Association Forum - Composting Head

Assn Members Area · Join

Home.

Association Forum

Ships Store

Cruising

Racing

Technical Tips

Photo Gallery - New

Boat Search - Updated

Manuals & Brochures

Swap Meet

Links

Officer Flag Line & Staff

Bylaws & Constitution

Members Area

Join the Association

Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.

Association Forum

Username:	Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

All Forums

Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Composting Head

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Author

Topic

Ryan L
Navigator

Member Avatar

USA
230 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/20/2011 : 21:40:54

Before we installed our composting head I searched the forum and didn't find any information so here are some pics for anyone who is considering something similar. The head works amazingly well. Zero odor and it will likely be a month or more before needing to be emptied. Even then it's like pouring out dirt rather than dealing with sewage. No need for holding tank, pump out, nor through hull valve. So far we're stoked. The fan is a modified Nicro day/night solar vent. The "shroud" (black housing) comes with the composting head and contains a small DC muffin fan. We installed it as backup for the solar.

And one pic of a wine rack / book shelf / pencil holder (for nav) I built. Kinda amateurish but I like it. It's located under the cabin table.

"Naoma"
1988 Ericson 38-200
San Diego, CA

Formerly of:
"Maria T"
1987 C25 SR WK 5695
San Diego, CA
L DOCK ARMADA

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3439 Posts

Response Posted - 01/21/2011 : 04:33:13

I never heard of this type of head before and so I looked up the specs, etc on it. Seems there are a number of distributors out there selling this basic unit which apparently targets the marine community. Here is one of a number links to find more info on it. The unit is pricey with at least the link below indicating $969.00, but it does sound like something to consider especially for those spending frequent overnighters on their boats. Thanks for sharing info on your installation.

http://www.airheadtoilet.com/howitworks.html

Edited by - OLarryR on 01/21/2011 04:39:55

Tomas Kruska
Admiral

Members Avatar

Czech Republic
522 Posts

Response Posted - 01/21/2011 : 05:58:23

Very expensive ... maybe more than to install holding tank with macerator.
Also you have to buy that carriers - paper baskets where you put your poo into.
What do you do when you miss the target?

But interresting idea, thanks for sharing.

Edited by - Tomas Kruska on 01/21/2011 05:59:08

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 01/21/2011 : 06:50:36

Nicely done Ryan L!!! For those who haven't heard of composting toilets for marine use, it is a VERY viable option to frequent pumpouts, clogged hoses and valves, and limited holding capability. Yes, sailors are cheap - frugal isn't even in the ballpark - so cheap that they are technically often pennywise and pound foolish. I was just onboard a Passport 50 wherein the couple and their 4th grade kid were installing 2 composting toilets because of the aforementioned reasons.

Much like the real marine head vs. porta pottie argument, "the oh geez, do I have to dump poo?" argument for this type of system falls short. Yes, hoses and a macerator and a holding tank are cheaper - hmmm... recalculating - perhaps not in the long run. And then there is the hassle factor. I'm seriously considering going composting too, although I really love that whishing sound when I open the seacock 3 miles out...

sten

Edited by - on

Ryan L
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
230 Posts

Response Posted - 01/21/2011 : 11:09:25

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Tomas Kruska
 Very expensive ... maybe more than to install holding tank with macerator.
Also you have to buy that carriers - paper baskets where you put your poo into.
What do you do when you miss the target?

But interresting idea, thanks for sharing.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

About the same cost as installing a quality standard head system with pump. But you have zero plumbing, you save a ton of storage space (no holding tank), near zero maintenance, and zero odor and sloshing sounds. The "carriers" you mention are just coffee filters, hardly expensive, and they're optional. We don't use them. Zero mess ( all you have to do is open the "flush"). Pretty much impossible to miss target unless your outflow pipe is located in a non-human position... ;)

We cary a spray bottle and give a quick mist after liquid use. Uses far less water than a traditional head flush. BTW, this works for traditional heads too. Saves a lot of volume in your holding tank.

