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Marine Toilet Holding Tank Capacity and Installation

Marine Toilet Holding Tank Capacity and Installation Considerations

Optimize boat waste management! Learn to choose the tank capacity, ensure proper installation. Discover Modiwell portable toilets for easy, odor-free solutions.

Life on a boat offers the irresistible call of the ocean and sky, but it also comes with practical challenges, like waste management. You've probably thought about what size holding tank to get or where to put it. These choices aren't just technical; they directly affect your comfort, whether you follow boating rules, and how well you protect our valuable marine environment.

How to Choose Marine Toilet Holding Tank Capacity?

Choosing the right marine toilet holding tank capacity requires a combination of factors to ensure it meets your actual needs.

Based on the size of the boat and the people using it

The size of the boat is one of the key factors in determining the tank capacity:

  • Boats under 30 feet: Tank capacity is usually 12-20 gallons (about 45-75 liters).
  • Boats 30-35 feet: Capacity is 20-30 gallons (about 75-115 liters).
  • 35-40 foot boats: at least 30 gallons (about 115 liters).
  • 40 foot boats: at least 40 gallons (about 150 liters).

Beyond just boat size, how people use the toilet on board is also key. Women typically use the toilet more often than men, and they use about five times more toilet paper. Children's usage falls somewhere in between. Plus, individual drinking habits and how much liquid our bodies process can vary, even by season. So, to figure out the right holding tank size, you'll need to consider the gender, age, and habits of everyone on board for a more accurate estimate.The type of toilet and frequency of use also need to be considered when choosing the size of the tank, which are briefly outlined in our ultimate guide to marine toilets.

Voyage duration and destination considerations

Is your sailing plan a quick day trip, a relaxed weekend, or a long ocean journey? Do you often sail in areas with easy access to pump-out facilities? Or will you be in remote waters for extended periods, concerned about a full holding tank forcing an early return from a no-discharge zone? For multi-day trips in these zones, ensure your tank capacity covers your planned time with extra room. For example, a small family on a weekend cruise should aim for at least 25-30 gallons (about 95-115 liters).

For small boats with very limited space, traditional marine toilet systems may not be suitable. In this case, the Modiwell portable toilet for boats has a compact design, does not require water, and is very simple to use. Users do not need to think too much and prepare enough special consumables to use it easily.

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Accurate capacity calculation formula

For a more accurate capacity calculation, the formula can be used:

V=fngtcp

Where:

– V is the volume of the sewage tank.

– f is the coefficient considering operating conditions.

– n is the number of people in the whole ship or cabin.

– g is the amount of sewage collected per person per day and night.

– tcp is the average berthing time of the ship or the maximum sailing time of the ship in the discharge prohibited area.

For instance, dry cargo ships sailing in unrestricted waters can use a tcp value of 3-10 days. For liquid cargo and passenger ships, this value is typically 3 days. This scientific approach allows for a more precise calculation of sewage tank capacity, ensuring it meets the vessel's needs under various operating conditions.

Installation Considerations for Marine Toilet Holding Tank

Installation Marine Toilet Holding Tank

How you set up your tank's location and ventilation directly impacts its performance and your cabin's air quality.

Installation location and ventilation requirements

Choosing the right spot for your holding tank is crucial.

  • Keep it Close to the Toilet: Your toilet's hose to the tank should be short, ideally 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters), with 10 feet (3 meters) as the absolute limit. Longer hoses let waste sit, causing smells. Always install the tank as close to the toilet as you can.
  • Handling Multiple Toilets and Limited Space: Boats don't have endless room. Fitting a tank big enough for many people over several days can be tricky. If your boat has more than one toilet, you might need:
    • Two separate holding tanks.
    • A Type I or II Marine Sanitation Device (MSD) on the toilet used most (if you're outside a “no-discharge” zone), and a holding tank for the other.
  • Mind the Weight and Balance: Always make sure the tank's weight—especially when full—won't throw off your boat's balance or strain its structure. Distribute the weight evenly.
  • Ideally, the tank should be located so that the waste can gravity flow in. If this is not possible, efficient shredder or diaphragm pumps are needed to move the waste, but this increases system complexity and energy consumption.

Odor is a common headache with marine holding tanks. Here's how to tackle it:

  • Proper Piping is Key:
    • Continuous Downhill Slope: All pipes, from your toilets to holding tanks and then to discharge pumps, need a continuous downhill slope. This stops waste from getting stuck, preventing clogs and lingering odors.
    • Avoid Long Hoses: Keep hose runs short (ideally 6-8 feet). This prevents waste from sitting in the lines and causing smells.
  • Ventilation is a Must:
    • Dedicated, Ventilated Compartments: Except for the smallest boats, holding tanks should always sit in their own ventilated compartments or enclosures.
    • Good Airflow: Effective ventilation greatly reduces odor buildup. This keeps your cabin air fresh.
  • Eliminate Dead Spots: When planning ventilation, ensure air flows smoothly. Avoid any areas where odors can collect, helping your boat smell clean.

Tip: It is recommended to install reliable sewage tank level sensors and dials to accurately know when to pump out sewage to avoid overflow.

For boat owners with limited space or those who prefer simple setups, the Modiwell portable toilet is an excellent option. It's very flexible; you can put it anywhere on your boat, making the waste system much easier. Its automatic sealing and special odor-fighting coagulant directly solve the common smell and ventilation problems of traditional holding tanks.

Regulatory Notes: Avoid Unnecessary Troubles

Specific regulatory details:wikipedia.org

Marine Sanitary Equipment (MSD) regulations, especially those regarding sewage tanks and waste discharge, have strict standards and may vary from place to place. It is crucial to understand these regulations to avoid unnecessary troubles.

  • No Discharge Zones (NDZs): Many popular sailing areas are designated as no discharge zones, and any discharge of treated or untreated sewage is strictly prohibited in such areas. In these areas, you must use sewage tanks and pump out sewage on shore or in designated legal waters.
  • Type III MSD: Sewage tanks are classified as Type III MSDs, and their function is limited to storing sewage for subsequent discharge on shore or in legal waters.
  • Fines: Violations of regulations can result in high fines and damage to the marine environment.

Conclusion

Getting your boat's sewage tank right — from its size to its installation — is key for a pleasant and compliant time on the water. This might not be the most exciting maintenance task. Still, if you understand your needs, pick the right tank, ensure professional installation, and do regular upkeep, you'll sail confidently with a flawless waste system.

For those dealing with tight spaces, tough installations, or constant odors from typical marine toilets, the Modiwell portable toilet changes everything. It's waterless, sets up instantly, and seals waste after each use. This, plus its coagulant deodorization, makes onboard waste management simpler, greener, and completely worry-free.

3 Color Options

For the dry flush toilet, we offer you 3 colour options to match your favourite pick:

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Experience modern design and convenience with our innovative, water-saving toilets. Transform your restroom now!

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Grey modiwell dry flush toilet complete kit

Grey

Elevate your bathroom aesthetics while enjoying hassle-free, eco-conscious hygiene solutions. Discover the future of toilets!

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