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On 11 Jan 2006 15:50:31 -0800, wrote:

Years ago when I bought my boat used, it came with a marine head and
unused holding tank. I forget what brand the head was except that it
was the highest rated one by Practical Sailor. I hated it. No matter
what I did, replacing all hoses, rinsing it, etc, it stank and so did
the boat. I spent more time working on it than all other boat systems
put together. One day in a fit of "I'm gonna simplify my life", I took
it out, wired the thru-hulls shut and replaced it with a porta-potti.
Then I carried that damned thing around in my truck for awhile till a
sailing buddy saw it and asked about it and I gave it to him. I then
gave the holding tank to someone else. Now, both of these people still
act as if I had done them some huge favor when all I wanted to do was
get rid of it. So, for getting rid of the smell of **** and gaining
some storage space, they think I am a great friend, best investment I
ever made.
After 2 porta-pottis, I am still very happy I did this and my boating
life is much easier and less smelly.

I chased a smell that I kept blaming on the head. Nothing I did to the
head could keep it from being there if I closed up the boat for a few
weeks. Turned out it wasn't from the head at all. Each bilge access
plate was for a different bilge compartment and although when a
certain level was reached they would drain back to the lowest point,
each would hold a small amount of bilge water. I would pump my bilge
before leaving the boat but that very small amount of stagnant water
would cause the most foul odor to build up. I took to dropping about
a quarter teaspoon lysol in each bilge compartment before I left the
boat and the problem was solved.

Frank