Edited by - on

Ryan L
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
230 Posts

Response Posted - 01/21/2011 : 11:15:48

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by OLarryR
 I never heard of this type of head before and so I looked up the specs, etc on it. Seems there are a number of distributors out there selling this basic unit which apparently targets the marine community. Here is one of a number links to find more info on it. The unit is pricey with at least the link below indicating $969.00, but it does sound like something to consider especially for those spending frequent overnighters on their boats. Thanks for sharing info on your installation.

http://www.airheadtoilet.com/howitworks.html

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

You're welcome. Regarding price, if I already had an adequately functioning traditional head installed then I probably would just begrudgingly continue to use that rather than purchase a new composting head. Our boat only had the porti. I've spent enough time over the years fixing marine heads to know I'm over it. The composting head seemed like a workable solution. So far it has exceeded our expectations to the point where we find it to be an even easier more functional solution than a standard head (in our opinion). It's still relatively new so we'll see over time...

BTW, we use it constantly. While in the slip, underway, etc. Still haven't needed to dump it yet (other than occasionally the urine bottle).

Edited by - on

Ryan L
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
230 Posts

Response Posted - 01/21/2011 : 11:20:44

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by redviking
 Nicely done Ryan L!!! For those who haven't heard of composting toilets for marine use, it is a VERY viable option to frequent pumpouts, clogged hoses and valves, and limited holding capability. Yes, sailors are cheap - frugal isn't even in the ballpark - so cheap that they are technically often pennywise and pound foolish. I was just onboard a Passport 50 wherein the couple and their 4th grade kid were installing 2 composting toilets because of the aforementioned reasons.

Much like the real marine head vs. porta pottie argument, "the oh geez, do I have to dump poo?" argument for this type of system falls short. Yes, hoses and a macerator and a holding tank are cheaper - hmmm... recalculating - perhaps not in the long run. And then there is the hassle factor. I'm seriously considering going composting too, although I really love that whishing sound when I open the seacock 3 miles out...

sten
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

The cool thing is that you really don't have to dump poo. It's more like dumping dirt. In fact, we plan to use it in our garden. It only has poo-like qualities for a day or so before the composting magic happens. Kinda cool.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3439 Posts

Response Posted - 01/21/2011 : 21:12:16

Maybe you can sell that poo for gardens. The National zoo sells zoo poo. So what do we call that stuff out of a marine composting head...something with a marketing flair like.....coastal poo ?

Edited by - on

skybird
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
135 Posts

Response Posted - 01/21/2011 : 21:50:58

How about "Nautipoo"

Edited by - on

Ryan L
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
230 Posts

Response Posted - 01/21/2011 : 22:18:02

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by skybird
 How about "Nautipoo"

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Shipoo?

Edited by - on

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2011 : 05:26:21

I would be worried about using humanure in a garden that will produce food due the the harmful pathogens which could still be present.

sten

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3439 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2011 : 07:41:12

Nautipoo - I like the sound of that !!

Giving it some thought regarding using humanure in a garden and pathogens......I am not sure what they do to the zoo poo...maybe they treat it with something before they sell t. I will have to check out the Natl Zoo website and see if they have anything on it and if they do...I'll report back on it. I don't think we have to do a full blown investigation on this - No need for us to delve into different humanure from east coast to west coast or...let's say the different densities of it and how that factors into it's use in a garden ? Seems like in this case - TMI

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3439 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2011 : 08:07:40

The Natl Zoo did not have a good reference for the zoo poo but here is a link from another zoo with some info. It does not seem they do much of anything but mix it with hay (instead of the composting with the head using peat moss).

http://www.thestate.com/2010/04/28/1262772/zoo-wants-to-be-no-1-in-no-2.html

Edited by - on

Ryan L
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
230 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2011 : 09:54:14

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by redviking
 I would be worried about using humanure in a garden that will produce food due the the harmful pathogens which could still be present.

sten
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

If I understand correctly given enough time the composting process "kills" the harmful pathogens (as much as you can "kill" a virus). The fecal matter becomes completely dehydrated, broken into tiny bits, aerated, and is then left for a while in that state. I know some pathogens can survive for a while (even a few weeks) in unfriendly environment so our plan is to allow the stuff to compost for a while in a bin before we use it on a garden. We're not overly concerned about it. It's not waste coming from the municipal sewer, we have a pretty good idea of the source... ;)

BUT if someone here is an expert on this stuff we're certainly open to learning more!

