bartmac wrote:.....The compost question means that yes the last addition needs to compost out before its safe....
How long does it take for the composting process to take place? For how long would we have to go back to using the Double Doodie bags before the composting toilet could be emptied?
I think you could empty it into a lidded bucket and start using the airhead straight away but the time taken for it to compost completely will depend on ambient temp and moisture content.I found even though we had used the airhead only 2 weeks prior the contents was not smelly,but rather a sweet compost smell just like our garden compost heap.Caution would have to be exercised with the contents if not composted all the way.We will not be using it on our garden but rather saving it for in the bottom of planting holes for trees and bushes.
Most other vessels around where we are have extremely expensive...alot more than the airhead...toilet systems,and the need to pump them out and the addition of chemicals to control odour all adds up to problems,not to mention the need for additional water for flushing.The contents of most of those systems are toxic to septic systems not allowing us to empty at home.
bart - i agree that the solution is a great one, just too hefty a starting price for an overnighter...if i use it...let's say 25 times a year (every other weekend), that's $40 per day in one year, or $4.00 per day over ten years...just kinda hard to justify along with the constant power usage and all that - but if we were going to be cruisers like Sumner (or magnetic or others who live aboard a lot of the time) then i can definitely see it as a worthwhile investment! No argument from me on that, just not worth it for what I'm doing... Now the bags - that might be much easier to deal with, cuz they just get thrown out with the trash when we get back after our overnight...
bartmac wrote:I think you could empty it into a lidded bucket and start using the airhead straight away
I think what Sum's thinking about is when he gets back from cruising and is ready to pack up the boat and head back to Utah (or wherever)...and won't have the composting toilet working for a period of time. He'll likely be on the water right up to the time they pull the boat out and pack up to go home - so how long in advance on the water would he have to stop using it to allow the last of the "stuff" to compost so it's safe to take off the boat?
I'm not sure of the total spend for your boat but any way you look at it the "head" solution is actually a very small % of the total.We are setting up to travel with our boat for extended times(hope!!!)My biggest beef with portapottis and the like is sleeping with the smell.The composting process is something that requires no attention other than the making sure the initial moisture contents is right...and then its just left to do its thing and only requires emptying when full or convenient.Our first empty was 4 months after installation with intermittent usage in motorhome.(Our weather patterns have been that bad we've not used our boat since Easter....Motor failure,floods,cyclones,floods and modifications & repairs)Each to thier own but seems to us to be a good solution.....and much more important its more than acceptable to my wife
Catigale wrote:Im replacing the PP this season with a china bowl Dometic with 10 gallon holding tank
I've been thinking about the same project too. Have you spec'd out the parts yet? Bowl, tank- poly or bag, tank location?
This model caught my eye, but would require modification of bottom of door opening lip to fit given dimensions, plus it would take up most of the floor space of the head. LINK
Edit:
Just measured the boat using the manufacturers specs and it looks to be not much bigger than the Porta-Potty, and can even be turned perpendicular to be used feet-out-the-door.
