she sailed at a fair heel ) Out of harbour men "went" over the side and we only used it in marinas for convenience !!
When I fitted out this keelboat - I made the mistake of plumbing in a good marine toilet. What a pain, as there are few occasions when you can use it except at sea.
I plan to take it out this Winter and go back to a portapotti. I may fit a more robust fixing, though.
ken

 

[alexrunic]

i too have used one for years and not had any problem, I only use it for no. 2's so it takes a long time to fill it. also always use shore toilets if possible. we use a bucket the rest of the time including the girlfriend also uses the bucket for a pee. you don't need much liquid in the bottom about an inch is enough the water / chemicals soon break down the waste into a slurry and you don't get any smells at all.