Head or porta-pottie?

Jotun · #1 11-28-2006

Some boats I look at have true heads, others a simple porta-pottie. Which is better? Are the porta-potties even usable? Seems to me I would avoid using the porta-pottie so I wouldn't have to deal with it when I got back to the dock. But then again, there is no real maintenance with a porta-pottie and no lasting smell.

Cruisingdad · #2 11-28-2006

Comfort or agony? Slosh or "Oh Gosh!"?

You can get rid of the smell somewhat. THere are some tricks. But I sure would not want to be totting around a bucket of crap every time I got off the boat. Might make the wife want to stay at home. Well, wait, on second thought...

camaraderie · #3 11-28-2006

Neither are fun...but built in is way better than carry in!

labatt · #4 11-28-2006

We had a porta potti in our last boat. That's one of the big reasons we just purchased a new boat with a full head. We used the porta potti twice and then I told everyone to "hold it in" from then on.

sailaway21 · #5 11-28-2006

With either unit; proper crew selection is essential. Fortunately, at most marinas or the West Marine store in a pinch, you can find crew who truly believe their s*** doesn't stink.

sailingdog · #6 11-28-2006

Well, if you want the tax deduction on the marine mortgage and want the boat to qualify as a secondary residence, you need to get the marine head, as a porta-potty equipped boat won't qualify.

labatt · #7 11-29-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailingdog

as a porta-potty equipped boat won't qualify.

Are you sure about that? They specify "toilet facilities". To me, that includes porta-potti.

poopdeckpappy · #8 11-29-2006

I use a porta pooper, it's not that big-a-deal to clean, plus mine can be fitted for dumping at a pump out station, I went this route because mine was built in 69 so it was a direct discharge with no real provision for a holding tank.

We have a sign in our head that says " what happens onboard stays onboard "

As far as a mortgage goes, if it has a head and galley, you're good to go

sailortjk1 · #9 11-29-2006

Check with your local Authority/Coast Guard. Porta-potties have been banned on the Great Lakes, at least in our area. All boats must have a holding tank with no overboard discharge.

sailingdog · #10 11-29-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by labatt

Are you sure about that? They specify "toilet facilities". To me, that includes porta-potti.

I believe it requires PERMANENT toilet faciilties... a porta-pottie can be removed from the boat without any effort, a marine head requires much more work to remove from a boat. Same goes for the galley...the stove must be permanently mounted, not a portable camping-type stove. Otherwise, people could get a Sonar and add both and think that it qualifies as a secondary home.