We have had an Airhead on our 30U since 2010 (just pulled our receipt - 2/22/10 purchase for $1004, including shipping). We needed to build a small platform to give us a stable base to mount the unit, and have carried a small step-stool to make it easier for those who are height challenged to use the unit. We vented the unit through the Dorado box over the shower, putting a solar fan on the box instead of hard-wiring the pancake fan that the unit came with. We removed the pancake fan so it did not hinder airflow. This winter I am going to drill a hole through the wall between shower and head to run the exhaust hose through the wall and get it out of the way. (I considered running PVC piping, but decided there would be too many hard turns that would decrease the airflow too much - if anyone knows better, I would love to hear from you.)
We created an instruction plaque that mounts exactly where the WC plaque mounted. Even printed it on green paper to match the old WC plaque and then sealed it in plastic. I can share if anyone is interested.
With two people aboard, we need to empty the fluids container every other day. If the wind is real brisk, we try not to sail with the tank more than 1/2 filled (it will leak otherwise while heeled over hard). Leakage was a big problem, corrected for the most part by a new spring Airhead sent us. Seals much better.
When we removed the old WC, tank and pump, We also removed 47 hose clamps. While I never really worried about them, I was shocked by the number of clamps and the potential for a problem. We also removed the smelly hoses and tank. The Airhead only smells if you leave the liquids go too long before emptying - do it at least once a week when it is hot out. It is the liquids that tend to smell, not the solids which dry out fairly quickly.
Last summer while on a week long cruise, we broke the hinges on the toilet seat. Not something I thought to carry a spare of. It is a marine seat, which is smaller that a home seat. Fortunately, I found a home seat at a hardware store with identical hinges, swapped the hinges and tossed the brand new seat and lid (seemed very wasteful tossing it, but what else was I to do with it). The cruise could continue.
We freed up considerable space - enough for a few cases of beer, or I suppose batteries, but beer is more fun.
I have pictures if anyone wants to see.
lloyd herman
Rendezvous, 30U
Port Washington, NY
