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The 10 Best Marine Toilets in 2022

By: Ben Jacklin Editor

Even when you’re on the water, when nature calls, we need to answer. Marine toilets are your solution, whether you’re out for a day trip, or spending significant time on the seas.

What is a Marine Toilet?

Yes, you’ve guessed it, a toilet for your boat. These toilets can’t be plumbed to the main sewage (for obvious reasons) so they have holding waste tanks. 

Marine toilets for small boats may also be totally self-contained and store the waste in an inbuilt tank.

Eventually, the waste can be effectively and safely disposed of in regulated sites . 

A reliable marine toilet is a must, and we’ve reviewed 10 of the very best marine toilets below.

Best Versatile Marine Toilet

JABSCO Twist n’ Lock Manual Marine Toilet

A highly-respected brand offer you this toilet with a versatile installation.

What we like

• Versatile and simple install.
• Multiple options for discharge.

What we don’t like

• Can be prone to leaking.

JABSCO is a very highly-respected brand in the world of marine toilet equipment. 

The clever Twist ‘n’ Lock design means that the flushing and discharge are simple, and that siphonic flooding and backflow are kept to an absolute minimum. You don’t want to experience these while you’re out on a boating trip.

This is a marine toilet head with a lot of pump power, and it can be set up above or below the waterline with no issues. It’s also flexible as you can choose to attach on the right or left, so it is suitable for many different boats and vessels.

The best versatile marine toilet . As well as a versatile installation, it can be discharged overboard or into a holding tank, to give you extra control.

What could be better

• The 90-degree angle of the elbow installation can make it prone to leaking.

Best Electric Marine Toilet

JOHNSON PUMPS 80-47435-01 Marine Toilet

A simple design of an electric marine toilet.

• Simple installation.
• Electric operation.
• Corrosion-resistant. 
• Some spray when flushing.

If you’re looking for a functional, simple design for an electric marine toilet this could be a great choice. The porcelain design is very high-quality and resistant to rust and corrosion, something very useful for marine use. It comes with a joint pump setup to choose when you’re ready to electrically flash the waste.

Standardized fastenings mean tool-free installation (well, no special tools anyway). It’s also quick to install.

Best electric marine toilet. This electric toilet is easy to flush and extremely hygienic, removing some of the manual aspects of this unpleasant job.

• Corrosion-resistant. 

Best Composting Marine Toilet

Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting Toilet

Great environmentally friendly solution for your boat.

• No significant odor.
• Environmentally friendly solution.
• Install on any boat.
• Heavy to lift and empty.

Being able to turn your waste into compost is a fantastic plus point of the Nature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet.

This cleverly uses microorganisms and a composting design to turn human waste into useful compost, so it is different from “porta-potti” designs which don’t process the waste at all.

This is simple to install, especially as it doesn’t have any specific plumbing into the boat, and the manufacturers say you may not need to empty it for as much as 4-6 weeks. We recommend doing so a bit more frequently, as the waste can become pretty heavy.

For a composting toilet, the odor is amazingly faint. This won’t stink out the whole place even if it has a few weeks of waste in it. When it is time to empty, it requires a bit of strength, but it is a relatively quick job, and you can even use the remains on your plants at home.

Best Macerator Marine Toilet

TMC Marine Electric Toilet

A very effective way to dispose of waste and is suitable for relatively heavy use.

• High-capacity.
• Low maintenance.
• Not suitable for pressurized water systems.

A macerator toilet allows for compression of waste and makes it easier to dispose of, especially in the water.

The best macerator toilet . This marine toilet from TMC is a very effective way to dispose of waste and is suitable for relatively heavy use. It has a scavenger pump and the macerator can grind waste and toilet paper. You can then use a simple push button to flush the waste away.

The design is pretty efficient and makes it easy to dispose of waste. Keep in mind the fact that it doesn’t have a solenoid valve, which can be an issue if your boat’s water system is pressurized.

• High-capacity macerator pump included.
• Long-lasting and surprisingly low maintenance.

Best Universal Fit Marine Toilet

Porta Potti 92306 White Thetford Corp

The design is functional and its a portable option.

• No installation needed.
• Clever flushing system.
• You have to do the discharge.
• Maximum user weight of 265 lbs.

The option to use a marine toilet that fits anywhere is great for small vessels and means you don’t have the hassle that comes with installation. The Porta Potti 92306 is also an option for truckers, or to take camping with you.

The design is functional, and it has a great carrying handle, and a toilet paper holder, as well as an indicator of how full the tank is. Eventually, when it comes to flushing, you can use a pour-out spout that rotates and avoids any nasty backsplashes.

This is the best universal fit marine toilet , and it is portable so you can take it with you if you camp out, for instance. You can use a “hold down kit” which helps to secure the portable toilet to the floor throughout use for a bit more stability. Unfortunately, it isn’t suitable if you weigh more than 265 lbs.

• Use this with any model of boat, no installation is needed.
• Clever flushing system to make the job a bit easier.
• This model relies on you to do the discharge.
• Not suitable for users heavier than 265 lbs.

Best Portable Marine Toilet With Large Tank

CAMCO 41541 Portable Travel Toilet

A very lightweight model but it still manages to be sturdy.

• Large waste capacity.
• Affordable.
• Simple waste disposal.
• Emits odors over time.
• The flush mechanism is hard to use.

A large tank might be completely necessary for longer trips or for boats with more passengers, and with the CAMCO model, you can take advantage of a 5.3-gallon tank.

This is a very lightweight model but it still manages to be sturdy, and even has a higher capacity than some other models, as people up to 330lbs in weight can use the toilet. It has drop-in samples and odor treatments and latches to keep it in place.

This is a portable toilet with a large tank and as well as 2.5 gallons of fresh water from the top flush, the bellows-style pump flushes the water and waste down into a large 5.3-gallon waste tank. 

Be sure to attach and detach this with care, as you do not want any spillage. There’s a sliding top on the waste tank to keep odor under control, but there is sometimes an unpleasant aroma, especially if the toilet sees a lot of use.

• Durable design and large waste capacity.
• Affordable model.
• Relatively simple to dispose of waste.
• There is often an odor when this has seen a lot of use.
• Flush mechanism requires a surprising amount of strength.

Best Compact & Electric Marine Toilet

JABSCO Lite Flush Compact Marine Electric Toilet

A great if you are looking for something lightweight and premium

• Very compact.
• Easy to install. 
• Uncomfortable for some people.
• Can’t be used with pressurized systems.

When space is at a premium but you still need something that is going to give you electric flushing and reliable toileting while on your boat, this could be the option to take.

This extremely modern-looking toilet can easily be installed or retrofitted where your manual toilet once was. 

It’s certainly very different from the other models on the list. Using just 1.2 liters of water per flush, it relies on a “Lite Flush” footswitch which you press once to fill the bowl and then press when you’re finished to flush it away.

This compact electric marine toilet is great if you are looking for something lightweight and if space is really at a premium, and if you are replacing an existing JABSCO model this is particularly easy to install. 

What we liked

• Very compact and easy to save space.
• Fits where previous JABSCO models have been.
• Not comfortable for people with a larger build.

Best Strong Pump Marine Toilet

Raritan PH Superflush Toilet

Raritan Superflush is definitely made to a high standard.

• Excellent pump design.
• Avoids backflow issues.
• Clever soft-close seat avoids rattling.
• Larger and bulkier than other options.

When you’ve used enough marine toilets, you get pretty good at knowing which are well-made, and the Raritan Superflush is definitely made to a high standard.

PH Superflush Toilet with Soft-Close Lid Our latest configuration helps customers easily switch from competitive models and begin taking advantage of the robust and dependable design of our world-renowned PHII pump.

Every unit is individually assembled and tested by hand in the USA. Upgrading to PH SuperFlush is fast and easy! The mounting base configuration matches the bolt pattern used on most competitive toilets. Clear the bowl with less strokes! 

The installation is relatively straightforward and can be either above or below the waterline. The soft-close seat sounds like a small innovation, but it is also great for avoiding annoying slamming while the boat is rocking.

The pump is definitely the number one selling point here. It makes it easier to flush away waste, using a double-action piston pump. It’s super strong and feels closer to using a real toilet than some competing models.

• Excellent pump design makes it easy to dispose of waste.
• Avoids backflow issues some other marine toilets struggle with.
• A bit larger and bulkier than some other options.

Best Compact Composting Marine Toilet

SEPARETT Villa 9215

A very options for keeping the odour control.

• Keeps odor to minimum.
• Turns waste into usable compost.
• Use with AC or DC power.
• Hard to find the right compostable bags.

This composting marine toilet does a very good job of keeping the odors to a minimum, as it pulls air and liquid out of the storage tank which can greatly help to reduce the smell. It diverts water and urine away.

This can be installed using AC or DC power so it is suitable for use with generators, for instance. It does require compostable bags which are used to catch the waste and comes with ten of these included.

There is a vent fan to get rid of the odor and allow you to use the compact composting marine toilet without worrying too much about the smells.

• Does a good job of keeping odor to a minimum.
• It can be tough to source the right compostable bags.

Best Tiny Toilet for Boats

SEA FLO Portable Toilet

It’s perfect for use on a single-day trip.

• Tiny and portable.
• High capacity.
• Not amazing at sealing in the odors. 
• Not super stable.

You might want a marine toilet for day trips rather than weeks out at sea, so you don’t need a huge five or six-gallon beast. 

The SEA FLO is a possible solution. It only weighs 11 lbs when empty, and has carrying handles meaning it is totally portable. The 2.6-gallon waste tank and 3.4-gallon water tank make it easy to use and flush, and the impressive durability is handy, too. Users up to 330 lbs in weight can use the SEA FLO.

It’s perfect for use on a single-day trip and easy to empty when the time comes.

• Tiny and very portable.
• Not amazing at sealing in the odors. 
• Not super stable if the boat is rocky. 

