Toilet

[Ethan_nyc]

I am a new sailor and am looking for a used boat. I looked at only one boat and it had a marine head that really smelled terribly. It had a holding tank and the boat was from ''74. I have several questions now 1) if I get a port-a-potti isn''t that a nasty process to clean? 2) if I get a flush type toilet do I need to have a boat with a holding tank facility built in or can I put this type of toilet on any boat?

For a small boat the Federal Regs require that you pretty much hhave to install and use a holding tank to properly dispose of waste. I suspect that ''use'' portion of this is one of the most frequently broken Federal laws with prohibition and the 55 mph speed limit a close second and third. Portapotties are a less than perfect solution but they are simple to use, cheap to buy and reasonably reliable. Marine heads and holding tanks are more expensive, but offer a more permanent and less olefactory pervassive installation.

Properly installed, and maintained you should not be aware that a holding tank is even on board. The best article that I know of on this subject was written by Peggy Hall and can be found at: http://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/phall.htm

Good luck
Jeff