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Old 12-04-2012, 15:29   #406
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Re: Composting Toilets

The Nature's Head does have a screen on the vent. We had another member report a bug problem. It seems to be from the desiccant rather then the outside world. Using something other then peat might help, if that's what was used. I've never had the problem with mine and I do use peat.
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Old 12-04-2012, 16:36   #407
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Re: Composting Toilets

Quote:
Originally Posted by jackahearts View Post
Going to ck the c-head out.

Bug thing wonder of bug screen on the vent line would help?
My Air Head has one where the vent hose enters the tank. Maybe that's you problem.
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Old 12-04-2012, 17:16   #408
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Re: Composting Toilets

I am just finishing up the design, construction and installation of a composting head in my Pearson 28-1. None of the production units would fit the space that I had so building one was my best option. I've bought bricks of coconut husk and have a spare 5 gallon bucket with sealed lid, should I need it. I've still got to make a stirring rod which will be a solid/polished stainless (or similar) and I've got to put screens on the air intake slot and vent hose. I also intend to find larger liquid bottles but the ones in place are the size that I frequently buy so I can at least change them out whenever they need it. I probably won't start using the head until the boat is on the water in the Fall but I'm hopeful that it will work well whenever shoreside facilities aren't available. Here's more info with photos:

Poolio's sailing and travel blog. : The Pearson gets a composting head

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Old 23-04-2012, 15:42   #409
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Re: Composting Toilets

I looked at your installation pictures and you did a great job integrating your toilet into the space you have. Do you anticipate any problems with USCG certification? Have you heard anything from other installations regarding this with respect to built in toilets?

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Old 23-04-2012, 15:52   #410
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Re: Composting Toilets

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I looked at your installation pictures and you did a great job integrating your toilet into the space you have. Do you anticipate any problems with USCG certification? Have you heard anything from other installations regarding this with respect to built in toilets?

Sandy Graves
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The USCG certifies heads?
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Old 23-04-2012, 16:02   #411
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Re: Composting Toilets

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The USCG certifies heads?

Nope, just containment devices........
Actually, not even certify, just set the bar for what constitutes a containment device. So no discharge, no problem.
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Old 23-04-2012, 16:02   #412
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Re: Composting Toilets

Composting heads are counted the same as porta potties since they have no access to the outside water and are meant for shoreside removal. The only issue would be if you tried to be clever and plumb in a pump for the urine bottle to facilitate emptying when in appropriate waters.
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Old 23-04-2012, 17:12   #413
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Re: Composting Toilets

For the autorities to get involved I think the waste has to "exit the hull"
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Old 23-04-2012, 17:42   #414
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Re: Composting Toilets

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Originally Posted by sarafina View Post
Composting heads are counted the same as porta potties since they have no access to the outside water and are meant for shoreside removal. The only issue would be if you tried to be clever and plumb in a pump for the urine bottle to facilitate emptying when in appropriate waters.
When redesigning my boat's sanitation system last year, I considered a composting toilet. Specifically, I considered Nature's Head. I called the Coast Guard station in Rio Vista with a list of a million questions, asking them to clarify applicable sections in their statutes. They brought something interesting to my attention regarding the approvals that were granted for the Nature's Head toilet. They indicated a composting toilet is treated as a porta potty only as long as the unit is fully self contained. Since the Nature's Head toilet has a separate reservoir for urine, they approved the toilet as a toilet and the reservoir as a holding tank. I'm not sure to what extent this applies to how it would affect an inspection, but I see your point about concerns stemming from plumbing a pump into the reservoir.

I did end up installing an electric marine head with a holding tank and overboard discharge option (via a lockable y-valve).
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Old 23-04-2012, 21:30   #415
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Re: Composting Toilets

Sorry to be an airhead but are you expected to store all your expended urine aboard, same as the solids? Sometimes I just pee in the sink.
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Old 24-04-2012, 00:00   #416
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Quote:
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Sorry to be an airhead but are you expected to store all your expended urine aboard, same as the solids? Sometimes I just pee in the sink.
Hey, that's my tag line! :-)
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Old 24-04-2012, 05:02   #417
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Re: Composting Toilets

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Hey, that's my tag line! :-)


You are my pithy saying guru.
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Old 24-04-2012, 06:43   #418
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I'll always be here for you.
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Old 24-04-2012, 07:12   #419
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Re: Composting Toilets

Her's a link to my Picasa Album (I'm having trouble posting pics) with pics of my partially completed Airhead install.

https://picasaweb.google.com/1049009...athroomRemodel
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Old 24-04-2012, 07:34   #420
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Re: Composting Toilets

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Originally Posted by Blue Crab View Post
Sorry to be an airhead but are you expected to store all your expended urine aboard, same as the solids? Sometimes I just pee in the sink.
errr....

Party line? Liquids go ashore or overboard past the 3 mile mark.

Reality?

uhhh... yeah about that sink...
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