On Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:29:11 -0600, Vic Smith
wrote:

On Tue, 08 Dec 2009 07:15:17 +0700, Bruce In Bangkok
wrote:

On Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:37:17 -0500, Wayne.B
wrote:

On Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:37:30 -0800, Gordon wrote:

This filter supposedly stops odor so why not vent inside?

It will lead to problems sooner or later. Peggie is a big advocate
of freely venting the holding tank with lots of fresh air. At the
very least, the filter will impede that venting. At worst the filter
will become clogged sooner or later and cause the tank to pressurize.
Use your imagination on where that will lead.

Perhaps I miss-remember Peggy's advice but I have the distinct memory
that Peggy suggested large holding tank vents and felt that a supply
of oxygen was necessary - I seem to remember 1 inch vents?. I can't
see that adding a charcoal filter to the system is going to cause
troubles assuming that it doesn't impede air flow but why vent inside
the boat - what advantage is that going to give you?

Disadvantage. Better venting due to increased airflow outside.
Time to rant.
First, I don't have a boat, but so what?
When I get a boat, it will have an Airhead or equivalent.
Every owner account I've read has been a good review.
Not suitable for "party boats" or more than 4-5 crew, but for a couple
or a couple with a couple kids it's fine.
No holding tanks, hoses, valves, pumpouts, etc.
And no stink.
Only reason I can figure they aren't more used is simple ignorance,
and the marine head parts industry poo-pooing the idea.
Rant over.

--Vic

Ever been on a small boat with one of those. They do STINK. I'm not
kidding. It's like being in a poorly maintained horse stall.

The manufacturer mentions this deftly, so they can say you have been
warned. From their brochu

"In many cases a noticeable improvement in air quality will be
perceived upon opening the companionway hatch after lay-ups."

And you will not find many marinas that welcome folks dumping these
things into a standard commode as the manufacturer suggests.

A 6 gallon Porta Potty is just as good a solution, and costs less than
1/10th the money. The Porta Potty can either be carried ashore and
dumped in a standard commode if you can find a place that doesn't
mind, or pumped out by any conventional pumpout rig.

The holding tank for a Porta Potty remains completely sealed when you
disconnect it, so carrying a second tank on long trips is feasible.

On Tue, 08 Dec 2009 06:18:04 -0500, wrote:

On Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:29:11 -0600, Vic Smith
wrote:


When I get a boat, it will have an Airhead or equivalent.
Every owner account I've read has been a good review.
Not suitable for "party boats" or more than 4-5 crew, but for a couple
or a couple with a couple kids it's fine.
No holding tanks, hoses, valves, pumpouts, etc.
And no stink.
Only reason I can figure they aren't more used is simple ignorance,
and the marine head parts industry poo-pooing the idea.
Rant over.

--Vic

Ever been on a small boat with one of those. They do STINK. I'm not
kidding. It's like being in a poorly maintained horse stall.

Not according to those using them, from what those who are using them
have said in various forums.
Even Peggy Hall, who is no fan, says,
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75136
"Actually, snowleopard, when installed, operated and maintained
properly, composters are odor-free. It's only when owners try to
"reinvent" them by using clay or sawdust instead of peatmoss, or
conserve power by not running the evaporators and fans...or just never
bothered to read the instructions to learn how to use them, that they
stink."

The manufacturer mentions this deftly, so they can say you have been
warned. From their brochu

"In many cases a noticeable improvement in air quality will be
perceived upon opening the companionway hatch after lay-ups."

You misunderstood that. It was preceded by,
"Additionally, the unit has an integral 12 volt fan that provides a
constant negative pressure to pull moisture out of the living space."

It was actually meant to convey that the toilet's fan will improve
cabin ventilation and make everything better than it was before the
Airhead was installed!

And you will not find many marinas that welcome folks dumping these
things into a standard commode as the manufacturer suggests.

Hadn't noticed that. Actual users don't do that. They bag the stuff
and toss it in the garbage, or take it home for the garden.

A 6 gallon Porta Potty is just as good a solution, and costs less than
1/10th the money. The Porta Potty can either be carried ashore and
dumped in a standard commode if you can find a place that doesn't
mind, or pumped out by any conventional pumpout rig.

The holding tank for a Porta Potty remains completely sealed when you
disconnect it, so carrying a second tank on long trips is feasible.

Whatever works. Number of considerations to be made.
Cost. Size. Usage. Sailing area, and time asea.
Climate - not as effective for cold weather sailors.
Might not want to try something "non-traditional."
Or just not want to replace the holding tank system already on the
boat.
Some are leery of the fan power draw, though a very small solar panel
takes care of that. It's basically a 12v CPU fan.
Personally I'll go pretty far to avoid toting a Porta Potty ****
slurry to the dock, or dealing with holding tank pumpouts and
plumbing issues.
But everybody has their own opinion, and I did say I was ranting.
I could very well end up with a Porta Potty, depending on the size of
the boat. Won't have holding tank setup in any case.
I want a boat, not a honey wagon. Eeeew.

