cutting into the "step" on 26M to mount our Nature's Head

[KootsChewt]

We bought a Nature's Head a month ago and have installed it temporarily on top of the "step" inside the head. However, I'm the only one who can really use it comfortably, my wife and kids need to have a step to get up onto the toilet and keep their legs from dangling. We have contemplated moving it down onto the floor in front of that step, but ultimately would prefer to keep all of the bathroom stuff inside the head if possible (we don't need the privacy in our family yet, but probably will as the kids get older, and if we have friends/other family onboard).

So we have also contemplated cutting a chunk of the "step" out of the hull liner and mounting the toilet to a piece of plywood (braced against the backside of the hull). The area under the step is completely hollow, and we don't use it for storage. I see someone in Alberta did this several years ago (see post from Hugh here http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/v ... g&start=75). In speaking with Hugh (email), that wasn't the install in his boat, it was someone else he knew, and he noted anecdotally that he had heard there may be some structural purpose to the step. Later in the same thread (pg 9 http://www.macgregorsailors.com/forum/v ... &start=120), RyeNaught posted a reply from Cheryl of BWY saying that area could be cut away. I've searched quite a bit, and can't find anything more on the topic, so I'm hoping this thread finds someone who has done it (or similar).

PS - we've used the toilet for a month now, two overnight trips and a number of daytrips. The solids side is not smelling at all, and we do not have ventilation hooked up yet. We are planning to mount the vent to the starboard window in the head, and wire an inline switch for the fan, as I don't think it will need to be on all the time. Planning also to hook up a 'wye' at the vent, plumb a few valves on, and run the NH to one branch of the wye, then a regular 12V fan to the other branch of the wye. When on the boat regularly using the NH, will have only the NH fan on, then do the opposite when we are off the boat (valves would be closed/open as appropriate to keep fan from just blowing NH air into the v-berth!). Anyone else plumbed more then one fan into one vent? Thoughts?

[Québec 1]

http://www.macgregorsailors.com/modt/in ... ?view=1932

[ris]

If you plan to sell your boat at some point it is always better to not do something to permanently alter the boats structure. We all make mods just keep in mind this might hurt the resale value.

[Y.B.Normal]

I installed my NH a number of years ago. Build a step for it, don't cut out the fiberglass. As per the previous post, it may effect resale, plus it's a pita to do. As to a vent, I installed a closable mushroom vent installed in the starboard forward window and used the NH computer fan in-line, however, I found that the vent works well with out the fan operating.
The Admiral is very happy with the NH.

[eodjedi]

Personally I think the mod looks great. I don't see how it would hurt the resale value if done well. It's not altering the structure as far as I can tell. If it was really a problem, some glass work to repair the hole wouldn't be that difficult. I would think putting in a natures head is such a massive improvement over the stock porta potty (I hate that thing with a passion) that a potential buyer would see it as a major plus. Again it needs to be done well. Just my 2 cents.

[Phil M]

Put a temporary piece of foam on the floor for their feet which can be removed or set aside when not needed.
As far as privacy goes, remove that clunky door and hang a curtain across to the port side using Velcro. The curtain can be easily bundled up and moved back.

[KootsChewt]

Probably will leave the toilet mounted above for now. As it turns out, I cut through the fibreglass today under the dinette to install a second distribution panel and a flush-mount USB charger, and having that experience now, I'm not sure I would know how to finish an edge that remains exposed (like in the case of cutting out a chunk to install the toilet lower), and as Eodjedi notes, it would be important to do a good job on such a mod.

We do have a storage container that is acting as a step-stool right now, but it is a bit big, so we'll look for something smaller. Thanks for your replies!

Note that I haven't heard anyone's thoughts on hooking two different powered vents to the same external opening - if you have experience here, please chime in