Where can we get our holding tank pumped?

[Girlzina]

Hello,

We live in Ypsilanti, Michigan and are new to the sailing world. We have just purchased a 1997 West Wight Potter 19 with a built-in head which has never been used.

We want to use the head but are unsure where we would go to have the holding tank pumped. Do marinas do this? Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks,

Jennifer

[SVNeko]

I don't think you can legally discharge anywhere in the great lakes. So you will need to have it pumped out. Most marinas offer pumpout services, or at least can direct you to a location that does. Some marinas have pumpout boats which can be summoned to come and relieve your tanks. However, with such a small boat, you might be better off and save some space by replacing that system with a port a potty.

[Connemara]

Short answer: Yes.

Longer answer depends on where the boat is. Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair both have marinas and yacht clubs, many of which will have pumpout services. And some won't. Call first, if it's urgent.


Connemara

[Nimble1]

Our small trawler came with a marine head and y-valve to direct overboard or holding tank. We seldom go to marinas so pump-out was a challenge and often expensive. I solved the problem with a portapotti and have been pleased. With the newer additives, there is no smell and I can empty it in any toilet. We can get 4 or 5 days if we are careful.

[foggysail]

Weeell, if you were around here in Massachusetts, the local harbor master provides that service!!

Yes sir he does! If you make a reservation, he can pump your boat on any Saturday or Sunday morning (only) providing it is not a holiday weekend. But the town and an adjacent city pumps as needed into the harbor. OH, they call it treated waste, but you cannot treat your own and dump it.

Or you can just sail/power off to the end of the 3 mile limit which begins 15 miles from shore where our off shore islands are.

There is one other way but I prefer not to go into it.