[Rhodes22-list] Re: Marine Heads

[William E. Wickman]

Ron, et. al.,
Everyone has an opinion about marine heads vs. porta-pottie, so here is
mine.  When I was first looking at a Rhodes, having a marine head was an
important criteria.  At one point, I had considered going the full monty; a
marine head with holding tank, macerator, and even an electra-san.
However, after reading the archives and upon further reflection, I realized
that the main reason that I wanted one was not for practical reasons, but
because it would make me feel more yachty.  The Rhodes is not a large boat.
That is what makes it so appealing, because it doesn't have all the big
boat problems.  As I read somewhere else on the list, it seems like those
big boat sailors that have marine heads are always having to fix something
on them.  Moreover, unless you keep the holding tank empty and clean, there
always seems to be an odor.  Simple is good.  I realized that I am not
going to be living on this boat, and the longest that I will probably ever
stay out is a week (maybe two if I'm lucky).  90+% of the time I am out on
the boat for a day sail or overnighter.  I believe that most Rhodies will
confess a similar percentage.  I ended up with a boat that has just the
porta-pottie, and have been very happy with it.  There is zero maintenance
with it, and it is very easy to dump anywhere there is a toilet.  Granted
it is a bit more hands-on than a pumpout, but a porta-pottie is much easier
to keep sanitized than a non-removeable holding tank.

I'll finish with a true story.  I was on vacation during the summer of 2004
chartering a 45 foot sailboat in the San Juan Islands.  It was a wonderful
trip.  We had just docked for the evening in a marina on San Juan Island
and were walking off the docks to town when I saw the skipper of a rather
nice yacht in the process of emptying his holding tank into a "honey pot".
At this particular marina, they had tanks mounted on wheels with electric
pumps that they called honey pots.  It was a self-serve system that enabled
you to empty your sewage at your slip without having to go to a pump-out
station.  Well, right as we were passing by, something went amiss.  The
hose popped out of the holding tank fitting and drenched the skipper who
was bending over the hose fitting.  After everyone around finished their
collective Eeeeew, there was a bit of laughter by the small crowd that
always seems to gather around when some such activity as emptying a holding
tank is taking place.  It looked just like something out of a comedy.  The
skipper didn't think it was very funny though, and proceeded to spew a
string of profanities that required me to clap my hands over my 8 year
old's hears and quickly usher her away.  Moral of the story:  A
porta-pottie will not blow-out in your face.

Bill W.





                                                                           
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Hi
Ed K., I do exist.  Been busy and not always near a computer.   Sorry about
the delay.  Thanks to you, Mary Lou, Steve Hemphill and Russell Miller for
your responses.
I live in Wynnewood, PA, Mary Lou.  I must get hold of your chapter in
"Sailing Small."   Thanks for the references Ed.  I will look at them.  I
already see abut the differing opinions, answers and facts,  though each of
you say newer is better.  Actually that is true of your comments re boat
and motor.
I've used marine head but never have used a porta-potti. Seems there are
differences of opinion both about enclosed head and about porta-potti
versus marine head.  Why prefer the porta-potti?  I assume as Ed says, that
this may be in the archives.   I will look.
Looks like I've got some thinking to do.  And some talking to Stan.
                               Ron Coleman
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