The problem, as I see it, is that putting in a deck pumpout fitting means
another hole in the boat. And holes in boats are VERY BAD.

The deck core is exposed, the fitting needs to be sealed ,, and who knows
what down the line.

And for what? So that a few gallons of poop can be pumped out? To where?

One Whale Turd is more poop than I have ever pooped. Do Whales have a pump
out fitting? Yes,,, their asshole.

I was on/in a whole bunch of boats this past summer. They all had pumpout
fittings. But, the Capts all told me that they just pump overboard. The
tank is just to meet the legal deal.

One boat had a very nice bucket. The Capt told me he uses the bucket and
throws the poop overboard. His head was used as a storage area.

================


"Peggie Hall" wrote in message
m...
Sailboat wrote:
I have an old sailboat. The head doesn't have a holding tank. It
discharges overboard. I wonder, can I get a holding tank but not drill
through the deck for a pump out?

It depends on where you are. If you're in coastal water that provide
immediate access to open sea at least 3 miles from the nearest point on
the whole US coastline, you can get away with only an overboard discharge
for the tank. But if you're on inland waters or a large bay that would
make it impractical to get far enough offshore to dump a tank legally,
you'll have to have a pumpout fitting.

The alternative would be some kind of setup that would allow the pumpout
to be connected directly to the tank or into it through a cleanout
port...but pumpout hoses dribble. I wouldn't think you want to bring one
into the boat.

Several others have suggested replacing your toilet with a portapotty. If
you won't use it much, that may be the best way to go. However, if you
have to carry it off the boat to empty it, you don't want a tank bigger
than 2-3 gallons...'cuz waste and water weigh 8.333 lbs/gal, which would
make a 5-6 gallon tank weigh about 50 lbs...a LOT to carry off the boat
and haul up a dock.

Otoh, I don't know what the big deal is about putting in a deck pumpout
fitting. That's what 99% of all older boat owners have had to do.

Tell me about holding tanks with old heads.

For starters, heads do have a finite lifespan....they wear out,
break...mfrs discontinue offering ANY parts for 'em. So depending upon the
make/model/age of yours, you're prob'ly better off replacing it and
starting ov4er with complete new system--toilet, tank, plumbing etc.

As for connecting a tank to an old toilet, that's no different from
connecting a tank to new toilet.
--
Peggie
----------
Peggie Hall
Specializing in marine sanitation since 1987
Author "Get Rid of Boat Odors - A Guide To Marine Sanitation Systems and
Other Sources of Aggravation and Odor"
http://shop.sailboatowners.com/books...ku=90&cat=1304