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Winter Project.......Head!

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 01/13/2005 : 21:39:08

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by joe keith
 I don't want to try a $900 experiment until I hear more from people who have tried one.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
You might want to ask the question on the forum at cruisingworld.com.

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 01/14/2005 : 10:03:47

Stu,

Thanks for the great article on marine septic systmes. I have read and will reproduce it for future reference. I believe however that your reference to the "discharge line" not needing a vented loop is incorrect. The discharge line, according to the article, is the line between the head and the tank. Effluent is "discharged" from the head to the tank. This line, according to the article, requires a vented loop.

The pump out line on the other hand, which is the line between the tank and the pump out deck fixture, does not require a vented loop, and in fact, should be as short and straight as possible.

Al
GALLIVANT #5801

Edited by - on

oldsalt
Admiral

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USA
578 Posts

Response Posted - 01/14/2005 : 17:25:58

The discharge line does require a vented loop.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 01/14/2005 : 23:01:58

Here's a line to the acknowledged guru on the topic, the Head Mistress... http://www.sailboatowners.com/forums/menunew.tpl?fno=451

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 01/15/2005 : 11:09:17

While I'm no expert by far, I thought that vented loops were only put in lines that were going to an underwater through hull (flush water intake and overboard discharge) to prevent syphoning of seawater back into the boat? Are they also used on the hose going from the head to the holding tank?

Edited by - on

Stu Jackson C34
Admiral

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844 Posts

Response Posted - 01/15/2005 : 16:05:44

I assume you're referring to this from the article:

"We recommend installing vented loops in the discharge hoses to prevent backflow from establishing a siphon, especially on sailboats, and if any part of the system is below the waterline vented loops must be installed."

I don't have a vented loop on the line from the head outlet to the holding tank and it's been working on the boat since 1986. I wouldn't want one there because of the extra length and the chance of stuff staying in the hose.

There are other references like Calder's that require it, too, but ours works without a vented loop, and without closing any valves.

Most likely the point could be made that the flap and the joker valve are holding the effluent back in the tank from entering the head, although the holding tank on our boat is rarely filled and the connection is made on the side of the tank at the top. Calders has lots of blowups of head assemblies. You can also go to Jabsco or Raritan on the web and find blowup drawings of heads.

I redo my head every year or two anyway, so I'm not concerned about the failure of these two rubber devices. We've been on board for lengthy stays and have had no backflows at all.

Might want to simply use this as an excuse to go to a boat show and see how some of the newer boats are built. Just what you need, an excuse to go to a boat show!

Edited by - Stu Jackson C34 on 01/15/2005 16:37:56

John V.
Admiral

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USA
559 Posts

Response Posted - 01/15/2005 : 19:47:23

I have done the complete conversion from porta pottie to marine head on my C25. It was neither difficult or expensive. I didn't install it straight but put it at a slight angle for ergonomic reasons. Something about elbows and feet. The only time you need a vented loop on the discharge is when you either go directly to the sea or have a Y valve. There is no need to loop the discharge if you go directly to the holding tank. The intake needs a loop, no matter what. Great Lakes sailors will for the most part not even see a Y valve any more since discharging into the lake is illegal. In fact in some Canadian waters a porta pottie is not allowed either. I wouldn't be surprised if we will be required to put in grey water holding tanks in the near future.

The Air Head is made here in Mount Vernon. If you would like I'll call the guy and take you all on a virtual tour. Though I'm happy with my current head set up I'm interested in the composting concept.

Edited by - on

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 01/16/2005 : 09:20:52

I purchased a Thetford Aquamate porta-head last year and am really pleased with the design, the 6.1 gallon holding tank, and the electric pump for bowl cleanout. The Admiral luv's it!

http://www.go2marine.com/frameset.jsp?servletPath=/g2m/action/GoBPage/id/88143F/&df=3

Now I want to use the pump-out feature but run to a macerator and discharge at sea thru the v-berth seacock. Any suggestions?

Sten

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 01/16/2005 : 10:22:19

Welcome aboard Sten!

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 01/16/2005 : 12:35:24

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by redviking
 I purchased a Thetford Aquamate porta-head last year and am really pleased with the design, the 6.1 gallon holding tank, and the electric pump for bowl cleanout. The Admiral luv's it!

http://www.go2marine.com/frameset.jsp?servletPath=/g2m/action/GoBPage/id/88143F/&df=3

Now I want to use the pump-out feature but run to a macerator and discharge at sea thru the v-berth seacock. Any suggestions?

Sten
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

That is what I bought as well and other than the height being a little much for my wife's short legs we love it. I kinda wish it had a smaller volume so it would be shorter. The electric flush is very nice and it has no odors. I have not installed the pump-out feature either but it is nice to know I can. We sail out of a club on a lake so it is a #1 device except in case of emergency.
Welcome to the site!

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