How to Choose Your Marine Toilet

As you can see from the products on this list, there are a variety of different marine toilets with different designs. Some are great for a day on the lake, others are suitable for weeks at sea.

Types of Marine Toilets

There are a few types of toilets. The best electric marine toilets have a more automated pump function to help you to push the waste product into the storage tank. Manual models have a manual pump for the same purpose.

Many electric marine toilets also have a macerator which can grind down the waste to a smaller size before it is disposed of.

A lot of people opt for totally self-contained marine toilets, which may be manual marine toilets that require you to empty them very regularly. You might also opt for a composting toilet, which can use microorganisms and enzymes to break down the waste and create compost, and often remove the liquid to help prevent smells.

In summary, the types of marine toilets include:

• Manual: These have a manual pump for moving waste into the storage tank and for cleaning or rinsing the bowl.
• Electric : These often have a macerator and an automatic method of cleaning and rinsing the toilet head.
• Composting : The waste products are stored and break down into compost for use in the future.
• Portable : These can be installed on your boat, but they can also easily be removed, and are often used for camping trips or on RVs. 

Other Considerations

There are a few other aspects of marine toilets to think about before you complete your purchase and make a final buying decision.

Waste Disposal

Always consider the waste disposal aspect. If you are using the best marine head toilet with a larger waste tank then you might only have to do this job once in a while, but if you have a self-contained marine toilet and you are squeamish when it comes to human waste, make sure it’s easy to dispose of the waste.

It isn’t nice to talk about, but a lot of portable marine toilets struggle with issues like splashback, and even leaking. This is not something you’ll want to deal with regularly.

Contrary to what you might assume, composting marine toilets are often the easiest to dispose of the waste and the smell is less pungent as the water is removed from the waste, as explained by Let’s Go Green .

Installation

If you opt for an electric toilet or a marine boat head that connects to a large tank, you will need to professionally install the toilet. This often means connecting to a power supply.

If you go for the best self-contained marine toilets, the installation process is simple, and most people can easily install them with no hiccups.

Maintenance

The less time you spend maintaining your marine toilet, the better, right? Opt for a product that is low-maintenance to ensure that you minimize time spent refilling cleaning products or replacing composting bags.

The Final Verdict

Plenty of marine toilets do a very functional job. Be sure to match up your own specific needs and budget with the toilet you eventually choose. Nature’s Head Self-Contained Composting Toilet is a great self-contained composting model, but the JABSCO Twist n’ Lock Manual Marine Toilet is extremely versatile. Every model in our list of marine toilet reviews has something to offer.

You might also be interested in:

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This depends on the model of marine toilet, but most can allow you to use toilet paper with caution. If you use too much, there could easily be a blockage.

Yes, there is no problem with pooping on a boat toilet, but make sure that you have a model that won’t start to smell over time if you are using it for number one and number two.

The best method is to ensure that you find a marine toilet that keeps the waste secure within a tank, or even use a composting model that gets rid of liquids and urine to help keep the smell to a minimum.

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Marine Toilets: Everything You Need To Know

A marine toilet is has several components and what we consider to be a “toilet” is actually the least important element when it comes to maritime laws. As you’ll see further in this article, maritime law focuses on the storage and treatment of sewage with your Marine Sanitation Device (MSD). For starters, lets look at the element of a toilet that land-lubbers are familiar with, the toilet bowl.

Marine toilets are designed to allow for sanitary conditions while out at sea. It should be evident that a traditional toilet would not work well on a boat. Consider a rough sea and the boat rocking heavily. A traditional toilet would have water spilling from the toilet bowl as the boat rocks. Conversely, marine toilet bowls a kept dry until such time that they are being used, then water is pumped into the bowl.

The toilet pump comes in two basic styles, electric or hand-powered. The basic concept is the same in both cases, they pump water into the bowl or out of the bowl in two different operational modes, “wet” or “dry” pumping.

“Dry” Pumping is the term used to indicate that you are pumping all the water out of the bowl so you do not have water spilling over the edges of the toilet bowl while the boat is swaying or pitching.

Storage is the element of a marine toilet that needs serious attention. This is where the maritime laws come into play. Basically a toilet flushes the waste into a storage tank which makes up the main focus of the balance of this article.

Marine Sanitation Device (MSD):

A Marine Sanitation Device or otherwise known as MSD is defined in the Federal Water Pollution Act as “Any equipment for installation onboard a vessel that is designed to receive, retain, treat or discharge sewage, and any process to treat such sewage.”[ 3 ] This leads to some level of confusion because a fixed mounted toilet on a boat, known as the “head” as well as Coast Guard Certified Type I, II or III MSDs, units that not classified as the head, are also MSDs according to the Federal Water Pollution Act.

One clarification point: The typical head (marine toilet) on its own has ever been made that is Coast Guard certified. The way the Coast guard looks at MSDs is that the head is strictly the component that receives and discharges the sewage. The components that treat the sewage are considered to be Type I and Type II MSDs. This treatment component is separate from the head and these components are the elements that are certified by the Coast Guard.

Upon Further Examination of the MSD: The Federal Water Pollution Act has two key words that need some elaboration, “installation” and “sewage.”

Sewage Clarification: Sewage is defined in CFR 140.3 as, “human body wastes and the waste from toilet and other receptacles intended to receive or retain body waste.”[ 5 ] When is pertains to maritime law, sewage is strictly human bodily waste and does not include items such as galley water, food, oil, etc. However, the Great Lakes do require that “grey water” be held. Grey water is water used in showers, baths and in the galley.

Coast Guard Type I, II and II MSDs: The first point to remember is that the Coast Guard doesn’t care about the toilet. They view MSDs as the device where the toilet flushes into. Basically the Coast Guard is concerned with the holding and treatment of sewage.

Rob Cozen for the Marine-Surveyor.com does a nice job explaining the differences in Type I and Type II MSDs as shown below:

A Type I MSD must macerate (a macerator is essentially a “blender”) to no visible solids—in other words, totally liquefy solids and paper, and reduce the bacteria count to less than 1,000 per 100 milliliters. The discharge from a Type II MSD must contain less than 1,000 parts per 100 milliliters suspended particulate matter—in other words be almost absolutely clear (though not necessarily colorless)—and the bacteria count must be below 200 per 100 milliliters. A Type III MSD is a holding tank—any holding tank, including the holding tank in a portapotty. Vessels up to and including 65′ may use a Type I, II or III; vessels 66′ and over must use a Type II or III. Because a Type II is so much bigger, so much more expensive, and draws so much more power than a Type I, you aren’t likely to see a Type II on a vessel smaller than 66 feet.[ 6 ]

Regardless of the type of marine toilet that you have, it is always a great idea to discuss toilet ettiequte with your guests when hosting people on your boat. Instruct them on the proper way to use the pump and remind them that the only toilet paper that should be used is biodegradeable!

Keep in mind that the fines for overboard discharge of untreated sewage are constantly rising. Additionally, get in the mindset of protecting the environment. Learn where the local pump-out facilities are located. Some other tips for marine toilet maintenance include cleaning. We have found that mixing a solution of one part bleach to 10 parts water kills any bacteria during your cleaning process. One last point, prior to hauling out you boat for the season, flush, clean, and pump dry the holding tank. When the boat is land, completely drain any remaining water in the toilet to prevent freeze-up damage during the winter.

[1] http://www.boattest.com/view-news/3232_a-seacock-is-your-most-important-gear

[2] http://www.practical-sailor.com/issues/37_31/features/Joker-Valves-for-Marine-Heads_11065-1.html

[3] (10 pp, 170 K). https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/USCODE-2013-title33/pdf/USCODE-2013-title33-chap26-subchapIII-sec1322.pdf

[4] http://www.epa.gov/enforcement/marpol-annex-vi

[5] https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/40/140.3

[6] http://www.marine-surveyor.com/newsletters/9910.html

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Don’t get caught short! Ensure your boat toilet is fit for purpose. At Marine Super Store we’ve got marine toilet systems suited to craft of all sizes, including  toilets ,  waste tanks  and all associated  toilet parts . We stock only the highest quality boat toilets so view the range online today and pick out the parts best suited to your needs.

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• How does a marine toilet really work?

The Unsung Hero of Your Sailing Adventure

The unsung hero of your sailing adventure: the marine toilet.

When preparing for a sailing adventure, we often focus on the sun, sea, and wind. However, the marine toilet is one of the most essential yet least discussed aspects of life on board. Understanding how it works and how to use it properly is crucial for a comfortable and hassle-free experience at sea.

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How does a marine toilet work.

At first glance, a boat's toilet may appear similar to the one at home: a porcelain bowl, a seat, and a flush mechanism. However, its operation is quite different due to its unique environment. Positioned below the waterline, a marine toilet requires a bit more attention than your standard home fixture.

The primary difference lies in the flushing process. When you flush a marine toilet, its contents are pumped out through a hole in the hull, directly into the sea (in the case of direct discharge) or into a holding tank if your boat is equipped with one. This process might seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice, it becomes second nature. The key is to handle the toilet carefully, as it is a delicate piece of equipment that can be easily damaged if misused.

How to Operate a Marine Toilet

Marine toilets typically come with either a manual or electric pump. If you have a manual pump, you'll need to operate a piston by moving a lever back and forth, which pushes the waste out. Electric pumps, on the other hand, automate this process with the push of a button. Some advanced models even handle everything automatically, mimicking the convenience of toilets on ships or planes.

However, be aware that electric toilets tend to be noisy. If you're sailing at night and want to avoid disturbing others, consider using a manual pump model if available. It’s quieter and can be just as effective.

Essential Etiquette for Using a Marine Toilet

Due to the smaller diameter of the pipes compared to domestic plumbing, it's vital to use the marine toilet strictly for its intended purpose. This means no flushing of toilet paper or other objects, which could easily cause clogs. Most boats provide a separate container for toilet paper and other waste. It's also wise to be vigilant about not accidentally dropping small items or food scraps into the toilet.

