Choosing The Right Portable Toilet For Your Boat

When you're out on the water, the last thing you want to worry about is where to go when nature calls. That's where portable toilets come in – they're a must-have for any boat owner who wants to enjoy their time on the water without interruptions. From simple bucket-style toilets to more complex composting toilets, there's a range of options to choose from.

One of the most popular choices is the Dometic Sanipottie, which offers an all-in-one solution that's comfortable and convenient. If you're looking for something more budget-friendly, the Seaflo Portable Toilet is a great option, and for small spaces, the Seaflo Portable Toilet is a top pick. For those who want to avoid the hassle of emptying a waste tank, the Cleanwaste GO Anywhere Portable Toilet Seat is a great choice, as it doesn't have a built-in waste tank.

When choosing a portable toilet for your boat, consider factors such as comfort, ease of use, waste disposal options, and size and portability. With the right portable toilet, you can enjoy your time on the water without any interruptions!

How to choose the best portable toilet for your boat

Choosing the best portable toilet for your boat can be a tricky task, but it's important to ensure that you have a comfortable and convenient experience while out on the water. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:

Type of Portable Toilet

Portable toilets come in various types, from simple bucket-style toilets to more complex composting toilets. Bucket toilets are basic and easy to use, while composting toilets turn solid waste into scentless dust. If you want something more comfortable and convenient, you might prefer an all-in-one toilet or one with a flushing mechanism.

Size and Space

Consider the size of your boat and the space you have available for the toilet. If you have a small boat, a compact and lightweight toilet might be best. On the other hand, if you have a larger boat, you may want a toilet with more capacity and features.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

Look for a portable toilet that is easy to use and clean. Some toilets have features like a rotating spout for easy emptying, while others may have separate containers for solid and liquid waste, making cleaning more manageable. Consider the waste disposal options available to you and choose a toilet that aligns with those options.

Capacity and Frequency of Use

Think about how often you will use the toilet and how many people will be using it. If you plan to go on multi-day trips or have a larger group, you will need a toilet with more capacity. Consider the freshwater and wastewater tank sizes and how often you will need to refill or empty them.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Some portable toilets offer additional features for comfort and convenience, such as a larger seat, a toilet paper holder, or a battery-operated flush. If you plan to use your toilet frequently, these features may be worth considering.

Price and Durability

Finally, consider your budget and the durability of the toilet. Portable toilets can range in price, and you want to ensure you get a quality product that will last. Read reviews and compare prices to find the best option for your needs.

Remember to also consider any specific requirements or preferences you may have, such as odour control, ease of transport, and stability. By taking these factors into account, you can choose the best portable toilet for your boat and ensure a more enjoyable boating experience.

Pros and cons of bucket-style portable toilets

Bucket-style portable toilets are a basic form of dry toilet that can be used on boats. They are simple, low-cost, and easy to use. They are also portable and suitable for small spaces. Here are some pros and cons of using a bucket-style portable toilet:

Pros:

• Portability: Bucket toilets are highly portable and can be easily moved around, making them ideal for boats. They can be placed inside a boat or in a nearby small structure, such as an outhouse.
• Water Savings: Unlike flush toilets, bucket toilets do not use water, which can be advantageous in situations where water conservation is important or where access to water is limited.
• Cold Climate Suitability: In cold climates, plumbing systems can be challenging to install and maintain due to freezing temperatures. Bucket toilets provide a solution in such environments as they do not rely on plumbing.
• Emergency Use: In emergency situations, such as natural disasters or when stranded, bucket toilets can be a valuable option. They are also useful in low-income areas or developing countries where access to modern sanitation facilities may be limited.
• Space Efficiency: Bucket toilets are generally compact and can fit into small spaces, making them ideal for boats with limited room.

Cons:

• Sanitation and Health Risks: Bucket toilets can pose sanitation and health risks if not properly maintained. Inadequate cleaning, lack of liners, and improper waste disposal can lead to the spread of pathogens and illnesses.
• Odor Issues: The mixing of urine and faeces in the same bucket can result in unpleasant odours. While covering the waste with certain materials can help minimise odours, it does not eliminate the issue completely.
• High Maintenance: Bucket toilets require frequent cleaning and maintenance. They need to be emptied and cleaned after each use to maintain hygiene and prevent odours. This can be time-consuming and unpleasant.
• Spillage: If the bucket toilet is not securely bolted or fixed in place, there is a risk of spillage, which can lead to additional sanitation issues and odour problems.
• Limited Capacity: Bucket toilets have limited waste capacity and need to be emptied regularly, especially for larger groups or families.

Features of composting portable toilets

Composting portable toilets are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional flushing toilets. They are particularly useful in boats, RVs, and remote areas where water is scarce. Instead of flushing waste away, these toilets use aerobic decomposition to break down human waste, turning it into a humus-like substance that can be used as fertiliser.

No Water Required

Composting toilets don't require water to function, which is especially useful in boats and RVs where water usage needs to be carefully managed. This also means that they don't need to be connected to a city wastewater system or septic tank, making them ideal for off-grid and remote locations.

Odour Control

One of the main concerns people have about composting toilets is odour. However, these toilets are designed to minimise odours. By separating liquids and solids, they prevent the mixing of urine and faeces, which is the main cause of sewage smells. Additionally, the addition of bulking materials like sawdust or peat mix helps to absorb liquids and accelerate the breakdown of waste, further reducing odours.

Safe Handling of Compost

To ensure the safe handling of human waste, composting toilets use the right bulking materials and a well-designed system. The compost produced is safe and can be handled without any health risks.

