We have had the installation of a composting/dry head on our boat project list for quite some time. When we moved to our permanent marina in November, we started being charged $135 per month for a mandatory weekly pump out for liveaboards. This fee caused us to move the composting head up on the priority list so we could stop paying this fee. Sanitation Engineer Erik and his trusty one armed assistant got to work. We chose the airhead toilet since it was the one that would fit the best. This is the “before” picture of our head.
We then did a final pump out. This is a task we will not miss at all!
Then it was time to remove the old head. We started with running the wire and hose for the exhaust fan, which required the use of a fish tape and hole saw to get the wires in place and hose run. We installed the exhaust fan in the port locker in the cockpit.
The space for the toilet had a ledge that needed to be widened to fit the new head. We removed the old hardware, cleaned the space, then put together a template for a new starboard platform. Off to TAP plastics in the Seattle area, who made us the platform for a great price and on the spot while we waited. After installing the new hardware, we were ready to put in the new head.
The new head fits quite well in the space, still leaving enough room to shower.
After hydrating the coconut coir and adding to the solids tank, we were ready for the final triumphant task of removing the old smelly holding tank and sending it to it’s new home in the marina dumpster. I will spare you pictures of this less than pleasant and totally smelly part of the project. We happily christened the head the following morning. So far we are really happy we did this project. Not only does it not smell, but we are saving $135 a month on pump out fees and just gained a lot of storage space where the old holding tank was. Yay!!!
3 Comments
Nancy · February 15, 2021 at 2:28 am
Marvelous!
Kevin · February 19, 2021 at 3:11 pm
Hi guys,
Let me try to send you this link:
https://theboatgalley.com/composting-toilet-tips/
You may have to cut and paste it into your search engine.
This website came as her book “The Boat Galley Cookbook” took off.
They are full of creative solutions, one of which is compost toilets tricks.
May you never be bothered with gnats, but I was one season (only once).
I did reduce the amount of moistness in the coir, and added a sprinkling of diatomaceous earth (cheap at garden or HD). Carolyn offers some other hints but neither of us are ever going back to the pump out routine.
You are looking good up there, experiencing four seasons, that’s for sure.
Come visit Denver again when it’s safe. I be back there in May.
Hope that diesel heater is up to the task, and keep safe,
Kev
Karen · February 20, 2021 at 5:13 am
Great link, thanks for sending, we have already used some tips. Looking forward to when we can get the vaccine and travel again. Would love to come visit.
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