Understanding Boat Heads: Efficient Waste Management Systems

Boat heads, or toilets, are an essential part of any boat. They can be manual or electric, and some are portable. Modern boat heads use a system of valves and pumps to bring sea water into the toilet and pump waste out through the hull. However, this can be complicated, especially in submarines, where high water pressure at greater depths makes it harder to pump waste out. Boat heads also need to be maintained and winterised to prevent damage from freezing.

Modern boat heads use a system of valves and pumps to bring in seawater and pump waste out through the hull

Boat heads can be manual or electric, with manual being a good choice if power consumption is a concern. If you're out at sea, you can turn the key to initiate an overboard discharge, but it's important to note that regulations vary depending on your location.

To winterize your head, you should drain all water from the bowl, pump mechanism, and connecting plumbing. Close the intake seacock, pump the toilet dry, and remove the inlet and discharge hoses, as well as any drain plugs. If the toilet is to be used in freezing conditions, use a small portion of non-toxic antifreeze in the bowl to prevent damage.

Submarine heads face the challenge of increased water pressure at greater depths, which makes it harder to pump waste out through the hull. As a result, early systems were complicated and prone to mistakes that could result in waste or seawater being forcibly expelled back into the hull.

In small boats, the pump is often hand-operated

To winterize a hand-operated pump, it is necessary to drain all water from the bowl, pump mechanism, and connecting plumbing. This includes the inlet and discharge hoses, as well as any drain plugs. If the boat is going to be used in freezing conditions, it is recommended to use a small amount of non-toxic antifreeze in the bowl to prevent damage from freezing.

It is also important to note that the number of people using the boat and how often the pump-out station is accessed will impact the type of head that is needed. For example, a simple manual toilet with a holding tank or a Type I MSD may be sufficient for an owner who plans on doing more boating or needs more capacity.

Overall, while hand-operated pumps in small boats may require more manual work and attention to maintenance, they can be a suitable option for those who are mindful of power consumption or who have limited space.

Boat heads can be winterised by draining all water from the bowl, pump mechanism, and connecting plumbing

Boat heads, or toilets, use a system of valves and pumps to bring seawater into the toilet and pump waste out through the hull. In small boats, the pump is often hand-operated. The cleaning mechanism can be blocked if too much toilet paper or other fibrous material is put down the pan. In submarines, higher water pressure at greater depths makes it harder to pump waste out through the hull, so the head can be more complicated.

After use, waste is macerated and sent to a holding tank or overboard

If you're out at sea, you can turn the key to initiate an overboard discharge, but it's important to note that regulations might vary depending on your location. To winterize your head, drain all water from the bowl, pump mechanism, and connecting plumbing. Close the intake seacock and pump the toilet dry. Then, loosen the hose clamps and remove the inlet and discharge hoses, as well as any drain plugs.

The type of boat head you buy should be based on use and available space

Boat heads work by using a system of valves and pumps that brings sea water into the toilet and pumps the waste out through the hull. In small boats, the pump is often hand-operated. The cleaning mechanism can be blocked if too much toilet paper or other fibrous material is put down the pan. In submarines, higher water pressure at greater depths makes it harder to pump the waste out through the hull. As a result, early systems were complicated, with the head fitted to the United States Navy S-class submarine being described as almost requiring an engineer to operate.

To winterize your head, drain all water from the bowl, pump mechanism, and connecting plumbing. Close the intake seacock. Pump the toilet dry, then loosen the hose clamps and remove the inlet and discharge hoses, as well as any drain plugs. If the toilet is to be used in freezing conditions, use a small portion of nontoxic antifreeze, approved by the manufacturer, in the bowl to prevent damage from freezing. Always close seacocks when you won't be aboard the boat for an extended period. Many owners have come back to find that through-hulls have siphoned water into their boat. If vents are not kept clean on vented loops, siphoning is more likely to occur.

After use, it's time to take care of the waste. Press the bottom part of the rocker switch to macerate the waste and send it to a holding tank. This step ensures a clean and efficient disposal process. If you're out at sea and within the proper regulations, you can simply turn the key to initiate an overboard discharge. This macerates the waste and sends it overboard, ensuring it doesn't accumulate on your boat. However, it's crucial to note that these regulations might vary depending on your location.

Frequently asked questions