Converting from porta poti

[Bumperlt]

Well, I'm sick on not wanting to use the porta poti because i don't want to empty it.

I'd like to install a manual pump style toilet and a holding tank, but I don't know how to go about it.

http://www.boatstore.com/jabsco-reg..._content=pla&gclid=CM6QjOa0ybgCFWNxQgodVEsA3Q

A quick search yielded that and this:

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/product.do?part=133842&SHOPZILLA&CA_6C15C=458321378

There is already a sea water hose that comes from the bilge and into a macerator under the sink in the head. Do I need to utilize this hose for flushing?

There is also already a place to pump out the porta poti, so I suspect I just need to reroute it to the holding tank?

2 things I don't understand is where does the toilet get water to flush, and how will i know everything made it to the holding tank?

 

[JerryS]

There should be a seacock in the bilge and a hose that runs to the head for the fresh water for the flush.

 

[Bumperlt]

There is indeed.

So seawater is used for flushing, and therefor there would be a lot of seawater in the holding tank. I guess thats no worse than what else is in there.

 

[Brian77]

Actually using seawater for flushing creates a much bigger stink believe it or not. I currently have a manual pump head but the raw water seacock has been closed and I use the freshwater from the shower-head when I flush/pump (as do many people I know). My plan is to pickup an electric head over the winter that comes equipped to use the boats fresh water system for flushing (not all do).

In case you may be wondering, you can't just hook up your manual toilet to the fresh water system, as you have a good chance of contaminating the fresh water system. Not to say that there isn't a way to do it, just that you can't simply substitute fresh water for raw water. I know the electric heads that work with the fresh water system utilize a solenoid valve to open the fresh water valve when it is needed, and I'm assuming there's also a one-way valve in place.

 

[lawndoctor]

I have the same dilemma, and I've been considering this one. http://www.dometic.com/enie/Interna...scharge-Toilets/products/?productdataid=96282 The product description is, "Get a complete freshwater toilet/holding tank system in one self-contained package. Using on-board water supply, this toilet system produces no foul odors associated with seawater systems. It's also a great replacement for recirculating toilets. Just connect the water supply, discharge plumbing and vent line and it's ready to go." But I haven't been able to find anyone who has one of them.

 

[KP49]

Actually using seawater for flushing creates a much bigger stink believe it or not. I currently have a manual pump head but the raw water seacock has been closed and I use the freshwater from the shower-head when I flush/pump (as do many people I know). My plan is to pickup an electric head over the winter that comes equipped to use the boats fresh water system for flushing (not all do).

In case you may be wondering, you can't just hook up your manual toilet to the fresh water system, as you have a good chance of contaminating the fresh water system. Not to say that there isn't a way to do it, just that you can't simply substitute fresh water for raw water. I know the electric heads that work with the fresh water system utilize a solenoid valve to open the fresh water valve when it is needed, and I'm assuming there's also a one-way valve in place.

My last FW cruiser had the sea water flush and yes it got pretty nasty if you didnt use and empty it often, some say the bacteria in the lake water will make it less stinky in the holding tank but I didnt have that experience. Like you, and many others, I just used the sink/shower handle and used the fresh water to flush. It worked but with a small freshwater tank you could run out of water on a weekend overnight trip.

The large bowrider I had before this 260 had one of the newer electronic macerator toilets, it had a one way valve plus a solenoid to keep the fresh water from getting contaminated, very nice system and used 1/2 a gallon per flush which isnt bad. Downside it was around two grand..

 

[JVM225]

I have a manual head and a holding tank. Stopped using the sea water a long time ago because it winds up making the head stink really bad no matter what I do. Stinks even worse than what comes out of you. I only open and close the seacock for the head intake once in the spring and again in the fall when on the hard to make sure it still works. Other than that it stays closed the entire season. One less fitting/hose I have to worry about going bad at the dock when I'm not there.
Fortunately my boat has a 40 gallon fresh water tank so I fill the bowl with fresh water. The handheld shower hose hangs right next to the commode, so it's easy to do. I'm usually looking to use the fresh water as much as possible anyway so that it doesn't sit in the tank too long. We don't drink anything out of the faucets on the boat anyway, so I almost never use the dockside water connection anymore. I just keep filling the fresh water tank to keep it fresh.
If you have a fresh water tank and fresh water pump you may want to look in to setting something up.