The Holding Tank: A Cleaner Alternative

Modern boats are increasingly equipped with holding tanks that store waste, allowing for more environmentally friendly operation. These tanks are particularly beneficial when you're:

• Docked at a marina : Discharging waste directly into the harbour is not only frowned upon but can lead to serious environmental consequences due to limited water circulation.
• Anchored in a bay : Keep the water clean for swimming and other activities.
• Near protected areas : Discharging into the sea near nature reserves is often prohibited to protect fragile ecosystems.

Holding tanks typically hold about 40 litres and are usually located near the toilet they serve. It's important to know which toilets on your boat are connected to a holding tank and use them accordingly.

Managing Odors and Maintenance

One downside of holding tanks is the potential for unpleasant odours, especially in hot weather. To minimize this, it's crucial to empty the tank frequently and keep it as clean as possible. You can also flush the tank with seawater to dilute the contents. If persistent odours remain, many tanks are equipped with a deck fitting that allows you to pour hot water into the tank to help clean it out. In some marinas, you can even use a pump-out station to empty the tank more thoroughly.

Final Thoughts

While the marine toilet might not be the most glamorous part of your sailing adventure, it is undoubtedly one of the most important. By understanding how it works and following these tips, you'll ensure a smooth and pleasant experience on the water. And remember, maintaining good toilet etiquette and regular cleaning not only keeps your boat in top condition but also helps preserve the beautiful marine environment you're exploring.

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Saniflo SaniMARIN 48 | Comfort Size Electric Marine Toilet

• Pumps vertically up to 10 ft
• Full size toilet that provides all the comforts of home
• Perfect blend of comfort, reliability and luxury

SaniMARIN Toilets - Example Installations   (Photo Gallery)

Product Description: Available in 12, 24 or 110 volts, this "traditional", full-size model offers the comforts of home even when you're at sea. Eco-friendly with a dual-flush mechanism. Difference between SaniMARIN 48 (110v) and the standard SaniCOMPACT: While the SaniMARIN 48 and SaniCOMPACT are the exact same bowl and motor design, they have one key difference: the circuit board and all the parts of the SaniMARIN 48 are specially glazed and coated with "rust proof" chemicals which help prevent the rusting that would otherwise occur in the humid and moisture intense boat environment. That is why the SaniMARIN 48 unit is more expensive, as the rust proofing of all parts is manual and detailed work that is done as an additional last step on the SaniCOMPACT base model. So the SaniCOMPACT, while seemingly a little cheaper in the beginning, can simply not be used on boats as it's components will rust prematurely

• At the touch of a button on the control panel, waste is flushed down from the bowl into the macerating area situated below.
• This area contains both a pump and a macerator. The latter is a turbine with stainless steel blades that swiftly grind the waste matter into fine particles in three to six seconds.
• This matter is simultaneously pumped through a standard 1½-inch plastic pipe into a blackwater holding tank, which may be located above or below sea level, for eventual discharge. Thanks to their 10-foot pumping height and powerful horizontal pumping distance of 98 feet, SaniMARIN upflush toilets enable boat owners to locate the blackwater tank (or purification system) wherever desired on board.
• Once the toilet bowl is completely emptied, the unit’s s-bend fills with water again. The water level in the bowl adjusts automatically at the end of each flush cycle to eliminate all risk of odors.

This model provides a dual-flush mechanism that sends only a small quantity of water to the holding tank: 0.31 gallons of water for the economical (“Eco”) cycle and 0.58 gallons for the normal cycle. The latter is adjustable to 0.79 gallons.

Installation can be adapted to suit any plumbing configuration and all types of boats. SaniMARIN models operate with either an on-board, pressurized, freshwater system; or with a raw-water system that requires a separate seawater pump.

Warranty:  2-Year Full Manufacturer Warranty

Marine Toilets

Marine Toilets, especially those equipped with macerator systems, are essential for managing waste on boats. These toilets are specifically designed to withstand the marine environment, utilizing a macerator to grind waste into a fine slurry before it is pumped into a holding tank or discharged overboard, complying with environmental regulations. Marine toilets are typically installed in private cabins and public areas of boats, ranging from small yachts to large vessels. Their robust design ensures functionality and hygiene, critical in the confined and often harsh conditions of marine life.

• Repair KIT 1997-2007
• Repair KIT after 2008

• 430x350x350 mm
• 470x370x380 mm

• Fresh water
• Outboard water

• With switch
• Control panel

• 20x27 (Roll 60 m)
• 25x33 (Roll 60 m)
• 38x48 (Roll 30 m)
• 40x50 (Roll 30 m)

• Solenoid 12/24V

What are the key features and benefits of a boat toilet with macerator pump compared to a standard household toilet?

A boat toilet, especially an electric toilet, offers several key features and benefits compared to a standard household toilet. Boat toilets, such as those available in marine head configurations, are designed to be compact and efficient, fitting the limited space of a boat's head compartment. They often include features like a macerator pump for efficient waste management and a built-in waste tank to contain waste until it can be properly disposed of. Additionally, portable options like a manual compact toilets provide versatility and ease of installation, making them ideal for various boating scenarios. These marine toilets are specifically designed to handle the unique challenges of a marine environment, such as limited space and the need for water conservation. When browsing our online shop or store, you can discover a wide selection of marine toilets that offer features tailored to meet the demands of life on the water.

What are the different styles of Manual Marine Toilets and Electric Marine Toilets available, and what are their unique benefits?

Marine toilets come in various styles, each offering unique benefits to match different needs and preferences. Elongated toilets provide added comfort, particularly for taller users, while straight back designs are ideal for tight spaces on boats. Gravity toilets are simple and low-maintenance, making them a reliable choice, and bucket-style toilets offer maximum portability and ease of carrying. With a variety of options available, boat owners can find the perfect marine toilet to fit their specific requirements and ensure a comfortable boating experience.

What factors should be considered when ordering a comfort marine toilet for specific boat requirements?

If you want to order a marine toilet for specific boat requirements, consider the height and space available to ensure a comfortable fit. Determine if a regular marine toilet or a bucket-style porta potty best suits your needs, especially for smaller vessels or RVs. Additionally, choose marine-specific toilet paper to prevent clogs, and look for features like a button controller for easy operation. A wide variety of options are available to match different requirements, so please browse the product pages carefully to find the best fit.

What types of Marine Toilets do you have in your catalog?

Jabsco Marine Toilets, Jabsco Marine Toilet Parts, Jabsco Marine Toilet Rebuild Kit, Electric Marine Toilets, Marine Toilet Tanks, Marine Toilet Pumps, Boat Toilets, Marine Sanitation Hoses, Marine Toilet Pumps, Grey Water Treatment Systems, Vetus Marine Toilet Systems

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10 Best Marine Toilets In 2023

Reviewed By Herb Benavent / Boating Editor

Best Cassette Type Marine Toilet

Porta Potti 565E White Thetford

Best marine toilet for easy disposal.

Camco Premium Travel Detachable Tank

Best marine toilet for any interior design.

Thetford 92860 Porta Potti

The top 10 marine toilets in 2023.

• 1. Porta Potti 565E White Thetford
• 2. Camco Premium Travel Detachable Tank
• 3. Thetford 92860 Porta Potti
• 4. Cleanwaste Portable Waste Kit
• 5. Nature’s Head Self Contained Composting
• 6. Dometic 970 Series Portable
• 7. Dometic SeaLand Traveler 510
• 8. Jabsco Twist ‘n’ Lock Manual Head
• 9. Johnson Pumps Aqua Toilet Compact
• 10. Johnson Pumps Aqua Compact Manual

If you enjoy going on multi-day boat trips, having a proper toilet on-board necessary. While marine toilets are not the same as the one you have at home, they can still offer a very high level of functionality and comfort.

As you maybe know, several different types of marine toilets exist – portable cassette models, pump-outs (manual and electric), and even eco-friendly composting toilets. In this article, we picked out the best marine toilets from each type so you can have all the comfort and commodity you need when nature calls.

Porta Potti 565E is comfortable, good-looking, and easy to flush – everything you need from a toilet on your boat. The carrying handle makes it easily portable, so you can place it anywhere you like. And, if you want to secure it at one spot, you can also get an optional hold-down kit. 

Design and Construction

Besides its sleek looks, Porta Potti 565E is highly-functional too. It comes with a waste tank of 5.5 gallons, as well as a 4-gallon freshwater tank that provides up to 50 flushes. On top of this, the entire toilet is made of high-quality plastic that supports even heavier users.

Use and Waste Disposal

The seat on this toilet is very comfy, with good height and large bowl size. In addition, we really like that it has a quiet battery-powered flush. All of this, along with the generous 3-year warranty, convinced us to pick it as the top product on our list.

• Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
• Increased seat height and bowl size for additional comfort
• Large waste container so you don’t have to empty it frequently
• Battery-powered flush makes use more convenient
• Stylish design fits great on any type of boat
• Optional hold down kit for securing the toilet to the floor

Type: Cassette Dimensions: 18.39 x 15.75 x 17.83 inches Fresh Water: 4 gallons (50+ flushes) Waste Tank: 5.5 gallons Weight: 13.45 pounds (empty)

By combining portability with top-level comfort, Camco Premium marine toilet comes very close to feeling like you’re at home. Not only is it very pleasant to sit on and use, but the holding tank design also makes it easy to detach from the seat and dispose of the waste.

Made of strong ABS plastic, Camco Premium is one of the toughest portable toilets on this list. For your convenience, it comes with a 3.75-gallon freshwater tank that makes clearing the bowl very simple. The holding tank, on the other hand, has a capacity of 2.6 gallons.

Using the pump-action system, it’s really easy to flush the waste into the holding tank. Since it’s very economical, you’ll get a large number of flushes. And, thanks to the swivel elbow, emptying the waste from the cassette is really easy.