Edited by - on

islander
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
4018 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2011 : 18:17:46

Expert well....We use human composted waste in the production of manufactured top soil. This is not new technology, Every water treatment plant does this on a larger scale separating the liquid from the solids until you end up with what your little head produces, A dry or semi dry material like in the picture. It is then trucked to a landfill or can be used in manufactured top soil. It is OK for use in landscaping projects but not for gardens where food crops are to be grown. Bottom line is I wouldn't grow my tomato's in it. The difference is that our diet is not the same as a cow or horse.

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 01/23/2011 : 09:53:59

I think I'd rather spend $120 on a 5 gal. Port-Potti and put the other $800 into a new sail. But, I'm a lake sailor who only had to empty the 2.5 gal. tank on Recess twice this past sailing season, into the toilet at our marina. Not bad, so for now, our facility is quite satisfactory. If I was able to use our boat daily like some of you do, or take a long trip with it, I might feel differently.

Edited by - on

Ryan L
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
230 Posts

Response Posted - 01/23/2011 : 12:18:47

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by islander
 Expert well....We use human composted waste in the production of manufactured top soil. This is not new technology, Every water treatment plant does this on a larger scale separating the liquid from the solids until you end up with what your little head produces, A dry or semi dry material like in the picture. It is then trucked to a landfill or can be used in manufactured top soil. It is OK for use in landscaping projects but not for gardens where food crops are to be grown. Bottom line is I wouldn't grow my tomato's in it. The difference is that our diet is not the same as a cow or horse.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Roger that, thanks for the insight. Either way I like the idea far better than just flushing it away (with all associated stink and bother)

Edited by - on

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 01/24/2011 : 07:21:49

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by dmpilc
 I think I'd rather spend $120 on a 5 gal. Port-Potti and put the other $800 into a new sail. But, I'm a lake sailor who only had to empty the 2.5 gal. tank on Recess twice this past sailing season, into the toilet at our marina. Not bad, so for now, our facility is quite satisfactory. If I was able to use our boat daily like some of you do, or take a long trip with it, I might feel differently.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

You must be single.

I learned a long time ago that if you want women to go sailing with you, that you must provide all the comforts of home while afloat. On my C25 I had a Thetford porta with electric flush.

Chicks liked that as well as the convenient pressure water system with a faucet that worked just like the one in my house. A couple of extra mirrors and a toothbrush holder rounded out the program. Cold bevs at sunset, a gourmet breakfast everyday and um, a place to poop = cruising wife. They can't help themselves, they will love the boat and will actually propose to you.

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Djibouti
9075 Posts

Response Posted - 01/24/2011 : 07:32:19

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by dmpilc
 ...only had to empty the 2.5 gal. tank on Recess twice this past sailing season, into the toilet at our marina...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Better not try that in the marinas around here. Some have outdoor stations for the purpose, with hoses, but virtually none allow porta-potti dumping in their bathrooms.

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 01/25/2011 : 09:45:36

Well, I am married and she does go sailing with me. After 30 plus years of C-22 sailing, the admiral is okay with the current porta-potti set-up and extra room and real curtain on the C-25. Admittedly, virtually all of our sailing together so far has been short day sailing. She has sleep apnia and sleeps with a breathing machine. Since we have not yet come up with a good way to power that device all night long away from shore power, we have not yet done any overnighting on the boat. I've got a 1k generator, but we have not tried it on the boat yet. In reality, the porta-potti really doesn't get that much use, which is why I've had to empty it only twice last season.

Edited by - on

Topic

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Jump To:

Association Forum

Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.