Installing a Marine Head
Installing a Marine Head
Anyone install a Marine Head in a Mac 26 M? I wonder if I should just keep the porta potty or upgrade to something else. Any thoughts? Tasha
- yukonbob
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Re: Installing a Marine Head
We've been throwing this idea around for the last year or so. Installing a manual marine head and a 10-15g poly tank under the starboard V berth and mounting the macerate pump just under the step for the head but still accessible from the forward compartment and running the pump out up inside the head compartment and the raw water intake somewhere by the tank. It's a bit of a job and using the 2.5g porta pottie has really not been an issue. Either way we still keep all paper products out of the tank and empty every chance we get. I definitely wouldn't consider the 5g pp as it would be a pain to drag that out of the boat and up the ramp.
- NiceAft
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Re: Installing a Marine Head
I have the five gallon porta pottie, and it has not been any inconvenience for the eleven seasons I have had it.
Since I intend to take the boat to Canada in 2017, I am in the midst of turning my Sanipottie into one that can handle being pumped out. If not for that, the 5 gallon Sanipottie has served us well, just as it is.
I use this product, and it works well. We do not have any odor problem.
Ray

P.S. What kind of sailing do you intend on doing? How long will you be going out? Where will you be sailing?
Since I intend to take the boat to Canada in 2017, I am in the midst of turning my Sanipottie into one that can handle being pumped out. If not for that, the 5 gallon Sanipottie has served us well, just as it is.
I use this product, and it works well. We do not have any odor problem.
Ray

P.S. What kind of sailing do you intend on doing? How long will you be going out? Where will you be sailing?
- Highlander
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Re: Installing a Marine Head
The 5 gal sanipotti msd gives you the best of both worlds big enough for a extend trips & if you are not able to find a marine pump out u can just unscrew the vent & pump out hoses install the 2 caps & carry it to a reg washroom for dumping
J
J
- Bobglas
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Re: Installing a Marine Head
Nature's Head replaced our 5 gal MSD porta pottie. Life's been good since. 
Re: Installing a Marine Head
Thank you! Very good tips. I think we will stick with the porta potty and try that a few seasons. I will get some of the product mentioned to keep down on the smells. Tasha
- Tomfoolery
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Re: Installing a Marine Head
I replaced the old Porta-Potti that was in the boat with the MSD version of the same unit, and added pump-out and vent fittings to the deck and hull, respectively. The reason I did that, aside from the split in the bottom tank (ewwww
) was because Ontario Province doesn't recognize or allow PP's in their waters, and require marine sanitation devices (MSD) instead. I've never actually pumped it out, but by disconnecting the hoses and capping the connections, it can be carried. Just don't tell the marine authorities in Ontario that you can do that, as there's some language in the rule about it not being 'convertible', or something like that. If challenged, I'll plead Yankee ignorance. And that it's an MSD with pump-out, so I though I was in compliance.
You should add a location or sailing waters to your profile so folks can tailor their responses to particulars that may apply.
You should add a location or sailing waters to your profile so folks can tailor their responses to particulars that may apply.
- Highlander
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Re: Installing a Marine Head
Tom
Just tell them you r a new imergrant & just got off the boat
Works for me every time
J
Just tell them you r a new imergrant & just got off the boat
Works for me every time
J
- Tomfoolery
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Re: Installing a Marine Head
If I speak 'merican, maybe they'll believe me. 
Soooo, how's about them Mets?
Soooo, how's about them Mets?
- Herschel
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Re: Installing a Marine Head
My PO installed an electric marine toilet with a 15 gallon holding tank on my '98 26X. The pump out is on deck on the starboard side just under where my jib sheet and main halyard run. The water intake valve is a thru hull located on the starboard side under the dinette area accessible under the rear dinette seat. Macerator is located there as well. Some issues have developed over the years that I have used this system that may be helpful to those thinking of a similar system. First, the through hull valve begin to leak when the valve was open and I was motoring at any speed, so that meant I had to open and close the through hull every time I flushed the toilet, if I was underway and motoring. So, I just shut the valve and noticed that I could pump from my freshwater tanks all the flushing water I needed right from the handset in the head compartment. That was hander than going in under the dinette to switch the intake valve especially if I was using the area in its "bed" configuration. Everything went along well for about 10 years; the pump out worked as planned and was convenient. Since the PO built the system for lake St. Clair it did not have a Y valve. A couple of years ago, though, the macerator stopped working. And that is where we stand at present. Sort of a #1 only system. My plan is to install a new toilet and macerator this coming summer when I hope to have enough time to get into the system and take it apart. I like the marine head; did the PP routine with a family of three small boys when I had a camper van in my younger years. Been there and have the "stained" T-shirt to prove it!Installing a manual marine head and a 10-15g poly tank under the starboard V berth and mounting the macerate pump just under the step for the head but still accessible from the forward compartment and running the pump out up inside the head compartment and the raw water intake somewhere by the tank.
- Ponaldpe
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Re: Installing a Marine Head
I have the pp that came with my 26M I am still undecided on pump out or a "C" head. I already know it dose not take long to tire of the PP. So please to all keep the post coming the more Info the better.
- NiceAft
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Re: Installing a Marine Head
Ponaldpe said:.
Working on twelve seasons, and not tired yet.
I know some can't say that, but I am glad I can.
Ray
I already know it dose not take long to tire of the PP.
Working on twelve seasons, and not tired yet.
Ray
- Highlander
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Re: Installing a Marine Head
Mmm RayNiceAft wrote:Ponaldpe said:.I already know it dose not take long to tire of the PP.
Working on twelve seasons, and not tired yet.I know some can't say that, but I am glad I can.
Ray
Not a lot of room in there for cheek to cheek situations or spooning unless ur a contortionist !!!!
Wonder what it,s called on a sailboat !! The High Heel Club !
Hope u got grab hold on safety bars in ur head like I do

Just Sayin thats all
Hold On Baby Yer Aint Seen Nothing Yet !!
J
- frede
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Re: Installing a Marine Head
I like the safety bars with the through bolts, seems to be much more secure than any I can find. Where can I get one for my new head? Here's the kind that comes up on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Moen-8732-Home-32 ... +stainless
-
C Buchs
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Re: Installing a Marine Head
I got this handle for above the swim ladder: http://www.amazon.com/Amarine-made-Poli ... ge_o04_s00 I think this will hold up on a boat better. This seller had others of different lengths.
Jeff
Jeff
