MacGregorSailors.com

Hi Guys,

This season we are adding a porta potty to our boat which can be pumped out. I have a question about the install though. There is a 5/8 vent line which I am unsure where I should drill through the boat. The west marine salesman says out the side above the waterline. Do I need a vented loop on this hose?

Thanks for any help,

Kevin

Hi Kevin,

It sounds like your vent line simply vents the tank directly, right? If so, no need for a vented loop. Vented loops are run where water or waste-water flow from one place to another - like from the head to a holding tank, or from the head directly to the sea. The vent in the loop acts to break any suction and siphon action, keeping everything where it's meant to be. Without it, it's possible to backflow waste-water, empty a water-supply tank, or even sink some boats with an open seacock.

It sounds like in your case, you're just venting an all-in-one porta-pottie-type tank - so no vented loop necessary - if the vent outlet is kept higher than any-and-all water levels (uncluding seawater at all angles of heel). You will have an odor filter on this line, yes?

On Edit: BTW - Installing the vent line fitting either in the hull, well above the water line, or on the deck is fine. For the latter make sure the fitting doesn't allow water or debris to fall down into the vent line.

Cheers,
~Bob

On the at least, my dealer put the vent starboard side, just below the window..might have a picture or two somewhere.

No loop required as noted above.

thanks for the help

I found a picture of my fittings. The vent is small so I added labels.



I hope this helps!

Consider that if you add a permanant waste tank, the only way to empty is with a pumpout.

For me I will never give up the ability to dump for free at any toilet.

Interesting, I have never paid to pump my head, granted I have only used four pumps but all were free. I do see the point that a pump system might be broken, I once had to backtrack in Newport Harbor <CA> to get to a working pump.

If they want cleanm waters, all pumpouts should be free. In New York, if you change motor oil you have to accept used motor oil. It should be the same with marina pumpouts.
Some marinas charge $5.00 for pumpout. People who have MSD toilets with 5 gallon or less capacity get no discount. I've even seen one marina charging 5.00 to empty a porta pottie-that's ridiculous! Other marinas will pumpout free but only if you buy gas.
What does it cost them to operate a pumpout anyway??

You'll hear me repeat this over and over. Macgregor (to me) is all about avoiding marina dependance. No requirement for a slip, expensive haulouts, overpriced gas, mast services, bottom painting, motor service (motor independance is one reason I don't like the X or M) or pumpouts. I've done marina dependance with a 35 foot powerboat- never again!

My macerator Mod on my was a great addition to my PortaPotty for Cape sailing. Once you are 3 miles offshore, you open a valve, push a button and empty the nasties. I only do this once on our 5-7 days trips mid week since my girls are good about using shore facilities and also minimising water use in the head...just to rinse the bowl. If you open the valve before you do your business on a PP, you need less water to 'flush' if you will.

I object to Catigale posting in the same thread as Kelly Hanson East. I get confused easily

Rick