I have replaced the jabsco and holding tank toilet system with a new airhead composting toilet. Here are some photos to show the final product. I had to add a baseplate but decided that I wanted to be able to stow it when not in use. The vacuum cleaner is completely optional and I am going to find a block to take its place when I want to have the “foot plate” up for use. I used the original pump out hose as the vent tube and saved myself from having to drill any more holes in the boat. I used a Vetus mushroom vent as the cover for the vent and I had to order two through hull hose connectors to use the original pump out hose. I ran the electrical from the electrical panel to the vent fan that is in the through hull hose connector. I kind of find it funny that I have a toilet switch on the electrical panel.
Ok so it seems the pictures did not come through on this so I will give it some work.
Let us all know how it works out for you. I have heard many positive reviews but the real question is if everyone on board is happy and would you do it again.
Thanks Rob Powers 26C #50. Respite
We have had an Airhead for a number of years. We did not use the supplied 12V fan, but instead used a solar fan w/ battery on the Dorade over the shower. Your installation is much cleaner. I especially like the flip up foot rest. We use a folding step-stool. Your solution is much better.
The shorter members of the crew are not enamored with the Airhead - due to the need for the foot-stool. It makes a great urinal, being so tall.
No holding tank smell as long as you empty the fluids frequently - solids don’t really smell, as weird as that may seem.
lloyd herman
Rendezvous, 30U
Port Washington, NY
Thank you for your praise. I took a look at youtube and found someone who installed a composting head using the pump out as the vent. So far with the fan installed the old smell from the bathroom is gone and it now smells like anyplace else on the boat (a bit of diesel and oil mixed with a bit of mildew). Now I have to build a block to put under the foot rest instead of my hand held vac.
On Monday, August 31, 2015 at 8:26:47 PM UTC-5, Julie & Lloyd on Rendezvous wrote:
Super happy with mine! 5 years in and still happy.
I like the idea of using the pump-out as a vent but aren’t you concerned about water incursion when big waves hit and flow down to the deck drain or if you are dragging the rail? It seems that putting it up on the cabin top, while not immune might reduce the probability of a serious incursion. On my 30C, the now defunct water heater exhaust port is just begging to be switched to this purpose but now you have me thinking.
Not worried at all about water getting in there since the vetus mushroom vent screws all the way down and has a handy seal to make it water proof, I also used butle tape to bed the vent. In any kind of sailing other then taking people out for a nonqueezy less than 10 degree heel the boat vent is closed and hopefully remembered at the end of the trip.
Ah, I didn’t realize those vents closed up like that. I assume you removed the knob on the inside and can just screw it down from the outside?
tossed the knob out, didn’t need it for this application. easy to open or close from the vent outside
Hi Michael
I am curious to learn if you are still satisfied with the Air Head toilet system. Also, I would like to know where you sail and how you legally dispose of both urine waste and solid waste. Which model of Nonsuch do you have? From the photos it looks like a 30U. We just bought a 30U only to discover that the holding tank leaks. So a composting toilet might be the way to go for us.
thanks, in advance
Jim
very satisfied with the Airhead and yes I have a 30u. My port is South Shore Yacht club in Milwaukee and it sails in lake Michigan. As for the water waste, well not to be too crude about it but I use the standard live aboard method and use the sink, I’m fairly sure I am no more toxic to the water than the fish.
Mike
Thanks Michael. That works. One more question please? How long do you need to wait between, ahem, last solid deposit, and ‘dry’ waste disposal. In other words, how long does it take to complete a compost cycle?
cheers
It can take 80 or so “donations” in a season and in the off season you just cover it and let it do its thing. Then the next season you dump the now completed compost, I guess wherever you want, and start over. But I’m still learning so this is theory at this time
thanks for the info. certainly looks do-able.
Hi,
We’re not NS owners but do monitor this excellent group.
We have had an Airhead on our Cape Dory 31 for 2 years, taking extended (2 months) cruises both years. We have mixed feelings about the Airhead:
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For 2 full time live-aboards, the solids tank can top out quickly - about 3 weeks. You’ll have to find a place to dump the stuff and getting it out of the tank can require rubber gloves and a strong resolve. We often carry a few double bags of waste with us until we can either dump outside 3 miles or find a dumpster (possibly illegal in some jurisdictions)
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The screen in the vent hose can clog easily, leading to overly moist solids which can then leak stinky brown liquid out the tank crank handles, not fun,. It takes about half an hour to remove the hose and clean the dried peat moss off the screen. We do this every month or so.
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We plumbed our liquids tank directly to our large (28 gallon) holding tank, a nice feature . You’ll need a special, pricey glue (made for Starboard) to install the outlet on the plastic liquids tank. Use at least 3/4" ID hose and pour a pint of white vinegar in the tank every week or so to prevent chrystalization in the hoses and clogging.
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We keep a sprayer of vinegar in the head and spray the head bowl each time we use it. Prevents odors and also helps keep the hoses clear.
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Be advised that, as of last year, airhead does not have a satisfaction guarantee. They’re good about parts and advice, but will not give you a full refund if you don’t like the unit.
Maybe Google “airhead complaints” and look on Cruisers Forum, Sailnet, Catalina owners group and other sites for other reviews and problems with composers. They’re not for everyone.
Good luck
Jenn and Terry
Jennifer and Terry McAdams
Kearsarge, New Hampshire (HomeAway/VRBO listing #3534990)
Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia (Cottages in Canada listing # GL-10996)
Floating home: “Glissade”
jen1722terry@gmail.com
856-235-0738 (cell)
Very good, real-world review. Thanks much, Jenn & Terry.
Gary
Catspaw
N30U #362
Blaine, WA