• Sliding gate valve helps retain odors inside
• Holding tank is very simple to detach from the seat
• Swivel dumping elbow for simple cassette emptying
• Made of ABS plastic that is durable and easy to clean
• Pumping flush action quickly rinses the bowl

Type: Cassette Dimensions: 17.5 x 16.25 x 18 inches Fresh Water: 3.75 galloons Waste Tank: 5.3 gallons Weight: 11.5 pounds (empty)

Thanks to its modern design, Porta Potti 92860 is the best marine toilet if you’re looking for something that easily blends into the boat interior. On top of this, it’s also one of the most affordable models in our marine toilet reviews , providing you with excellent value for money.

The new and refreshed design of the Porta Potti 92860 makes it one of the most attractive models that you’ll come across. Of course, performance is very good too. While it has somewhat smaller waste and water tanks than most other models (2.6 gallons each), this results in reduced weight and increased portability.

Using the Thetford Porta Potti 92860 is very comfortable and convenient. The flushing system is efficient and easily cleans the bowl after you’re done. Lastly, the holding tank is easy to detach, while the rotating spout makes waste disposal a bit easier.

• Modern design blends in nicely in the boat interior
• Rotating pour-out spout for emptying the cassette
• Compact and lightweight for moving around
• Ergonomic carrying handle makes carrying easier
• Excellent price considering the quality you get

Type: Cassette Dimensions: 12.2 x 13.5 x 15 inches Fresh Water: 2.6 gallons (27 flushes) Waste Tank: 2.6 gallons Weight: 8 pounds

Best Compact Marine Toilet

Cleanwaste portable waste kit.

Compared to other toilets on this list, Cleanwaste portable waste kit is very different. If you’re tight on space and need something compact, this top rated boat toilet is the one for you. It uses a foldable design that allows you to open the legs when you need it and pack it in a suitcase when it’s not in use.

Despite having moving elements, Cleanwaste portable waste kit is very stable and has a weight capacity of 500 pounds. When opened, it resembles a standard chair with a bowl-shaped seat and a waste bag that you place underneath it.

Due to its simple design, using the Cleanwaste toilet is very easy. You simply open it, place the waste bag, and it’s ready to use. The bag kit comes with an eco-friendly powder inside that turns liquids into solids and eliminates the odors, making disposal easy and convenient.

• Most compact option if you need to save space
• Works with waste kits that you tie off and throw away
• One waste-bag kit included in the package
• Foldable legs are very strong and stable
• Excellent weight capacity for heavy users (500 pounds)

Type: Waste Kit Dimensions: 19 x 4 x 15 inches Weight: 7 pounds

Best Eco-Friendly Marine Toilet

Nature’s head self contained composting.

Nature’s Head composting toilet is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option. It’s a portable toilet that is capable of separating liquids from solids and mixing the solids with sawdust and peat moss in the composting tank.

The outer design of Nature’s Head composting toilet is similar to a standard portable toilet. It’s rugged and strong, but still very comfy to sit on. The liquids are separated into a bottle that is easy to detach and empty, while the solids are mixed using the handle on the side to create compost.

The toilet is user-friendly and requires no particular installation. However you should know it’s a bit taller than your regular portable potty, so measure carefully before shopping. It’s really an excellent piece to have onboard despite the high price.

• Fully self-contained composting design
• Most eco-friendly option that you can get
• Full-size elongated seat for improved comfort
• Rugged marine design with stainless steel hardware
• Vent hose and fan included in the package

Type: Composting Dimensions: 22 x 20.5 x 21.7 inches Power Source: 12V Weight: 28 pounds

Best Comfortable Marine Toilet

Dometic 970 series portable.

For those of you who place comfort in front of everything else, Dometic 970 Series might be the best marine toilet s. It’s fairly compact too, making one of the most convenient models to use. Additionally, the price is very attractive considering the quality you get.

Dometic 970 Series toilet is made from high-strength ABS plastic and has a scratch-resistant finish on the surface. The waste tank has a capacity of 5 gallons with a prismatic indicator to inform you how full the tank is.

The toilet has a full-size seat, and the flushing is done with a push of a button. Another nice detail is the latching lid that prevents the toilet from accidentally opening and keeps the odors inside. As for disposal, the waste container is easy to detach and empty.

• Hold-down brackets for permanent installation
• Single-button flush makes clearing the bowl easy
• Latching lid for closing the toilet securely when not in use
• ABS plastic construction ensures durability
• Scratch-resistant tan and white matte finish

Type: Cassette Dimensions: 15. 25 x 15. 25 x 13. 125 inches Fresh Water: 5 gallons Waste Tank: 5 gallons Weight: 13.1 pounds

Best Manual Pump-Out Marine Toilet

Dometic sealand traveler 510.

Dometic SeaLand is a classic-looking toilet that will make your boat restroom look like home. Truth be told, it’s smaller than a standard toilet, but this doesn’t mean that you’ll have trouble using it. Another bonus is the well-designed flushing system, guaranteeing good marine head odor control .

Made of durable china, SeaLand Traveler 510 is sure to last a long time. Also, it’s designed with smooth lines that will make cleaning very easy. It doesn’t have its own tank, but rather connects to the boat’s water supply and holding tank.

This toilet requires only about a pint of water per flush. However, the pump system makes really good use of it and cleans the bowl efficiently. Lastly, we also have to mention the anti-siphon vacuum that makes sure the waste water doesn’t come into contact with clean water.

• Flushes with only a pint of water from the water system
• Integrated anti-siphon system protects the clean water supply
• Self-cleaning flush ball with seal blocks tank odors
• User-friendly and efficient rim flush action
• Household-sized seat provides exceptional comfort

Type: Manual Pump-Out Dimensions: 25.9 x 25 x 20 inches Weight: 20 pounds

Best Manual Head Marine Toilet

Jabsco twist ‘n’ lock manual head.

Jabsco Twist’n’Lock manual head marine toilet is the ideal replacement for the worn-out head you have on your boat. It comes in a standard size, so you’ll likely be able to use the existing holes on the floor. This, along with its reliable flush system, makes it the best marine toilet  with a manual pump.

The seat is made of wood and has a baked enamel coating that gives it a luxury feel. On top of this, the vitreous china bowl looks great and it’s easy to clean. The whole design is crevice-free, so you won’t have a problem with hygiene on this one.

The pump on this toilet is manual, and it can be placed on any side for both left and right-handed users. You operate it by simply using the Twist’n’lock safety handle. The pump housing is placed at an angle and has an automatic vacuum breaker for even easier pumping.

• Twist’n’Lock handle protects against waste backflow
• Premium feel of the white vitreous china bowl
• Equipped with a luxurious wooden seat
• Powerful self-priming pump for efficient pumping
• Crevice-free design makes cleaning easier

Type: Manual Pump-Out Dimensions: 17.7 x 17.7 x 13.2 inches Weight: 30 pounds

Best Electric Marine Toilet

Johnson pumps aqua toilet compact.

If you’re not a big fan of manual pumping, you should get the Johnson Pumps Aqua marine toilet. Instead of flushing the toilet manually, this is an electric marine toilet system that makes the process smoother and more convenient. It doesn’t require any batteries either, as it connects to the boat’s 12V circuit.

The high-quality porcelain used to make this bowl really looks fantastic. We also really like that the bowl has smooth lines to make cleaning easy and quick. All the hardware used on it is completely corrosion-resistant, so it’s perfectly safe to use the toilet in a marine environment.

As we’ve mentioned, these electric toilets come with a pump that makes flushing quick and easy. The combined pump that does a really good job of getting the waste to the tank and getting clean water into the bowl. As a bonus, the price isn’t too high either considering the commodity you get with these marine electric toilets.

• Electric flushing system (12V) makes the use incredibly easy
• Powerful combined pump for reliable disposal and flushing
• All hardware is completely corrosion-resistant
• White vitreous porcelain looks fantastic
• Much quieter in operation compared to manual models

Type: Electric Pump-Out Dimensions: 19 x 17 x 16 inches Power Source: 12V Weight: 25.5 pounds

Best Ergonomically Designed Marine Toilet

Johnson pumps aqua compact manual.

Compact and tough, Johnson Pumps Aqua manual toilet is the go-to option for many boaters. The size is perfectly balanced – it’s large enough for comfy use by an adult, but still small enough to fit into confined spaces on-board. The manual operation is smooth and easy, with very reliable operation.

The bowl is made of white porcelain and looks really nice. Like the previous model, it doesn’t have any deep crevices so you won’t have trouble cleaning it. All the connecting hardware is included in the package, and it’s fully protected against corrosion.

The hand-powered piston pump can be placed on either side, giving you a lot of versatility in use. The flushing process is very quiet, which is a big plus if noise is your concern. Finally, the design is very ergonomic so you won’t be uncomfortable sitting on it.

• Compact design fits in tighter spaces on-board
• Ergonomic seat feels nice to sit on and use
• Completely resistant to saltwater and corrosion
• Hand-powered piston pump mounts on either side
• High-quality porcelain finish is very easy to clean

Type: Manual Pump-Out Dimensions: 17 x 17 x 20 inches Weight: 26 pounds

How To Choose A Marine Toilet – Buying Guide

Type Of Toilet

Different types of toilets can be installed on-board, but they all have some pros and cons that you should be aware of. The price range varies, as well as the comfort they offer.

Cassette toilets: This is the same type of toilet people use in their RVs. It can be completely portable, or you can have a toilet permanently installed, with a cassette to hold the waste.

Completely portable potties are particularly useful for tight spaces because they can be placed in a corner. A cassette holds everything in until you reach a site where you can dump it in a sewage line on land.

While this sounds practical, it comes with a few downsides. You are going to have to carry the cassette from the toilet to the sewage yourself, and it can be very heavy.

Another downside is the smell when disposing of the waste, which is not quite pleasant. After you’ve emptied it, you’ll have to rinse it before putting it back into place, meaning that the whole process requires effort on your part.

