Porta-potty reviews

[Morganministry]

I need to get a porta-potty for our 24 ft sailboat. I'm curious what you guys are using and if you are happy with it? Also any brands to avoid?
Thanks,
Scott

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[a64pilot]

Sorry don't remember the brand, but had one on a CC fishing boat, what was good about it, was it had a pump out hose connection so that it could be pumped out just like a holding tank, no carrying the thing. Only held a couple of gallons of course.
Look for one that has that fitting, it made a lot of difference being able to pump out.


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[Don C L]

Originally Posted by Morganministry

I need to get a porta-potty for our 24 ft sailboat. I'm curious what you guys are using and if you are happy with it? Also any brands to avoid?
Thanks,
Scott

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There are cheaper ones, but I think you'll be happier with this one:
Thetford 92853 Porta Potti 550P Portable Toilet

$136 at Amazon

For me, no leaks, easy to empty and with the chemical, no smell.

[Morganministry]

Thanks. I see they have a pump out fitting for that. Do you use one?

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[Don C L]

Originally Posted by Morganministry

Thanks. I see they have a pump out fitting for that. Do you use one?

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Yep, I took out my holding tank and plumbing and capped through-hulls since I really don't have the interior volume. I am happier, and maybe someday a composting head.

[Snowpetrel]

Definately go the genuine thetford portapotti. A good well built and nicely designed unit.

It has a good pouring system and even a little push button breather to stop glugging. Ive had them on two liveaboard boats for about ten years in total (five years each) and the thing has never failed me or needed more than an occasional scrub and soak. The seal on the slider can leak slightly when they get old, so its not super smart to carry them like a breif case through the boat. You will also need to devise some sort of tie down for rough weather.

There is one bolt under the top unit that rusts after a few years being washed in salt water but it doesnt seem to cause any issues.

Ive now switched to a homemade composting toilet, but the little portapotti was a great unit. Shame Thetford dont make a neat little composting toilet along the lines of the Cube series.

[wrwakefield]

Originally Posted by Morganministry

I need to get a porta-potty for our 24 ft sailboat. I'm curious what you guys are using and if you are happy with it? Also any brands to avoid?
Thanks,
Scott

Sent from my SM-S920L using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

We installed a Dometic 301097606 Portable Toilet [5 Gallon- larger than most...] on our 26ft trailer sailor years ago. It also has pump out plumbing available as an option.

It had a good capacity and suited us well. [It is also designed to easily attach to the vessel, making it compliant with USCG MSD regs.]

However, since we now have experience with a composting head on our current vessel, I wouldn't hesitate to go that route on our old trailer sailor if I could travel back in time...

C-Head makes a small composter for MacGregor 26 sailboats that looks like it would fit in most sailboats of that size range...

Best wishes finding what is best for your needs.

Cheers!

Bill

[Morganministry]

Thanks for the responses. I ordered the Thetford 550p with the pump out option.

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[cruisersfarm]

Those thetfords last forever too, which surprised me. I have a 6-7 year old one that still is getting daily use. Replaced the main seal on the thing once,because I experimented with bleach and ruined it.

Other than that, zero problems... daily use. 6-7 years.

[Don C L]

It's a good one, and you can easily rig a mount for it. I have a couple of adjustable straps that hold it in place securely against the cabinet wall behind the unit.

[Snowpetrel]

Originally Posted by cruisersfarm

Those thetfords last forever too, which surprised me. I have a 6-7 year old one that still is getting daily use. Replaced the main seal on the thing once,because I experimented with bleach and ruined it.

Other than that, zero problems... daily use. 6-7 years.

Thats been my experience as well. I wish they made a separating/composting toilet.

[Morganministry]

Originally Posted by Don C L

It's a good one, and you can easily rig a mount for it. I have a couple of adjustable straps that hold it in place securely against the cabinet wall behind the unit.

I think this one is coming with a tie down kit.
My only thought now is, will the hose from the pump out station reach the unit, or will I need to plumb something up to the deck.

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[vjm]

Originally Posted by Snowpetrel

Thats been my experience as well. I wish they made a separating/composting toilet.

Take a look at ecovita's home brew options. Might be able to fit your available space.

[Snowpetrel]

Originally Posted by vjm

Take a look at ecovita's home brew options. Might be able to fit your available space.

Done! Used the rescue camping kit, because I liked the black color, and a few handy buckets...

[newhaul]

Originally Posted by Don C L

Yep, I took out my holding tank and plumbing and capped through-hulls since I really don't have the interior volume. I am happier, and maybe someday a composting head.

Don you can build a composter with urine separating for about the same cost as that porta pot. ( if I could do it anybody can)