[Rhodes22-list] Potty question

[Bob Keller]

Joe,
I have a little, ahem, experience with these things so let me chime in...
 
I had a marine head as a prerequisite from the start and am glad that I have one.  My wife is especially glad since she uses it more than me.  But I am also glad that I don't have to empty a portapotti.  I had Stan put in the Y-valve and macerator pump and it is great-especially since the holding tank is so small and pump-out facilities are usually far apart.  If you plan to overnight, cruise, weekend or otherwise stay on your boat I would highly recommend the marine head and Y-valve system.  One thing that I would change is to have GB give you easy access to the thru hull for the macerator discharge because to access mine is extremely difficult - I have to remove the battery and battery box and it is not easily done.  Have them cut you an access hole or some way to see it.  I don't like having thru hulls that I cannot see and cannot access and this is the only one (out of 4) that is inaccesible.  
 
As to the legality on inland lakes - it is true that there are some issues depending on the state.  I was told that a Y-valve is illegal.  Since then I have researched it more and talked to another DNR person and I believe that what is illegal is having a Y-valve that allows you to bypass the holding tank and go directly overboard.  The way mine is installed is preferable in that all waste goes to the holding tank and then there is deck discharge (pump-out) or bottom discharge through the Y-valve.  If that Y-valve is kept locked I believe it is OK-at least it was in GA with the DNR guy that I spoke with. 
 
The downside to marine heads is the complication compared to a portapotti.  I had to rebuild mine last year (gaskets wear out) but it was easy and inexpensive and will probably last another 10 years.
 
Bob K
Yankee Clipper
 
 
 
> Date: Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:12:16 -0400> From: joe.babb at comcast.net> To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org> Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Potty question> > Hello All,> Sharon and I are looking forward to getting a recycled Rhodes next > spring. We've indicated to Stan that we'd like to have the marine head > and holding tank and macerator. Our only experience with potties on > boats is with our portable potty on our 16 foot open fishing boat. It > is really a plastic bucket with a toilet-like seat on it, enclosed in > another plastic container. We can usually find a secluded cove or else > use a privacy curtain hung from our bimini top when we need to use the > potty. The first person to use it is the lucky one. The second person > is greeted by a wet seat from condensation and also by the sight and > smell from earlier use.> Most of our sailing will be on area lakes in East Tennessee. But at > least once and maybe twice a year we'll be able to do some coastal > cruising for a week at a time.> Could some of you share your opinions on pros and cons of portable > potties versus marine heads?> Thanks and Best Regards,> Joe Babb> __________________________________________________> Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list
_________________________________________________________________
Capture your memories in an online journal!
http://www.reallivemoms.com?ocid=TXT_TAGHM&loc=us