Pump-out toilets: These are usually a better long-term solution. Some boats will come with this type of toilet pre-installed, or have piping and a holding tank in place so you can do this yourself.

Two types of pump-out models are available – manual and electric . On a manual toilet, you flush by pulling and pushing the lever on the side, and it usually takes 10-15 pulls to get it through the system.

On the other hand, e lectric marine toilets do this by themselves, because they have an electric pump (like the TMC electric marine toilet, for example). This is a great solution because it eliminates manual marine toilet operation but, on the other hand, it needs to be connected to a power source.

Composting toilets: This type of toilet is the most eco-friendly option compared to others. It doesn’t use water, but rather separates the liquids from solids.

The urine goes into a separate tank which you have to empty, while the solids go in a special composting chamber. There they are mixed with sawdust, peat moss, or other organic substance which helps it dry out.

This completely degrades the waste, making it safe to dispose of, and making a good plant fertilizer. Composting toilets are similar to portable potties, meaning they don’t require any particular installation.

They are, however, usually larger (and taller) than typical marine toilets, so keep this in mind when measuring the space where you want to install the toilet.

While it depends on the model and manufacturer, composting chambers are usually large enough to be used by two people for up to 30 days. It’s a toilet with low maintenance, no chemicals, and no risk of clogging.

Eco-Friendliness

This is becoming a larger concern in recent years, and rightfully so. There are specific rules and regulations about how you are allowed to dispose of the sewage on your boat.

First and foremost, you aren’t allowed to dump your untreated waste in the water. There are special on-shore facilities that have pumps to empty your holding tank. If you’re using a cassette toilet, you must empty it when you come to land.

Be mindful of the chemicals you use for disinfection and odor-neutralization for your toilet because some can be very harmful. This is particularly important if you are on a large vessel that has a treatment system and releases the wastewater in the sea.

Also, it’s recommended to always use bio-degradable paper, as this is good for both the environment and the piping on your boat (less likely to get clogged).

Finally, the most eco-friendly solution is a composting toilet on boat. If you want to try something new and in-line with nature, we certainly recommend trying it out.

Materials And Construction

Because of the harsher conditions a marine head must endure, it’s also logical to make it from tougher materials. It can be exposed to saltwater and other unfavorable factors.

For this reason, all hardware should be made from stainless steel to avoid corrosion. As you’ve seen, toilets are either made from high-quality plastic (polyethylene) or they are made from porcelain, much like your toilet bowl at home.

Portable toilets for boats are usually plastic. This is for practical reasons because it weighs less than a porcelain bowl, and it’s also more sturdy and damage-resistant. On the other hand, plastic can sometimes be harder to clean and requires bleach or odor neutralizers to eliminate the smell.

Porcelain toilets are heavier and need to be installed like a regular toilet. You’ll need to screw it down and connect it to the holding tank. They look much better and feel nicer to use. Often they will have a standard-sized seat made of wood, which increases comfort. They are cleaned more easily, which is a plus.

Footprint And Hooking

Boats usually have a designated space for your toilet, and the size can be limited. The measurements of your new head should match those from the old one, or at least be close to them.

This way, you can be sure you can install it properly even if you need to drill a few more holes. However, be careful when drilling new holes – you can go too far and damage something by accident.

If you choose a classic portable potty, you won’t need to connect it to anything. However, with more sophisticated solutions, you’ll need to connect them to a fresh water source (for flushing) and to the piping system that leads to the holding tank.

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One of the biggest concerns when shopping for a new toilet is the odor issue. It’s very unpleasant to have odors spreading around until you empty the cassette (waste container) or the boat holding tank. For this reason, toilets should have valves that seal off the tank and prevent the smell from spreading.

To additionally help remove it, special deodorizers are either added to the flushing water or put in the holding tank. Boat’s old piping system can also be the cause of an unpleasant smell, so be sure to look into that too when installing the new toilet.

The biggest issue can come from portable toilets that are not sealed off properly or aren’t well-made and start leaking. This is why it’s better to spend some time researching and even give a bit more money to get a reliable product.

A solution which eliminates all smells are composting toilets because the solids are going to be mixed and dried out instead of left in a tank.

Because of pumps and flushing systems, marine heads can be pretty loud. This can be inconvenient in many situations. For example, your guests can feel unpleasant when they need to flush because everyone on board hears it.

Also, sometimes you need to go in the middle of the night while other people are sleeping. Using a loud pump-out toilet can wake everybody up.

This is worth mentioning because it can be an issue for some people. If this is the case, modern heads are designed in such a way to minimize noise, but they are not all the same. With this in mind, it’s not a bad idea to go through some user experiences and see how happy they were with it.

Q: What Is A Marine Toilet?

While this largely depends on the type of toilet you have, most marine toilets don’t require a lot of water for flushing. For example, Porta Potti 565E we’ve featured can flush up to 50 times with only 4 gallons of water.

On the other hand, pump-out toilets that are connected to the boat's water supply often require about ½ a gallon per flush.

Q: Why Do I Need A Marine Toilet?

Traditional pump-out toilets have a pump system (manual or electric) that pushes the waste and cleans the bowl. When you pump the handle, waste from the bowl gets sucked towards the tank (usually below the waterline), while clean water simultaneously flows into the bowl.

Q: How To Install A Marine Toilet?

Most modern marine toilets are flushed, just like those we have at home. However, the system might be different depending on the type of toilet you have.

On a pump-out toilet, the pump system uses the boat’s water supply (fresh or saltwater) to push the waste into the tank. As for cassette toilets, the built-in fresh water tank releases the water to flush the waste into the cassette.

Q: Why Are Marine Toilets Called Heads?

The origin of the name goes a few hundred years back, to the time of sailing ships. In those days, toilets were always located at the bow of the ship, otherwise known as the head.

This was done for practical reasons because on sailing ships the wind never blew directly to the front. While toilets (or heads) can be placed pretty much anywhere these days, the name still stuck.

Q: How Do Boats Get Rid Of Human Waste?

If your boat has a storage tank on-board, you should only empty it at dump stations on shore. These stations take the waste and treat it, so it isn’t harmful to the environment.

On the flip side, if you have a cassette toilet for a boat, you can empty the cassette in a standard restroom if you don’t have a dump station nearby.

Globo Surf Overview

Whether you want a compact toilet that you can store out of sight or something full-sized and more comfortable, carefully picking a boat toilet will make your time on-board much more enjoyable.

With the help of our reviews and guide, we hope that you’ll have an easy time selecting the best marine toilet and make using the restroom on your boat a bit less unpleasant.

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• March 24, 2024

Yacht Toilets and Showers: A Comprehensive Guide

Yacht toilets and showers play a vital role in the experience of living onboard. 

Unlike their land-based counterparts, yacht toilets aren’t linked to centralized sewage systems . Instead, they rely on seawater for flushing and dedicated containers for sewage storage.

this system helps to prevent environmental contamination in natural bays and anchorages, but require some attention and understanding for seamless operation.

Understanding Yacht toilets:

When you press the flush button (or pump water with a manual pump), seawater is pumped through the toilet bowl and up into storage tanks known as “ Holding Tanks “, located behind walls and above the waterline.  only when sailing open water and away from shore you may discharge these tanks  (distance may vary depending on local regulations), .

*To prevent sewage from returning back in the pipe, it’s crucial to pump sufficient amount of seawater (approximately 6-8 liters) .

Key Considerations for Toilets in Yacht charter:

• Flushing toilet paper or trash in marine toilet is strictly prohibited! Not only will the Toilet be out of order, but blockages caused by negligence can incur substantial fines , typically ranging from 200 to 300 euros. we recommend that you will emphasize this topic during crew briefing.
• When selecting a yacht for your vacation, it’s recommended to check if the toilet pump is manual or electric. While electric pumps offer convenience, they consume electricity and generate noise, potentially disrupting onboard tranquility.
• Holding tank capacity is usually limited to 70 liters , necessitating regular emptying every one to two days. Remember to close faucets before anchoring to avoid inadvertent discharge, adhering to the principle of “if you drop anchor, close the toilets.”
• To comply with environmental regulations, discharging sewage should only occur in open seas .
• Adding fresh water or vinegar to toilets can mitigate unpleasant odors caused by seawater.
• Prior to returning to the marina, remember to empty the holding tanks and leave the discharge tap open for inspections by rental company staff.

Navigating Yacht Showers:

• Yachts interior space is usually limited, therefor boat showers tend to be smaller then your home showers .
• In most cases, the shower will share the same cabin as the toilet (“ wet head “) therefore you can use a pull-out faucet to take a shower. However, some spacious and modern yachts have separate standing showers that pose a significant upgrade to the experience.
• To drain the shower water, an electric pump needs to be activated either automatically or by pressing a button. the waste water discharge directly into the sea .
• The amount of fresh water in the yacht is limited , so it is recommended to take use sea water as much as possible for dish washing.
• The water tanks can be filled with a hose at various marinas or with a water desalination system (which is becoming more and more common).
• The water in the yacht may be heated by two different ways, either by using a heat exchanger located in the engines or with the help of an electric water heater (which only works with shore power or generator).

Understanding these important systems will ensure a smooth sailing experience, while avoiding malfunctions and promoting environmental responsibility.

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Your source for marine plumbing supplies

For over 25 years Environmental Marine is your resource for everything in marine sanitation. From Vacuflush and macerator toilets to marine holding tanks , and complete marine sanitation systems, we have what you need–in stock and priced right.

Looking for parts for Dometic , Sealand Vacuflush , Traveler Toilets or Sanipottie ? We carry one of the largest supplies of marine plumbing and marine toilets in the United States.

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And when you need advice, we’re here for you. If you have a question about electric marine toilets, Vacuflush parts , marine pumps or anything else related to boat toilet systems, our friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to help.

