Head and Holding tank

Please see the post RE new 7.9 masts

Moderators: Tim Bosma, Tom Elsen

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MarkS2
Posts: 9
Joined: Mon Nov 30, 2009 11:11 pm
Location: Connecticut

Head and Holding tank

Post by MarkS2 »

Hi all:

I am considering the S2 7.9 as a futrue boat. It will likely be used weekly as a race boat, but will also get weekend use as a cruiser.

Can anyone tell me if they have installed a Head and holding tank, rather than use the Porta-Potti type? Is there room and access to install this type of head?

Thank you

Marc
Tom Elsen
Site Admin
Posts: 419
Joined: Fri Dec 20, 2002 5:42 pm
Location: Minneapolis, MN & Chicago, IL

Re: Head and Holding tank

Post by Tom Elsen »

It's possible.
But I'd suggest that this is one Grade-A bad idea.
Simpler is way better IMHO.
Given the tremendously varying regulations concerning marine heads on small boats, the expense, the hassle, the break-downs, the stench, the weight and the likely frequency of use, I sure can't find any upside on this one.
Get a good porta potti with a good seal and some decent chemicals. Then buy a cheap label machine.
Do some research. There are some very good products out there.
Take the extra $$ and spend it going to a bunch of regattas.

Oh yes with the label machine print the following:
"Boat Rule #2 - If You Use It You Clean It"
Post at an appropriate height above the device.
You will be amazed.
Best wishes,
Tom
dave
Posts: 727
Joined: Fri Jan 02, 2004 10:39 pm
Location: Little Rock

Re: Head and Holding tank

Post by dave »

WHAT HE SAID!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :shock: 8) :wink:
BarryE
Posts: 196
Joined: Thu Jan 06, 2005 9:45 pm
Location: Port Huron, MI

Re: Head and Holding tank

Post by BarryE »

Agreed, installing a permanent head creates some problems thats why so many owners shy away from them, especially the hard core racers. But if you sail long distances, go to far away places, etc., they're worth it. Yes, you can put a head in your 7.9 rather easily. As delivered, there is a gray water tank under the port side v-berth, turn it 180 degrees and put it under the starbd side, run pump out along the hull/bulkhead to the deck,don't forget a vent line, put the tank fittings on the end of the tank next to the bulkhead. i added a small gray water tank to collect waste from the sink, and use it as flush water for the head. there are no thru-hulls in this system, making it Great Lakes legal. it doesn't stink (though i suppose it could). i've never had a problem with it even when the boat accidentaly got put away for a long michigan winter with a full holding tank. cost was reasonable head, hoses, hose clamps, tank fittings kit from west marine.
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Tim Bosma
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Joined: Tue Jan 14, 2003 4:56 pm
Location: West Michigan
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Re: Head and Holding tank

Post by Tim Bosma »

Our 'new' boat - #457 - has a unique Porta-Potti than has a pump-out and vent hose running up to the deck, making it not only Great Lakes legal, but Canadian - North Channel legal since they have lsightly stronger regulations in that wonderful cruising area.
Tim Bosma, Bosun
Hot Tamale Racing
boz@htr477.com
S2 7.9's : #477
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