Evaporation of Moisture

Composting toilets are designed to provide adequate aeration, allowing liquids to evaporate over time. Some models also include heating elements to speed up this process, while others have separate liquid tanks that can be emptied regularly.

Types of Composting Toilets

There are two main types of composting toilets: single-chamber and multi-chamber models. Single-chamber toilets have one container where all the waste and composting materials are added and removed from. Multi-chamber toilets, on the other hand, have separate chambers for solids and liquids, which helps to facilitate the composting process.

Additionally, composting toilets can be self-contained or central systems. Self-contained units are all-in-one models commonly used in RVs and boats, while central systems have separate storage chambers and are more suitable for traditional homes.

How to clean and maintain a portable toilet

How to Clean and Maintain a Portable Boat Toilet

Cleaning Your Portable Toilet

Wipe Down Surfaces

Use a surface cleaner to wipe down the toilet and its surrounding area. White vinegar is a great option for breaking up sludge and other gunk that clings to walls and the toilet. Getting rid of dirt and grime from surfaces can help eliminate unpleasant smells.

Let in the Sunshine

During periods of non-use, open the door for 30 minutes to let fresh air circulate. This will help eliminate any remaining bad smells and dry up the smell of vinegar used to wipe down surfaces.

Deodorize Your Holding Tank

Use a holding tank deodorizer and waste digester to eliminate bad smells. Try dropping an odour-eliminating pod inside your toilet or directly into your holding tank.

If the Tank is Full

Since your portable toilet is not connected to a sewage system, it will need to be emptied manually. It is recommended to have tanks emptied before they reach full capacity to ensure the cleanup will be successful and mess-free. Contact a sanitation company to transport and dispose of the waste.

Maintaining Your Portable Boat Toilet

Check the Owner's Manual

Always refer to the manufacturer's recommendations before carrying out any maintenance tasks. There may be certain tasks you need to tackle or avoid, and certain products you should use or avoid.

Understand How to Handle Calcium Deposits

If your boat's toilet uses salt water to flush, it will get scale deposits in the hoses and discharge channels over time. This will cause issues such as making it harder to flush and allowing water from the discharge line to go back into the bowl.

#### Preventative Maintenance

Each month, do preventative maintenance with white vinegar. Pour the vinegar into your boat toilet and do a single pump every four to five minutes. Once the vinegar has gone through the system and removed the deposits, pump a gallon of fresh water through the system to flush the lines.

#### Dealing with a Scale Buildup

If a calcium deposit buildup occurs, you will need a 10% solution of muriatic acid. Pour two cups of acid into the boat toilet. It will fizz as it encounters calcium deposits. Once the fizzing ends, pump the toilet with the intake closed to move the acid into the pump. Wait a few minutes, then pump again to move the acid to the discharge hose. Finally, open the intake and flush the toilet and lines.

Lubricate the Boat Toilet

Lubricating the boat toilet is an important maintenance task. It keeps the internal rubber and leather parts in good condition and keeps the pump running well. Be sure to purchase a lubricant designed for marine toilets.

Get a bit of water into the boat toilet, add a few ounces of lubricant, and pump through the toilet to lubricate the discharge side of the pump. Next, disconnect the intake hose from the closed seacock and add lubricant to the hose. Pump the head to lubricate both pump chambers and the intake side.

As a final step, add Teflon® grease to the piston rod to extend the lifespan of the piston rod seal.

Know How to Address Odour

If you encounter a bad odour, there are a few common culprits to check.

• The discharge hose: Take a damp, clean cloth and rub it on the discharge hose. Do a quick smell test. If this is the source of the odour, you will need to replace the hose.
• Leaking connections: Use a clean, damp cloth to check potential problem areas, then address accordingly.
• The piston rod's seal: You may be able to solve the problem by tightening the seal. Otherwise, you will need to replace it.
• Debris caught inside the flush-water passage under the bowl's rim: Install a strainer in the intake line to prevent this.

Privacy options for your portable toilet

Privacy is a significant concern when answering nature's call, especially when you're on a boat. Here are some privacy options to consider for your portable toilet:

• Pontoon Privacy Partitions: These are curtains or partitions that can be hung from the bimini (canopy) of your boat to create a private space. They are easy to set up and take down and can be adjusted to fit the size of your boat. Some models have zippers or Velcro straps for easy access. They are a great option if you want to create a private space for changing clothes or using a portable toilet.
• Pop-up Privacy Tents: These are small, portable tents that can be set up on the deck of your boat or even on the shore. They offer more privacy and stability than partitions, especially in windy conditions. They usually have a zipper or roll-up door and can be easily folded and stored when not in use.
• Custom Changing Rooms: If you want a more permanent solution, you can consider building a custom changing room on your boat. This option provides the most privacy and can be designed to match the style of your boat. It may be a good choice if you have the space and frequently need a private area for using the toilet or changing clothes.
• Portable Toilet Enclosures: Some portable toilets come with their own enclosures or curtains, providing a ready-made private space. These can be useful if you want a simple, all-in-one solution.
• Bimini Tops: The bimini, or canopy, of your boat can also provide some privacy, especially if it is large enough to create a shaded area. You can adjust the height and angle of the bimini to create a cozier and more secluded space.
• Boat Curtains: Boat curtains can be hung around the toilet area to create a private space. They are often made of lightweight and waterproof material and can be easily tied to the boat's railings or frames. Curtains are a good option if you want something simple and affordable.

Remember to always practice good etiquette when using a portable toilet on a boat. Be considerate of others and maintain a clean and odour-free space. Also, ensure that you follow any local regulations regarding the disposal of waste.

Frequently asked questions