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Practical Sailor Tests Electric-Flush Marine Toilets

Raritan, jabsco, johnson, and groco thrones go head-to-head..

While sailing purists may shudder, more and more sailboats are eschewing the old, familiar piston-pump, manual flush toilets in favor of deluxe electric-flush models. Yes, Jack Tar has come a long way from using the openings over the bow of a sailing ship—the origin of the word “head”—or the old cedar bucket. The modern toilet is a push-button affair, and this significant shift in technology brings with it advantages and disadvantages.

Until this year, Practical Sailor ’s marine toilet tests have focused on the manual varieties. PS testers compared manual-pump heads in the September 2000 issue, compact portable heads in the September 2002 and October 2005 issues, and two of the leading manual heads (Raritan and Jabsco) in the January 2008 issue. These two units are both doing well in their “head-to-head” field trials aboard a Beneteau First 435.

Most sailors are intimately familiar with manual-pump toilets that have long been the standard on sailboats. Some of these old standbys are still around, but many have been significantly upgraded, or are no longer being manufactured. These days, long-time favorites like the iconic bronze Wilcox-Crittenden Skipper (the old one-armed bandit) have been replaced by lighter, smaller models that cost less than the basic repair kit for the Skipper. We plan to do an update on manual toilets by this summer, but this article focuses electric flush toilets. Once considered a frivolous luxury for larger sailboats and motoryachts, the new breed of electric heads are generally more compact, more reliable, and less expensive than their predecessors.

Manufacturers are offering multiple models and options for both the marine and RV markets. For boats currently fitted with manual heads, an upgrade is not beyond the capabilities of a competent do-it-yourselfer.

Electric toilets have another advantage: The automatic electric macerating pumps do a better job of efficiently eliminating waste, especially for the landlubbers and guests who don’t know whether they should pump once, twice, or 16 times.

Any toilet upgrade must take into account plumbing details, but a conversion to electric also entails additional power requirements, wiring details, and over-current protection. Operating for only a few seconds per flush, the electric-pump toilets reviewed here will not add a great deal to the daily amp-hour loads of a cruising boat. However, the momentary loads of the electric pumps and macerators can be as high as 30 amps, a demand-surge that can have consequences if the house battery bank is low or the electrical system is not designed to accept such loads. There is more than a grain of truth to the sea yarn about the autopilot that took a sharp turn to port every time someone flushed the toilet.

Make sure you have ample battery banks to add the pump motors to your system and that the installation uses adequately sized wiring and overcurrent protection in the form of fuses and/or breakers. Use of an inline seawater strainer is recommended to keep out algae, seaweed, organisms, and other material that could clog raw-water pumps and cause unwanted odors. Many of the odors associated with holding tanks come from decaying organisms introduced through the raw-water intake.

The pump motors and switches do not add a great deal of complexity to the system, but these parts are generally not user-serviceable, so owners of manual heads contemplating an upgrade should figure the cost of a spare pump into the equation. Owners of boats with two heads may want to keep a manually operated head in case of electrical failure, and self-sufficient voyagers may be best served by a manual head, which sells for about half the price of the least-expensive electric version.

Ideal plumbing systems will vary greatly among boats, and this article will not delve into the details of a complete marine sanitation system or the pros and cons of various options. Most of the manufacturers of the products tested here offer selection and installation guides, although some are much better than others. Two good resources for do-it-yourselfers contemplating an upgrade are Nigel Calder’s “Boatowner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual: How to Maintain, Repair, and Improve Your Boat’s Essential Systems,” and Peggy Hall’s “Get Rid of Boat Odors: A Boat Owner’s Guide to Marine Sanitation Systems and Other Sources of Aggravation and Odor.”

When installing a new toilet, follow the instructions carefully as to wire size and discharge sanitation hose size and length. Most boats will have a ¾-inch through-hull seacock valve as the inlet for raw-water flushing. For the outlet, a 1½-inch outflow hose will usually lead to a lockable Y-valve that diverts flow to either a holding tank or directly overboard through a seacock. (The Y-valve must be locked or sealed in sensitive areas designated as No-discharge Zones.)

Offshore cruising boats may also have to add plumbing and pumps to clear their holding tanks out beyond the three-mile limit. Discharge of untreated waste is not permitted in the coastal or inland waters of most countries, including the United States. Raritan Engineering makes a range of Type I Marine Sanitation Devices that treat waste for overboard pumpout in coastal areas where discharge of treated waste is permitted.

Some systems can be used with pressurized fresh water, and some bigger boats may have sufficient freshwater capacity to use the pressurized water intake models. Patient instruction to all new hands, and prominently posting stickers covering the proper use of the head can help reduce the need for unscheduled maintenance.

Every skipper will face a clogged head in his lifetime. A good one will work to resolve the problem rather than ranting, cursing, and trying to pass the blame.

What We Tested

There are dozens of different models of electric toilets depending on size, weight, style, voltage, color, function, and features. Several models are available in different iterations. They can come with or without separate inlet water pumps, macerator pumps, solenoids, or electronic control boxes. Some come with a simple push-button or a more elaborate multi-function remote-control panel, with separate buttons for filling and flushing. Some are Spartan compacts; others are very stylish household types. Prices range from $429 to $9,999.

Practical Sailor narrowed its test to 14 toilets representing a good cross-section of the models available from major manufacturers, including Dometic, Groco, Jabsco, and Raritan. These are the types most likely found at marine chandleries in the U.S. or onboard new boats sold domestically. One test unit used a 24-volt pump, but all the others were 12-volt DC. However, pumps with other voltages are available. Some have the intake and flushing pumps separate and remotely mounted; some pumps are integral and located under the bowl; and others operate a combined inlet-flush pump. Seven units used solenoids to control pressurized fresh water. The field included heads with compact typical marine bowls and those with the larger standard-size bowls. Elongated household-type bowls, and bowls with slanted backs to fit hull shapes in the bow are also an option for some models.

In order to simplify evaluations and comparisons, PS divided the test field into two groups. Group I comprises seven sample electric toilets that are smaller, low profile, more compact, and more economical. Group II, which will be featured in the March 2011 issue, comprises the larger, taller, and more expensive household-type toilets.

Groco Type K

Gross Mechanical Laboratories has a long history of manufacturing marine- and industrial-grade pumps, valves, seacocks, and hardware including manual toilets and holding tank systems. The Type K series is a no-frills, utilitarian toilet with the oval China bowl sitting on top of an open mechanical base with all the bronze parts exposed and painted white. The Type K 12v we tested had a bronze ¾-inch inlet hose fitting, a 1½-inch bronze outlet hose fitting and just two wires for power to the discharge pump. A foot pedal provides mechanical linkage to control input from pressurized water (no solenoid needed). The motor controls a 3-inch piston pump. To convert to manual pumping, you need only to undo a single bolt. It can be purchased as a manual head and easily retrofit the electric parts later. It has a red tag with instructions to add a half-ounce of oil (provided) to the pump, but does not say how often to add oil after use. It comes with a one-page installation/instruction sheet. Operation is simple. Press the foot pedal to let water in and push a button to pump it out. All parts are heavy duty and easily accessible for service.

Bottom line: This is an old-school, heavy-duty head that will take some punishment. However, it did not do so well with our banana test. It was the noisiest of our samples and was also the most expensive.

Jabsco Deluxe Lite Flush (58500-1012)

Jabsco, now part of ITT Corp., has been making marine pumps since the 1930s. The Deluxe Lite Flush is one of its newer compact toilets with interesting construction: a heavy China bowl is surrounded by plastic pieces to form a top, case, and base. It was the only test product made mostly of plastic, and gaining access to pump components and plumbing requires some patient disassembly. The plastic seat and cover is the non-slam type that slowly closes, the only of its kind in this group. The combination motor and pump is offset with a small rubber drive pulley that testers regarded as a weak link. The wiring and hose hookups were easy, although testers did experience some initial leaking. Tracing the source of the leak—a loose plastic hose clamp—required partially disassembling the plastic housing. This unit has an electronic control panel with four buttons that automatically time and control the amount of water for filling and flushing. The panel is marked “Fill,” “Quick Flush,” “Flush,” and “Empty.” The quick flush mode uses only about a cup of water, and presumably is to be used only for flushing urine. The regular flush mode uses about a half-gallon and flushes twice. The noise and speed during flushes were average.

Bottom line: The Deluxe Lite Flush was clearly the most unique product in this field, but none of its novel features outweighed testers’ concerns about access to plumbing and durability in a rigorous marine environment.

Jabsco Quiet Flush (37245-0092)

This compact model has an open base to expose the hose fittings and discharge pump (the pump has a white snap-on cover). The self-priming remote intake pump has a plastic replaceable pump mount and replaceable insert bushings. It comes with a 6-foot wire cable for the remotely mounted control panel, but testers found the electric wiring diagram in a loose eight-page instruction booklet to be confusing. The buttons are marked “Flush,” “Fill,” and “Empty.” The inlet hose is ¾-inch and discharge is 1-inch. The Quiet Flush’s performance was Good, but its noise level was middle of the pack and the flushing action was a little slow.

Bottom line: The Quiet Flush performed well, although not quite living up to its “quiet” billing, reaching an average of 83 decibels during flushes. Its instructional support lagged behind the Raritan Sea Era, but its competitive pricing earned it a tie with the Sea Era for Budget Buy.

Johnson Pump Aqua-T (80-47231-01)

Johnson Pumps is part of the Swedish SPX Flow Technology Corp., which has 75 years of experience providing pumps and liquid transport systems. The company’s toilets come with a two-year warranty, compared with the one-year warranty for other products in this test. The intake water pump—rated for 2.4 gallons per minute—seemed anemic compared to others in this test. It took longer than others to fill the bowl and longer to evacuate. It was also a little noisier (86 decibels, about 25 decibels louder than normal conversation), despite the permanent rubber feet on the pump motor. The stamped metal mount used spot welding, a common failure point on similar components when exposed to a marine environment. Testers found the long instruction sheet to be somewhat confusing. The lightweight, round, compact ceramic bowl and wooden seat and cover are very similar to the Jabsco Quiet Flush, as is the switch. It comes with a 4-foot cable for the remote rocker switch for “Fill” or “Flush.” Both Johnson test toilets are relatively inexpensive.

