How long to keep "stuff" in porta potty

[tjinca1]

I assume there are chemicals I can buy at a marine shop to put in the porta pottie (the small one MacGregor installs with the boat). Do those chemicals allow you to keep the pee (NO deuces in the boat!) in the toilet for several trips, so I don't have to empty every time it's used?

Or does anyone have any better suggestions? I tried just not using it, but that makes for less beer drinking!

Is there a head that can be installed on a MacGregor that has a holding tank?

Thanks for the help...

[DLT]

The longer it says in there, the worse its gonna smell when it comes out...

[johnnyonspot]

I just buy that stuff at walmart, along with the special toilet paper that dissolves rapidly. I imagine it is significantly cheaper than at a marine store.

[kziadie]

Its a good idea to dump and recharge the potty after each trip, especially if you live in a hot climate. Once you get the hang of it and mentally accept the task it really is no big deal. If you have the standard 2.8 gallon model, you probably will want it empty when you head out anyway as the capacity is somewhat limited.

West Marine and most other stores carry the chemicals.

Kelly

[Frank C]

Not disputing that it's a good idea, but I don't. I have the 5-gal Thetford, and I usually sail alone. Yes, that means it's even more disgusting when I finally get to it, but I always procrastinate potti-dumping. Whenever I'm feeling guilty, I add a small shot of blue stuff and rinse-flush it again.

Holiday weekend coming up with a favorite (former) lady friend, so it will get the overhaul prior to that.

[kziadie]

Been thinking of upgrading to the 5 gallon but havent gotten to it, not too keen about lugging the the weight of a full 5 gallon tank to the bathroom/pumpout. On the other hand my crew usually consists of the admiral, my daughter and her best friend. 3 females usually equals full potty so I dont really have a choice in the matter of how often to empty.

I have noticed in the past when I lived in the caribbean that is really necessary to empty it regularly. There have been a few times that I forgot and it in turn was an unforgettable experience. On the other hand, on my Mac which has only been in Maryland it hasnt been too bad when I have not been prompt so I really think heat and humidity play a big part in it.

Kelly

[Boblee]

The additive we use seems to have everything dissolved fairly well and doesn't seem to smell that bad, will have a look at what the brand is tomorrow.

[Terry]

I tried just not using it, but that makes for less beer drinking

I gotta wonder about any male that uses the pottie for beer recycle. Is there some reason you cannot use a wide mouth plastic bottle, I have a 1 litre gatorade bottle I use, no problemo. The pottie is for the ladies to tinkle in, real men don't use it for that. I can empty & rinse my bottle in seconds.
Some peoples' kids

[tjinca1]

Sorry, the opening in the gatorade bottle isn't wide enough for me.

[DLT]

I can empty & rinse my bottle in seconds

Just exactly where/how do you rinse? Surely, you're not putting that nasty thing in the sink where people wash their hands... If you're putting it someplace else (to rinse) then...

[aya16]

I too will use the wide mouth bottle or if the wind is right.... I feel that Dolphins pee in the ocean why cant I. Lady's use the porta. Mine is five gallons and if that sucker gets full weighs a ton and is awkward. So now
I will empty after a couple uses.

Frank tell us more about the week end sail you have coming up???

Im really starting to think about the electric flush porta that can be pumped out. The dock where I launch has a pump out right there.
I hate walking the porta through the cabin when its full. I imagine a
hazardous waist spill.

[Idle Time]

Some of the larger porta potties can be rigged for pumpout....no lugging a full potty thru the boat or up a long ramp.......but wouldnt be practical for someone without a pumpout handy.....many of the fuel docks have them.

[DLT]

That, and the small head size, is why I'm quite happy with the 2.8 gallon size.

It ain't light when full, but its gotta be a whole better than another couple gallons of waste...

I thought about going with a more permanent builtin system, but then your stuck with pumping out.

Then, I thought about the combo porta-potties that have the pump out connections. Initially, that looked like the best of both worlds. But, on further reflection, I think its probably the worst of both... Once you install all the plumbing and venting, you don't really want to have to disconnect all that - as "you know what" is in there. Also, adding more connections, just increases your chances of leakage...

No, I'll stick with my 2.8 gallon porta-pottie. I may, however, look into a second holding tank... You don't need a bigger rinse/water tank. After all, if you run low, your surrounded by water...

[ZANDRAMADAS]

i got the 5 galleon combo, disconect and pump out version (factory). Both have worked well. Well is a term used sparingly in a not so nice but needful job....it could be worse...The admiral wears the thong bikini, i empty the potty....i got no complaints. LOL. beats sailing alone.

[Moe]

Here's another vote for the 2.8 gallon size, with a spare 2.8 gallon bottom if necessary. And another testimony about how effective "the jug" is, in our case, doubling the number of days/nights use (I drink a lot).

We've also decided if Ontario can't accept our unplumbed SaniPottie, we just won't visit there. There are other places to go.

Another tip: Urine and Thetford AquaKem smells far worse than urine by itself. AquaKem also contains formaldehyde, tough on septic systems. Look for Odorlos chemicals.