Well, as you see my pic. it is Swanson 32, My suggestion would be You need both.
I was about to install it but she was sold. My plan was 2 "V" valves, toilet with macerator and there is plenty of room under cockpit. I have schematic if you need it,
it is very simple and proven solution from DIY. Only thing I haven't decided was if use solid or collapsible plastic tank. Some experten can help with that.

You right but has to be done, just for comfort and convenience.
Let me add to that,
1/ regardless where you install breather I would always put some remedy into tank.
2/ this valve business is not super simple but macerator does IN and OUT
3/ macerator takes lots of amps. I mean a lot /use serous wire and solenoid /relay.
4/ guess "pump out" would be optional, if you go out to empty the tank


Home made remedy:

Remedy 1
100 ml MYO disinfectant
1 cup Borax dissolved in hot water
1 cup Cloudy Ammonia
Add water to 2 litres
120 to 150 per toilet change

************************


Remedy 2
1 litre of Pine of Clean
1 litre of Cloudy Ammomia
1 Cup of Borax
1 Litre of warm water

Mix Borax and water then add the rest

*************************

Remedy 3
Bottle cloudy Ammonia
Bottle Eucalyptus.
and Borax



Makes a few liters though

We are big fans of the PortaPottie.
Ours holds 18 litres of SHEET! and
really doesnt seem to be too big a hassle
to empty in to toilet when you find one.
No 1's over the side and No 2's inside is
our general rule. (unless your gender requires
other arrangements Lol.)

MatM14 said...

This is a general search for information so any ideas/feedback is welcome.

Some time back the toilet on my Swanson 32 gave up and given that it wasn't ever set up with a holding tank and the rules about discharge from marine toilets had tightened considerably since in was originally installed some 25 years ago I took the thing out and had the thru hull openings closed. In it's place I put a porta potty thinkning that for the little use that the toilet actually got this would suffice. Since then however we have started making more use of the yacht and the porta potty doesn't really measure up (the process of emptying it is really not a pleasant one) so I am looking at re-installing a marine pump out toilet and I have a few questions and need some guidance.

1) What model/brand of marine toilet would people recommend?
2) I have seen some models with a macerator pump attached. Is the macerator essential for good operation as I have heard/seen some installations where there is no macerator and waste is pumped directly into the holding tank?
3) Installing a holding tank is going to be another challenge as the space is limited (isn't it always) not having ever been designed with this in mind but I am wondering about how much bend can be tollerated in hoses before the system gets blocked and I begin wishing I stuck with the porta potty?

Of course if anybody has any general tips and tricks that may assist I would love to hear them.

Thanks,

Matt

I recently fitted a TMC Electric 12v toilet from Whitworths at $229. Have a "Y" valve for direct discharge overboard or to a holding tank. For holding tank I used a heavy duty 20 litre black plastic petrol can with 2 screw openings. From poly pipe fittings I machined an adaptor fitting so that the toilet discharge hose via the Y valve could be directed into the tank. You have to unscrew the other opening in the jerry can when pumping in to allow air to escape. When full simply unscrew the discharge fitting, close both caps and carry the sheet away. Rinse tank with fresh water to prevent odour. Alternatively to empty the holding tank at sea simply put the Y valve in the 1/2 way position so that in effect the both branches are connected. Raise the tank and pour the sewage out via the through hull discharge using gravity feed. Must open the other cap to allow air in.

Use the highest quality sewerage grade hoses. As the discharge from the toilet is already macerated I used 25mm hose. I had to make adaptors for the Y fitting as this had 40mm tails. I have the tank securely lashed in the corner of the bathroom where it is unobtrusive.

When the tank and or hose starts to smell I will simply throw them away and replace with new. However I have had no occasion to use the holding tank other than an accidental use when somebody inadvertently put the Y valve to the holding tank location. Otherwise wee goes in the sea even in the marina and all marinas and most anchorages have shore toilet and shower facilities which are far more pleasant to use, particularly for the other crew.

For urine discharge in the marina use a bucket of fresh water to flush rather than seawater as this should assist with prevention of the crystal growth that blocks the hoses.

Also I mounted the toilet on a 75mm high plynth which added to the 100mm or so step above the floor puts the toilet up nice and high which makes it more comfortable for a taller person.

We also have a rule on board that he/she who uses the head MUST open the inlet seacock and discharge seacock and then CLOSE them after use...no exceptions. Except that at night I will get up and do that if necessary for my wifes comfort.