Bottom line: Although testers had no major complaints about this unit, both the Raritan Sea Era and the Jabsco Quiet Flush performed better in tests and scored higher points for features and construction quality.

Johnson Pump Aqua-T (80-47436-01)

This is the “comfort” model, and unlike the other Aqua-T we tested, it has a wooden seat and cover. Although it was one of the most compact in our test group, weighing only 29 pounds, this Aqua-T has a larger oval bowl and seat. The toilet has one motor with a well-proven, dual-diaphragm, self-priming pump. Noise was a little high, but the water intake and discharge worked faster and better than the other Johnson model in this field. It was, in fact, one of the fastest flushers overall. The remote button was distinct from its sibling’s, with a single button to control fill and flush. Both Johnson Aqua-T toilets are compact and utilitarian, with open bowl bottoms and exposed pumps.

Johnson also has a “premium” line of electric toilets with more deluxe looking one-piece bowls.

Bottom line : Of the two Johnson models we tested, this one stood out. Pricing was competitive, the seat was among the most comfortable, and the two-year warranty is better than any other pump in this test. This Aqua-T is a close competitor with the Jabsco Quiet Flush, but not as impressive as the Raritan Sea Era.

Raritan Sea Era (160MF012)

Raritan, a 50-year-old company, manufactures a wide line of marine toilets, sanitation devices, and freshwater systems. The Sea Era model is an inexpensive, lightweight, compact toilet with a small footprint, even with the pump attached under the bowl.

This seawater model has one integral pump for both water intake and flushing. It comes with three intake options, left, right, and straight back with the necessary plugs, straight or 90-degree fitting for a ¾-inch intake water hose. The discharge port comes with two nozzles, either a straight combo 1-1½-inch fitting or a 90-degree 1½-inch fitting. It also includes an in-line water strainer, the most rugged of the three brands testers looked at. Function is simple, with one pushbutton to operate the one motor with intake and discharge pumps. The Sea Era was a little louder than others, but in terms of water usage and time-to-flush, its performance was in the middle of the pack. It was one of the lightest-weight units with a small round bowl and seat, and was the least expensive of our test field.

Bottom line: Raritan’s long experience in the marine market is evident, even in its bottom-of-the-line products. The Sea Era lacked the flushing power of the two-motor models, but it is a good low-budget choice for those making the switch to electric. Small parts and materials were generally a cut above Jabsco and Johnson. This toilet earned a Budget Buy in this category.

Raritan Marine Elegance (220AHF01202)

This is an elegant-looking, one-piece, cream-colored heavy-duty marine toilet with a larger bowl and wood seat and cover that was set up for pressurized freshwater supply and a solenoid valve to control flow. It can be configured to operate with a separate supply pump. It is a full-size seat, but is considered a compact due to its small 12-inch footprint. All components are first-class, tucked nicely under the bowl, and the discharge motor is coated to resist corrosion.

Function is also simple since it comes with the same single remote pushbutton as the Sea Era. Hookup and installation was easy, and the function was fast and efficient and quieter than most. It did leave a few inches of clean water in the bowl after flushing, but this should not be a problem.

Bottom line: Larger and heavier than the others in this field, the Raritan Marine Elegance is a good compromise for someone who wants the comforts of a home toilet, but is limited by space. An excellent choice for those who can spare the extra money, the Marine Elegance was the Practical Sailor Best Choice in this group.

What We Found

Most manufacturers offer multiple models, and each model can be ordered with multiple options and features. Most electric toilets are designed for the RV market or the higher-end marine market. It was obvious that marketing and sales efforts are being directed to boat manufacturers, not retrofit end users. However, you can choose various styles, sizes, voltages, water intakes (pressurized water or raw-water pumps), and many different electronic controls. We probably could have tested 14 different toilets from each manufacturer.

Activation can be a simple pushbutton or multiple buttons to give timed functions for amount of water, length or number of flushes, and how much water to leave in the bowl. Automation might be an advantage in some situations, but basic manual controls to fill, flush, and empty the bowl, are all most users will need.

Some of the better functioning toilets were also the loudest. Noise comes from two sources: The discharge motor and pump (depending on whether it is tucked under the porcelain housing)and the suction noise of water leaving the bowl. The suction noise in some test toilets were continuous, and others just had a quick cough at the end.

Better efficiency is determined by two functions: The amount, pressure, and swirl in the bowl of the intake water, and the speed and efficiency of the discharge pump. Those samples hooked up to pressurized fresh water had a little advantage with the 48 PSI pressure to fill and swirl the bowl, and the actual engineered design of the outlet hole in some bowls allowed the material to be swished away faster.

There are reasons your household toilet has water in the bowl at all times. It is much easier to swish solid material down if it is in water. In addition, there is a reason that the attached water tank, or water closet (WC), as it used to be called, has at least a gallon of water to flush, with gravity.

Presumably, we could use standard household toilets on board if you add a WC and could tolerate water sloshing out of the tank and bowl in pounding seas, heavy weather, or when heeling. (Fun!) Our better functioning marine toilets provided ample water either through good intake pumps or pressurized intake water. The best seemed to have controls to allow a “fill only” function before flushing to better imitate a household toilet.

To eliminate the chance of holding tank odor, some designs opted for leaving a little water in the bowl (but it could spill in lumpy seas or excessive heeling) or left water in an “S” curved pipe (like under your sinks). Others (including many manual heads) include the infamous joker valve, a rubberized flexible valve that allows discharge in one direction only, and pinches off the backflow of waste and odor.

Most of the compact units looked more traditional and were probably adapted from their manual pump cousins. (Look for a Practical Sailor update on Manual Marine Toilets by early summer.) The more modern style with one-piece China bowls may be more expensive, but they seem to be quieter and easier to clean and keep clean. We definitely will see more of them.

Conclusions

Over the course of two weeks, PS testers looked at 14 electric marine toilets from seven different manufacturers. The choices ranged from compact utilitarian heads to very stylish, heavy thrones. While the latter units presented some NASA-worthy installation challenges, putting in any of the seven toilets in this report is within reach for the do-it-yourselfer.

In some cases, you could save money by fitting your existing toilet to the new electric pump base. An exception would be the Raritan Marine Elegance, which has a different footprint.

Overall, testers were impressed with the performance of these units. None of the pumps and macerators failed the flushing tests, but some were clearly more efficient.

If you are looking for the least-expensive entry into the field of electric toilets, three units stand out: (in order of ranking) the Raritan Sea Era, the Jabsco Quiet Flush, and the Johnson Aqua-T (80-47436). The chief differences in the three boiled down to ruggedness of individual components and ease of installation.

If you’re looking for the best compact unit on the market, and aren’t too concerned about the expense, the Raritan Marine Elegance was clearly the Best Choice. Its modern style, excellent construction and rugged components set it apart. It also proved to be the most efficient flusher, fast and requiring very little water.

Look for a review of top-of-the line residential style toilets in next month’s issue of Practical Sailor .

• Note to Testers: Sports Section Not Required
• The Modern-day Flush: Push All the Right Buttons
• Pump Details: Wiring, Clamps, and Inlet Ports

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Four Smart Marine Plumbing Solutions to Install a Toilet or Sink on Your Boat

Blog 03/07/2023

As we start to leave behind the cold wrath of winter, we begin to approach the sun and warmth of the summer. For those who live near a body of water, this might mean boating season. If you want to spend an extended period on the water, consider the convenience of a restroom on your boat.

Having a boat with facilities on board requires more care and maintenance, and with a limited waste-holding capacity, there is more potential for clogs.

Saniflo's marine product offering delivers a smart solution, engineered for top performance while using less power and water. With Saniflo's Sanimarin range , you don't have to sacrifice comfort and practicality while on the water. The range includes macerating toilets and drain pump systems for a sink or shower.

Saniflo's Sanimarin Macerating Toilet line allows boat owners to install or replace toilet systems affordably without sacrificing performance. The Sanimarin Drain Pump allows boat owners to install a sink or shower. With easy installation and the ability to place the products atop any finished floor, you can locate your bathroom or kitchen wherever it is convenient on the boat.

Why install a Sanimarin?

●       Easy disposal of waste-tank contents: In most countries, all discharge of black water into the sea is prohibited, so your boat must install a black-water holding tank. Since the Sanimarin system can control the quantity of flushing water, it simplifies operation and maintenance.

●       Compact and powerful flushing system: With their pumping capabilities, Sanimarin systems can discharge wastewater to a holding tank above or below sea level. These electric units were designed for easy installation and silent operation, ensuring users are always comfortable.

●       Less water and electricity usage: Its efficient flushing system keeps water consumption to a minimum while offering the flexibility of using freshwater or seawater. The range's ultra-low electricity consumption is less than 0.2% of the average boat's daily usage.

●       Sturdy design with a reliable three-year limited warranty: The Sanimarin range will easily replace hand pump toilets, while providing more features and reliability. In fact, it is just as comfortable as your toilet at home. While most Saniflo products come with a two-year limited warranty, you can gain an additional year when you register your pump online .

Let's dive deeper into the four marine plumbing solutions Saniflo offers:

1.     Sanimarin 4 Electric Marine Macerating Toilet

The Sanimarin 4 is a sturdy, reliable, and comfortable electric marine macerating toilet. The Sanimarin 4 fills the role of a traditional toilet by offering a similar height and comfort as a conventional toilet.