--Vic

On Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:07:55 +0700, Bruce In Bangkok
wrote:



What is an "airhead"? I've only ever heard that term used in reference
to ditzy blonds..."she's an air head".

Plug airhead marine toilet into a google search.
You'll find info and comments by those who are using them.

--Vic

On Tue, 08 Dec 2009 07:42:07 -0500, wrote:

On Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:07:55 +0700, Bruce In Bangkok
wrote:

fOn Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:29:11 -0600, Vic Smith
wrote:

On Tue, 08 Dec 2009 07:15:17 +0700, Bruce In Bangkok
wrote:

On Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:37:17 -0500, Wayne.B
wrote:

On Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:37:30 -0800, Gordon wrote:

This filter supposedly stops odor so why not vent inside?

It will lead to problems sooner or later. Peggie is a big advocate
of freely venting the holding tank with lots of fresh air. At the
very least, the filter will impede that venting. At worst the filter
will become clogged sooner or later and cause the tank to pressurize.
Use your imagination on where that will lead.

Perhaps I miss-remember Peggy's advice but I have the distinct memory
that Peggy suggested large holding tank vents and felt that a supply
of oxygen was necessary - I seem to remember 1 inch vents?. I can't
see that adding a charcoal filter to the system is going to cause
troubles assuming that it doesn't impede air flow but why vent inside
the boat - what advantage is that going to give you?

Disadvantage. Better venting due to increased airflow outside.
Time to rant.
First, I don't have a boat, but so what?
When I get a boat, it will have an Airhead or equivalent.
Every owner account I've read has been a good review.
Not suitable for "party boats" or more than 4-5 crew, but for a couple
or a couple with a couple kids it's fine.
No holding tanks, hoses, valves, pumpouts, etc.
And no stink.
Only reason I can figure they aren't more used is simple ignorance,
and the marine head parts industry poo-pooing the idea.
Rant over.

--Vic

What is an "airhead"? I've only ever heard that term used in reference
to ditzy blonds..."she's an air head".

Cheers,

Bruce
(bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom)

It's a composting toilet at an insanely inflated price ($1K!) that
doesn't out-perform a $79 porta-potty in actual use.

I'm not a real aficionado of marine toilets at any time but a thousand
dollars to take a crap?

Cheers,

Bruce
(bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom)

Bruce In Bangkok wrote:
On Tue, 08 Dec 2009 07:42:07 -0500, wrote:

On Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:07:55 +0700, Bruce In Bangkok
wrote:

fOn Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:29:11 -0600, Vic Smith
wrote:

On Tue, 08 Dec 2009 07:15:17 +0700, Bruce In Bangkok
wrote:

On Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:37:17 -0500, Wayne.B
wrote:

On Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:37:30 -0800, Gordon wrote:

This filter supposedly stops odor so why not vent inside?
It will lead to problems sooner or later. Peggie is a big advocate
of freely venting the holding tank with lots of fresh air. At the
very least, the filter will impede that venting. At worst the filter
will become clogged sooner or later and cause the tank to pressurize.
Use your imagination on where that will lead.
Perhaps I miss-remember Peggy's advice but I have the distinct memory
that Peggy suggested large holding tank vents and felt that a supply
of oxygen was necessary - I seem to remember 1 inch vents?. I can't
see that adding a charcoal filter to the system is going to cause
troubles assuming that it doesn't impede air flow but why vent inside
the boat - what advantage is that going to give you?

Disadvantage. Better venting due to increased airflow outside.
Time to rant.
First, I don't have a boat, but so what?
When I get a boat, it will have an Airhead or equivalent.
Every owner account I've read has been a good review.
Not suitable for "party boats" or more than 4-5 crew, but for a couple
or a couple with a couple kids it's fine.
No holding tanks, hoses, valves, pumpouts, etc.
And no stink.
Only reason I can figure they aren't more used is simple ignorance,
and the marine head parts industry poo-pooing the idea.
Rant over.

--Vic
What is an "airhead"? I've only ever heard that term used in reference
to ditzy blonds..."she's an air head".

Cheers,

Bruce
(bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom)
It's a composting toilet at an insanely inflated price ($1K!) that
doesn't out-perform a $79 porta-potty in actual use.

I'm not a real aficionado of marine toilets at any time but a thousand
dollars to take a crap?

Cheers,

Bruce
(bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom)


The temperature is dropping like a barrel over Niagra Falls today.
Supposed to be 21 at noon today and hold for a few.

Since this is the first boat I've ever had that has plumbing I'm
kind of nervous about all that plumbing freezing up.
So the last few days have been spent digging through her bowels
trying to get all the lines emptied.

I'd almost (today) prefer a cedar bucket.

I may feel different about that in April though.



