Pearson Boats - Common Systems > Plumbing and Galley Systems
Holding Tank
slacker:
I would second the recommendation to look at an Air Head or Natures Head. We took out our holding tank and replaced the head with an Air Head. It fits perfectly and there is basically no smell. Will never go back to a wet head.
Scott:
Would a composting toilet be more suitable for long term cruising then a traditional holding tank?
Scott
Dolce_Vita:
--- Quote from: Scott on November 16, 2014, 10:16:24 PM ---Would a composting toilet be more suitable for long term cruising then a traditional holding tank?
--- End quote ---
Since it's essentially a "litter box" for humans (with separate liquid collection), you still have to carry and periodically dispose of the waste.
One of my most experienced cruising frinds long ago installed a LectraSan, which treats and sterilizes the waste, making it legal to discharge overboard in all but strict "no discharge" zones. It does, however, draw a lot of power.
Alma:
My head is plumbed with rigid PVC pipe from Home Depot. The outlet goes to a TEE. One way goes to the overboard seacock. The rigid PVC has a barb fitting to attach to hose for a half foot to mate with the seacock's barb fitting. The other half of the TEE goes to a ball valve then through the forward bulkhead. Behind the bulkhead again the PVC has a barb adapter and hose takes over for the run to the holding tank. The hose goes up the bulkhead behind the Vee-Berth shelves and the hose loops back down to the tank.
I have no failure-prone "Y" Valve. When overboard discharge is desired the ball valve to the holding tank is closed- the overboard seacock is open. When holding tank use is desired, the overboard seacock is closed and the ball valve to the holding tank is open.
This arrangement and its use of rigid PVC was seriously frowned upon 15 years ago when I installed it.
Folks would say the rigid pipe would break when my bulkheads "flexed".
We can agree if a 323s bulkheads flex that much we'd have more immediate problems than a little sewage in the bilge...
When I replaced the original W/C brand toilet with a more robust one from Rariton, I was able to swap the base and pump and re-use the china bowl from the W/C head. I'd now recommend buying a new Rariton from Defender. There is little savings buying just the pump and base. Rariton is 40 miles from me so it was fast and convenient to buy the parts that way.
Just last week I removed the Rariton head and brought it home to grease the pump and de-scale the plumbing (with a dilute white vinegar solution). The existing rigid PVC on ALMA is in perfect condition after 15 years in service. It is odor proof, mold and mildew proof and very easy to rinse clean with the shower. It also is a shipshape looking installation.
The interface between the head's outlet and the rigid PVC is a standard Fernco fitting!
Yes- one stainless clamp at each end and below the waterline. It is as dependable as a dripless shaft seal.
Would a hair-brained surveyor say my setup is not ABYC satisfactory? Yep.
Will it work flawlessly another 20 years?
Most likely.
It is nice to be able to honestly say "No 'Y' Valve on this installation" when boarded.
It is even nicer to be able to enjoy sailing without stink, leaks, or worries.
Consider neat clean rigid PVC. It is an elegant solution.
Sea Haven:
Composting head.....2nd BEST purchase EVER!
Scott,
I'm on my 4th season using Natures Head. I loved it so much I removed it from the old boat to my new to me 323; which even had a serviceable/traditional Marine head/holding tank!
Here is the thread regarding installation on SEA HAVEN: Head Upgrade
Took an afternoon to install, most of which was yanking out the existing MSD.
Like politics and religion, I suppose ones choice of MSD system is quite personal. Having had both, I happen to prefer the composting toilet.
The ONLY on-board odor I've experienced is akin to "garden dirt" and ONLY if i stick my nose in the bowl, and THAT was because I didn't believe how odorless it is!
I gained storage space by removal of the old storage tank and I've lost the need to pay/tip the pumpout folks as well as being held at their mercy.
Granted I empty the liquid tank after 2-3 days of use, and to be honest, that may be not odor free (if it sat over a week) as you pour it down any conventional toilet ashore, but it really is nothing.
I unload the compost at the end of the season which gives me pretty flowers in the spring.
Again, with all due respect to those that stick with traditional Marine Plumbing, I'll never go back.
"Sub" Ed
PS Congratulations and good luck on your "new to you" 323, you will find as we did it's the 323 that wins "BEST purchase EVER!"
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