Toilet problems on a 23-foot sailboat? These solutions make overnighting a breeze!
If you have a small sailboat, like a 23-foot one, and it doesn't have a built-in toilet, overnight trips can seem difficult. But this is a common problem for sailors, and there are many good solutions. Here are some tips to help you find the best toilet for your boat so you can be comfortable on the water.
Cassette Toilets: Portable Toilets for Small Boats
This is the most common and popular option for small sailboats. Cassette toilets are compact and easy to move and store. They typically consist of two parts: an upper section for flushing and holding water, and a lower section for waste.
Pros:
- Affordable: They are generally affordable.
- Easy to Install: No complicated installation required, allowing them to be placed in almost any flat area on the boat.
- Easy to Maintain: Simply empty the waste container after use, and some models even come with a vent valve to reduce odors.
Considerations:
Limited Capacity: They require regular emptying, which can be inconvenient on long sailing trips. Odor Control: While most models feature a sealed design, odors can still develop if not handled properly.
Tip: Choose a model with a level indicator and a strong seal for ease of use and hygiene. Adding specialized chemicals (usually toilet fluid) after each use effectively breaks down waste and controls odors.
Bucket Toilets: A Simple, Practical, and Basic Choice
This may be the simplest and most primitive solution, but it's a very practical option for very small boats or sailors on a budget.
Pros:
- Ultimately Simple: Essentially a bucket with a toilet seat.
- Low Cost: You can even make your own.
- No Installation Required: Ready to use and ready to store.
Considerations:
- Odor: This presents the greatest challenge, requiring frequent handling and the use of specialized bags.
- Manual Disposal: Waste must be handled directly, which can be uncomfortable and potentially hazardous.
Tip: To minimize inconvenience, you can purchase specialized toilet liner bags (such as those with absorbent gel), which make cleanup simple and hygienic.
Dry Flush Toilets: The Perfect Alternative to Modern Waterless Toilets
This type of toilet, often called a "dry flush toilet" (e.g., Modiwell, Laveo), differs from composting toilets in that it doesn't rely on biological decomposition. Instead, it uses a special internal mechanism to dry or seal solid waste, making it a more modern and hygienic solution.
Advantages:
Excellent Odor Control: A special bag or film fully seals the waste. This keeps odors from escaping. Some refill bags, like Modiwell's, also have a deodorizing function for extra odor control.
Modiwell LE-310 Dry Flush Toilet at at the beach
Easy Maintenance: You only need to change the bag or cartridge. You don't have to deal with liquids, so cleaning is simple.
No Chemicals: Unlike cassette toilets, this system doesn't need chemical fluids. This makes it more eco-friendly.
Waterless: Since no water is used, there's no wastewater to dispose of. This makes waste disposal easier.
No Touch: The waste is completely sealed in the bag. You don't need to touch or clean anything, which makes disposal much more comfortable.
Considerations:
Consumables Required: You must use special sealing bags or cartridges. This leads to ongoing costs.
Tip: This type of toilet is ideal for sailors seeking ultimate cleanliness and convenience, especially those who prefer to avoid the hassle of dealing with liquid waste and odor.
Marine Composting Toilets: An Eco-Friendly, Long-Term Solution
If you have ample space on board and are looking for a more eco-friendly, low-maintenance, long-term solution, a marine composting toilet is worth considering.
Advantages:
- No Blackwater Treatment Required: Solid and liquid waste are separated, and the solid portion is dried and decomposed using a medium such as wood chips.
- Reduced Emptying Frequency: The solid portion can be stored for weeks or even months, requiring much less frequent emptying than a portable toilet.
- Almost No Odor: Because the waste is decomposed and has an exhaust system, unpleasant odors are generally avoided.
Considerations:
Expensive: This is the primary drawback, with a higher initial investment cost.
Large Size: Compared to portable toilets, composting toilets require more space and may not be suitable for all sailboats.
Tip: Before purchasing a sailboat toilet, carefully measure the space on your boat and consider the location of ventilation and exhaust ducting.
Practical Tips from Other Sailors
In addition to the main types listed above, many experienced sailors have some tips to make life at sea more convenient:
Optimal Location Strategies:No matter which toilet you choose, place it in the most stable and secluded area on your boat. This not only increases safety during use but also ensures privacy.
Waste Disposal in Ports and Marinas:Be aware of the waste disposal regulations at local ports and marinas. Outside of the high seas, never discharge any chemically treated waste directly into the water. This is not only unethical but may also violate local laws.
The Importance of Ventilation on Board:Maintaining good ventilation, especially when using a portable or bucket toilet, can effectively reduce odors. Even using a small exhaust fan can make a significant difference.
Conclusion: How to Find the Best Sailboat Toilet for Your Boat
Ultimately, choosing the right sailboat toilet depends on your budget, the space on your boat, and your sailing habits. Regardless of the type you choose, planning ahead and having the right supplies can make your sailing trips easier and more enjoyable.
