Toilets?

[andy]

Need a bit of advice here.I have been reading all the pros and cons of the different types of toilets that are fitted on boats and I am now totally confused as to which is the best option.
Can I ask which type of toilets you all use and how you get on with them?
One consideration that I have is that to empty a toilet from where I hope to moor would mean moving the boat about 10 miles down the canal and that could be tricky in the winter as the canal regularly freezes over. I had originally thought that a pump out would be more practical but now I wonder.

[billy]

Hi Andy,

I have a 24V macerator unit and holding tank which was designed to be emptied every six weeks. In reality this is every month. It is supposed to use 1.5L and 3L per flush with whatever is deposited but it doesn't always clear on the first flush.

I have heard some good reports for the Lee Sanitation vacuum jobbies but have no personal experience. I did toy with composting loos and separator systems but space was and issue. For a back up we use a porta potti with a cassette.

It would be nice to be self contained in the poo department but I fear it is not there yet. We never put anything down the pan that we haven't eaten, the thought of a blockage is just too much. I burn the contents of the waste bin and try to use natural cleaning stuff like vinegar.

billy

[andy]

Cheers Billy, I will check out the vacuum toilet. I know what you mean about a blockage.....not the nicest of jobs to fix it. I am a sparky to trade and in the past have had to repair macerator toilets that a local hotel uses. The float switch tends to become bogged down and ceases to work....takes some scraping and cleaning to clear it.

[andy04]

Hi Andy We used to have a pump out toilet but changed to a Thetford Cassette Flush toilet with a spare cassette which we are able to empty on our moorings. Generally each cassette lasts us about 10 days. This system suits us especially in winter when the river is iced up and unable to move for weeks. Having room is a deciding factor as well. We still have facilities for a pump out if we wish to.

Good hunting

Andy

[andy]

Something like that may be the best idea Andy (feels like I'm talking to myself now), it would certainly be better for the winter months anyway.....just sling the cassette in the back of the car when I go to work.....sorted.
Cheers

[jillybeanz]

hi andy

this is the latest in composting loos and is more compact than

the others ......

www.natureshead.net/marine.html

some friends have one and its working well.

the initial cost is high but well worth it in the end i recon

jill

[billy]

Expensive they are but if they work - brilliant. A holding tank, macerator toilet and all the costs involved with installation and it becomes an option. I reckon the the barge install cost nearly £1500 to put in with all the pump and tank stuff so not that expensive compared to that.

Thanks for that link Jill.

billy

[billy]

And the link for the British distributors is:-

www.natureshead.net/distributors.html

I am sure I looked at these and there was a reason why I didn't go for it. I don't think the marine one was available then perhaps. I remember, with continuous use it doesn't compost between emptying so you have to have bins hanging around whilst nature finishes its job on yours. Not practical if you haven't got space. If you are committed then it is a very good idea but it is a way of life. It's bad enough explaining to guests as it is. If I were on my own then maybe but everyone has to know how to use it or it doesn't work.

The other make to look at is the Separett. This comes with composting bags and three poo buckets. You still need somewhere to keep the full poo bags until they become "safe". We are talking pathogens here, after all it is sewage, maybe not raw but nevertheless...... I won't be putting it straight on my allotment. ;D

billy