How long to keep "stuff" in porta potty

James V · Post by **James V** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 8:35 pm

I have found that some pressure builds up in my potty, no vent. This is usualy daily or less. I cannot even think of leaving it in the boat for a long time without me being there. When I am in the boat it gets emptyed when 1/2 full. I use the powered stuff from west marine and I have not oders.

I do recommend emptying often and wash out when leaving the boat for some time.

kziadie · Post by **kziadie** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 9:51 pm

I have had issues with pressure as well, especially in the summer months. I believe I read somewhere that somebody actually had a ruptured tank once from pressure.

To take what Moe said one step further, stay away from the chemicals that have formaldehyde, it smells awful and if you are out for an extended period and have to dump in the water it is not very environmently friendly.

Kelly

Highlander · Post by **Highlander** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 10:13 pm

Well I use one of these liquid laundry 1 gallon jugs has a 3 inch or larger opening so you cant miss

and holds alot of recyled beer dump it over board & the fish just keel over think they like my scotch beer chaser

but with the boat being drydocked so long for mods completion it has not been used for a while

but this wk-end looks good for a wet hull

albion · Post by **albion** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 10:17 pm

Dont buy the paper or chemicals from a boat store you will get ripped off. Get it from Kmart, Walmart etc. Or a camping store.Oh and dont wait till the flies dont wont to be too close to the potty before you empty it.

opie · Post by **opie** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 4:45 am

I hafta' say that my kid wanted to do a science project one time about calculating all the #1 that goes into the ocean at a crowded Myrtle Beach in SC. She figured, 200,000 folks at 10 oz/per at 4 times = 62,500 gallons per day. She got to watching and counting the people that walked waist-deep into the surf and smiled and then came back out.

Catigale · Post by **Catigale** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 4:46 am

Im still storing some of my best work from last year....

Worst potty story I ever heard was my racing buddies J35 - he had bladder holding tank, which, you guessed it, got frozen in an early winter one year, split, and dumped into the bilge unbeknownst to him

..and of course, spring was hot, and it was three weeks before he got to the boat to discover this...

Viva la 'boat in the driveway at home'

Mark Karagianis · Post by **Mark Karagianis** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 1:36 pm

My 2 cents worth - Stay with the small porta-potti. Use the West Marine sanitizer in the flush tank, but only put in one gallon of water. Even if 5 people use the head (and the most we have ever had use the head in a long day sail is 3) most people hardly use any flush water. Guys pee out bow or stern. So at the end of the day the unit is light. Open the pull valve SLOWLY (with the lid down, could be pressurized!) to make sure any residue (ugh) is fully in the tank. Then when you lift it up there won't be any HAZMAT spill.

But the real story here is - Frank, tell us about your upcoming sail with your lady friend!

Frank C · Post by **Frank C** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 2:06 pm

Not much to tell ... Nancy, a very close, short-term friend of ten years ago, moved to another State (following her daughter). Back here for several days to visit her son & his in-laws ... and asked if we could get in a day on the boat.

Unsure how much time will be available for boating, but the porta-potty will be clean & empty, and the boat clean & neat.

Edit: hmmm ... I see from the following 3 posts, in stunningly rapid successtion, that either my conotation was clearly misleading, OR some of you married guys are trying to live vicariously~!

I HOPE we can spend an entire day sailing, but the Son and In-laws will definitely be important priorities.
Beyond that, this post already has TMI ...

Edit Again: hmmm ... unintendedly grim comment above required a smilie. Thx team ... she IS a hottie IMO, and I'm hoping we DO get a day on the water!

kziadie · Post by **kziadie** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 2:14 pm

Unsure how much time will be available for boating

Wha cha going to be doing all day then?

DLT · Post by **DLT** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 2:18 pm

A gentleman never tells...

Ohh, wait, I forgot we're talking about Frank!

Just kidding Frank...

ZANDRAMADAS · Post by **ZANDRAMADAS** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 2:28 pm

If the bell is a tolling, keep on strolling...

Captain Kimo · Post by **Captain Kimo** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 3:46 pm

I opted for the 5 gallon Port-A-Potties holding tank. The 2 1/2 gallon for back up. Found the larger holding tank necessary for week long sails on Lake Mead. However the Park Service does have moored floating barge Outhouses/Pump out Stations at many of the major coves like Middle Point, Hamble Bay, and Shallow Bay. Also at all the marina fuel docks, but they would prefer the big houseboats with their large fuel purchases rather than the

or

and their small fuel purchases to use their facilities. However, never had them refused.

Purchased hospital type male plastic urinal bottles with the attached sealing cap. Works best at night, so us old farts with weak bladders don't have to get up from our berths, turn lights on, or worst yet stumble around in the dark to the cockpit and wake everyone else onboard. Empty over the side in the morning and rinse with lake water using the attached line.

Also use the NON -formaldehyde liquid in the holding tank and the marine toilet paper.

One trick I remember from my chemistry laboratory efforts of long ago, is the use of a "water trap". After flushing, end up by pumping a little more water on top of the holding tank slide. Helps keep the oder in the lower holding tank, and the holding tank rubber gasket from drying up and cracking in the high desert summer heat, especially during storage periods.

daver360 · Post by **daver360** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 5:59 pm

Funny subject! Hey don't let the porta pottie keep you from having your favorite brews, and maybe a few more. If your out in the bay, lift the back seat access open and hold on and go out the back. If your in a place with maybe a few other boats then go in a smaller bucket. My porta is for FEMALES ONLY!!! Not unless your docked. Even when your having a party on your boat, its amazing how fast that 5 gallons will fill up. So I keep a small bucket for the guys that are too shy to go out the back. And the ladies of course use the portta!!!

Rolf · Post by **Rolf** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 9:57 pm

Some advice--

Longer time till empty means more disgusting, but don't empty for at least 4days up to 2 weeks. This gives the chemicals a chance to break down the paper and other unmentionables. Otherwise be prepared for some gross splashing(hint- empty slow and keep flushing!!!)!
R

Catigale · Post by **Catigale** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 3:14 am

Re Frank - anyone who will dust off a sick traveller and make sure he gets to a hotel passes the gentleman test imho..

MacGregorSailors.com

MacGregorSailors.com

How long to keep "stuff" in porta potty

potty

speaking of beer drinking!