With a soft-close toilet seat and factory-furnished mounting hardware, the Sanimarin 4 is also equipped with a powerful stainless steel macerating blade that reduces the effluent before discharging it through 1-inch or 1.5-inch plastic pipe 10 feet vertically and/or 100 feet horizontally. Included is a control panel with different flushing options.

The Sanimarin 4 is strongly built and reliable, while providing an ideal balance between comfort and practicality.

The low-profile Sanimarin 31 offers a simple answer to any lack of space on board. This sleek, lightweight solution is ideal for all types of boats, while its modern and lightweight design with a contemporary finish ensures quiet operation.

The Sanimarin 31 shares a number of features with the Sanimarin 4: It also discharges effluent 10 feet vertically and/or 100 feet horizontally through a 1-inch or 1.5-inch plastic pipe. In addition, the Sanimarin 31 has a powerful stainless steel macerating blade, a soft-close toilet seat with mounting hardware, and a control panel with different flushing options.

3.     Sanimarin Electric Marine Drain Pump

Simple and easy to install, the Sanimarin drain pump allows you to install a small kitchen sink and a complete bathroom with a shower on your boat for overnight trips.

4.     Sanimarin MaxLite+ Electric Marine Macerating Toilet

The Sanimarin Maxlite+ electric marine macerating toilet offers a simple, lightweight-plastic design that easily replaces old hand pump toilets. There is a reversible motor/pump for right or left-hand installations.

Like the other macerators in the Sanimarin range, the Sanimarin Maxlite+ incorporates the same macerating system originally developed by Saniflo more than 60 years ago and found throughout the world today.

Thanks to Saniflo’s Sanimarin products, you can enjoy the boating season without worrying about potential plumbing issues on your boat. Check out the entire Sanimarin range to see which suits your boat's needs best.

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Sailing Yacht Toilet Use

Believe it or not, the boat toilet use is one of the priorities when it comes to behaviour on a sailing yacht. Not only are the onboard toilets relatively small and uncomfortable , but their flushing system and outlet are quite complicated and sometimes even problematic .

Manual Toilet System on a Boat

Most of sailing yachts offered for charter are equipped with manual toilet flushing systems . They are quite reliable, but still, one has to be careful when using it. Next to every manual flushing toilet, you can easily spot a handle . It is usually on the right-hand side from the lavatory seat. The handle is to be used for flushing the boat toilet, but there is one trick before you start doing it. There is a switch just above the handle. It has two positions.

The right-hand side position of the switch is so-called ‘stand-by mode’ . In that position the water intake valve is closed, making the toilet safe from clogging. When you are finished with what you were doing, switch it to the left-hand side position.

By doing that, the water intake valve of the boat toilet is open, allowing seawater into the lavatory. Start pumping vigorously and you will see the water filling the lavatory and covering the results of your previous action. At the same time, the entire content of the lavatory will start getting out of it. After you pump it about ten to 12 times, put the switch in the right-hand side position and repeat the pumping. Now, you will support the outlet without pumping in additional water. Repeat the complete action (both sides of the switch) at least three times.  

Have in mind that the outlet hose is quite long and curvy, so it takes more effort and pressure to flush the toilet completely than you might think. When you think there was enough pumping, do the sequence one more time, just in case. The only material allowed in the lavatory is one processed by your body plus toilet paper. Make sure that you do not throw too much toilet paper at a time. Do not forget that the clogged onboard toilet is much greater trouble than you think. Not only is it very complicated and unpleasant to clear it up, but you could also easily be fined for a clogged toilet .  

Electric Toilet System on a Yacht

One might think that electric boat toilets are a better and more comfortable solution. On the contrary, electric toilets are even more complicated than manual ones. They use two pumps (one for water intake and one for outlet) and a spinning knife system . Throwing toilet paper in electric toilets is absolutely forbidden because it gets stuck around the spinning knives. That means that you should install an extra bag for used toilet paper in the toilet and change it daily. Pushing electric toilet too much can easily kill the pumps which is something that you want to avoid. Not every electric boat toilet uses seawater for flushing, so ask about the system while checking - in.  

In case your boat toilets use fresh water , you should know from which water tank, so you can control the water consumption precisely. Think twice before you decide to use the onboard toilet, it is not ‘a piece of cake’.  

The third flushing system is the vacuum flushing system . It seems to be the most efficient, but it is much more expensive than the two systems mentioned above, so one can see it only on exclusive and very luxurious yachts .  

Procedure with Boat Toilet Systems

Classic boat toilet flushing system considers direct outlet to the sea. It means that flushing the boat toilet is not recommendable when anchored in the calm bay , especially when someone is enjoying a swim around the boat. The same should be avoided when moored at a marina – use public facilities. Recently made yachts should be equipped with waste tanks . Still, not all toilets are connected to them, so make sure that you ask about toilet installations during a technical check-in procedure.  

Make sure that you empty waste tanks on a daily basis or whenever you think it is necessary. Again, you do not do it either at the anchor nor at the marina. Do it underway, far from the coast. Brimming waste tank might burst or even explode. Going for a sailing trip is quite a project, so is the visit to the toilet on board a sailing yacht. General advice would be to use onshore facilities whenever it is possible.

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Marine Toilet Maintenance

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Modern marine toilets require minimal maintenance, but ignore them completely at your own peril.

Cleaning the lines.

Heads flushed with salt water accumulate scale deposits in the discharge channels and hoses. Scale deposits cause a head to get progressively harder to flush, and it is scale on the valves that allows water in the discharge line to leak back into the bowl. Calcium deposits eventually lead to total blockage, a most unpleasant prospect.

Avoiding this problem is as easy as running a pint of white vinegar through the head once a month. Move the vinegar through the head slowly, giving the head a single pump every 4 or 5 minutes. The mildly acidic vinegar dissolves fresh scale inside the head and hoses. When the vinegar has passed all the way through the system, pump a gallon of fresh water through to flush the lines.

If you suspect you already have a scale build-up, dissolve it with a 10% solution of muriatic acid, available from most hardware stores. The acid won't harm porcelain, plastic, or rubber parts. It does attack metal, but consequential damage takes a long time. The biggest danger is to eyes and skin, so be sure you observe all label precautions.

Pour two cups of acid into the bowl. It will fizz as it reacts with the calcium deposits on the bowl valve. When the fizzing stops, pump the head — intake closed — just enough to empty the bowl. This moves the acid into the pump. After a few minutes pump again to move the acid into the discharge hose. Let it sit a few more minutes before opening the intake and thoroughly flushing the toilet and lines. The acid is "used up" as it reacts with the calcium, so heavy scaling may call for more than one treatment. Scale and salt also find their way into the anti-siphon valve in the discharge line. Remove the valve and soak it in warm, soapy water to dissolve deposits that could be holding it shut or open.

Lubricating

To keep the pump operating smoothly, follow your monthly vinegar flush with a dose of oil. The best choice is a lubricant intended for marine toilets, but you can also use mineral oil. Oil lubricates the pump wall and helps to keep internal rubber and leather parts supple.

The usual treatment is to let a little water into the bowl, pour in a couple of ounces of lube, and pump this through the toilet. This method is adequate, but less than ideal because it lubricates only the discharge side of the pump. To also lubricate the intake side, disconnect the intake hose from the closed seacock and pour the oil into this hose. Pumping the head will pull this oil through both chambers of the pump.

While you are servicing the head, lightly coat the piston rod with Teflon grease. This will prolong the life of the piston-rod seal.

Marine toilets need not stink, but they often do. The discharge hose is, by far, the most common culprit. To check yours, rub the hose with a damp, clean cloth, then sniff the cloth. If it has picked up an odor, the hose is permeable and you will never eliminate the odor until you replace this hose with proper sanitation hose.

Leaking connections are another source of odor, and you can use your cloth the same way to locate a leak. Also check the seal around the piston rod. On some heads, tightening the seal will stop a leak; on others a leaky piston-rod seal must be replaced.

Another common source of head odor is grass and other marine life trapped inside the flush-water passage under the rim of the bowl. Prevent this by installing a strainer in the intake line.

An anti-siphon valve in the discharge line can also release odors into the boat. A properly installed valve vents outside the cabin area.

If the toilet gives off a foul odor but it isn't leaking, if it is difficult to pump but the discharge hose isn't clogged, or if it just isn't working right, it is time for an overhaul. The exact procedure for rebuilding your head will depend upon the make and model, but marine toilets are simple machines and you are not likely to encounter many difficulties. Rebuild kits are available that contain new valves, springs, gaskets, and often screws — in short, everything you need to recondition the toilet. The kit will also provide a detailed instruction sheet.

What the instruction sheet may not tell you is that overhauling a toilet is always more pleasant and nearly always easier when you remove it from the head compartment before taking it apart. It may also fail to instruct you to lay out the parts in order as you dismantle the toilet so you will know which screws go where, or how each valve should be oriented.

A few general rules apply to virtually all manual toilets and may help you to avoid problems:

• Weighted flapper valves always have the weight up, and flapper valves always open to give the least restricted flow, i.e., they should always be oriented so the widest opening faces the outlet.
• The bill on a joker valve always points in the direction of the flow.
• The walls of the pump cylinder should be polished clean and lubricated lightly with petroleum jelly.
• If the piston uses leather cups, two are required facing opposite each other.
• Clean all mating surfaces thoroughly of old gasket or sealant.
• Use sealant on all gaskets to prevent them from weeping.
• When you reattach the bowl to the base, tighten the four nuts evenly and not too tightly or you will crack the china.
• Wait until you have reinstalled the head to tighten the pump rod seal, then tighten it only enough to keep it from leaking.

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Contributor, BoatUS Magazine

Don Casey has been one of the most consulted experts on boat care and upgrades for 30 years, and is one of the BoatUS Magazine's panel of experts. He and his wife cruise aboard their 30-footer part of the year in the eastern Caribbean. His books include Don Casey's Complete Illustrated Sailboat Maintenance Manual, and the recently updated This Old Boat, the bible for do-it-yourself boaters.

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