Richard

wrote:
On Wed, 09 Dec 2009 08:29:49 -0600, cavelamb
wrote:

Bruce In Bangkok wrote:
On Tue, 08 Dec 2009 07:42:07 -0500, wrote:

On Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:07:55 +0700, Bruce In Bangkok
wrote:

fOn Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:29:11 -0600, Vic Smith
wrote:

On Tue, 08 Dec 2009 07:15:17 +0700, Bruce In Bangkok
wrote:

On Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:37:17 -0500, Wayne.B
wrote:

On Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:37:30 -0800, Gordon wrote:

This filter supposedly stops odor so why not vent inside?
It will lead to problems sooner or later. Peggie is a big advocate
of freely venting the holding tank with lots of fresh air. At the
very least, the filter will impede that venting. At worst the filter
will become clogged sooner or later and cause the tank to pressurize.
Use your imagination on where that will lead.
Perhaps I miss-remember Peggy's advice but I have the distinct memory
that Peggy suggested large holding tank vents and felt that a supply
of oxygen was necessary - I seem to remember 1 inch vents?. I can't
see that adding a charcoal filter to the system is going to cause
troubles assuming that it doesn't impede air flow but why vent inside
the boat - what advantage is that going to give you?

Disadvantage. Better venting due to increased airflow outside.
Time to rant.
First, I don't have a boat, but so what?
When I get a boat, it will have an Airhead or equivalent.
Every owner account I've read has been a good review.
Not suitable for "party boats" or more than 4-5 crew, but for a couple
or a couple with a couple kids it's fine.
No holding tanks, hoses, valves, pumpouts, etc.
And no stink.
Only reason I can figure they aren't more used is simple ignorance,
and the marine head parts industry poo-pooing the idea.
Rant over.

--Vic
What is an "airhead"? I've only ever heard that term used in reference
to ditzy blonds..."she's an air head".

Cheers,

Bruce
(bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom)
It's a composting toilet at an insanely inflated price ($1K!) that
doesn't out-perform a $79 porta-potty in actual use.
I'm not a real aficionado of marine toilets at any time but a thousand
dollars to take a crap?

Cheers,

Bruce
(bruceinbangkokatgmaildotcom)

The temperature is dropping like a barrel over Niagra Falls today.
Supposed to be 21 at noon today and hold for a few.

Since this is the first boat I've ever had that has plumbing I'm
kind of nervous about all that plumbing freezing up.
So the last few days have been spent digging through her bowels
trying to get all the lines emptied.

I'd almost (today) prefer a cedar bucket.

I may feel different about that in April though.


non-toxic RV antifreeze is your friend.


My friends lie to me some times.

What Do I do?
Pour it in the holding tank???

On Wed, 09 Dec 2009 08:29:49 -0600, cavelamb
wrote:

So the last few days have been spent digging through her bowels
trying to get all the lines emptied.

You're better off to just pump -100 RV antifreeze (the non-toxic pink
stuff) through everything, and then you don't have to worry about
water trapped in low spots.

On Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:26:14 -0600, cavelamb
wrote:

non-toxic RV antifreeze is your friend.


My friends lie to me some times.

What Do I do?
Pour it in the holding tank???

Start with the intake side of your head and pump it all the way
through the system.

"cavelamb" wrote in message
...

The temperature is dropping like a barrel over Niagra Falls today.
Supposed to be 21 at noon today and hold for a few.

Since this is the first boat I've ever had that has plumbing I'm
kind of nervous about all that plumbing freezing up.
So the last few days have been spent digging through her bowels
trying to get all the lines emptied.

I'd almost (today) prefer a cedar bucket.

I may feel different about that in April though.

Freezing water only causes a problem if it has nowhere to go when it
expands.
So a bit of stuff in the bottom of your holding tank is not a problem, nor
is a little water lying in a plastic pipe or in the bottom of your fresh
water tank
Just make sure all systems drain at least enough to ensure nothing is chock
full of water with nowhere to expand. I got caught last year with a glass
pressure vessel for the fresh water system that was tucked out of sight
under the sink with inlet and outlet connections at the top and therefore
needed its bowl unscrewing and emptying even after the pipework had been
pumped dry. I replaced it with one which had the connections at the bottom
so it now drains naturally.
If your engine is fresh water cooled it should have antifreeze in it but it
will pay to disconnect the salt water inlet hose and suck enough antifreeze
up it so that both sides of the heat exchanger are protected, plus he
exhaust line..
If you leave batteries on board they will be Ok if fully charged but will
freeze and become useless if discharged. If your bilge pump is automatic it
should be disconnected from the batteries otherwise it may burn itself out
or blow its fuse if it freezes in the 'on' position. Some water is likely to
get into the bilge via the mast if it is stepped onto the keel so an
automatic bilge pump may try and start.

On Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:06:34 +0700, Bruce In Bangkok
wrote:



I'm not a real aficionado of marine toilets at any time but a thousand
dollars to take a crap?


Hehe. You didn't price in the TP.
There's similar toilets that cost a couple hundred less.
For installation of a first head, the premium comes down when you
subtract what the cost of a common marine head, holding tank, etc
would be.
But some of the owners say they have replaced functioning marine
head systems with the Airhead. Gets them space, and they can close
off thruhulls. And no more pumpouts.
Different strokes. I kind of like the idea myself.
Easy when you don't have a boat.

--Vic