Nature's Head Help . . . for the Height-Impaired

[kenny chaos]

Originally Posted by joey69

how often do you have to empty it?

Once.

[syoder]

Originally Posted by joey69

Even though it's a composting head,how often do you have to empty it?

When we're using our Airhead exclusively (no shoreside bathrooms), we empty the liquid container every other day and the compost bucket every 4 weeks. That's with 2 people using it full time. The liquid container doesn't stink until you open it to pour it out.

Also, as to the original question, I simply made a plywood floor the size I wanted. It sits on the original platform and extends outwards enough so we have somewhere to put our feet. Also put a support on the end and we use the resultant space between the support and the platform, under the extension, to store our shower shoes.

-Steve

[crashkahuna]

Interesting thread. I currently have a nonworking electric head (Grocco?? - not sure it's made anymore) that needs to be replaced or fixed. Kind of seems like if in the marina or out sailing porta pottie might be best deal since simplest and requires no thru hulls. My current water intake for head is right next to engine raw water intake under aft berth - not a great idea I think. Even if I go with a marine head I might just use fresh water for the head. Now if on the hook a larger capacity could be needed.

[off-the-grid]

Problem solved...and even for free. Hacking the shelf out of one of my old aft cabin doors that's no longer needed.

I haven't noticed any smell at all, although a land lubber friend did. Them and their damn sensitive noses. I put one sugar in the jug, as recommended by Nature's Head, and other users, and the smell is gone. I think...since I didn't even notice it in the first place.

[barnakiel]

Build a footrest and glue it in place. Or lower the whole thing and convert to a holding tank.

b.

[hummingway]

Originally Posted by syoder

When we're using our Airhead exclusively (no shoreside bathrooms), we empty the liquid container every other day and the compost bucket every 4 weeks. That's with 2 people using it full time. The liquid container doesn't stink until you open it to pour it out.

Also, as to the original question, I simply made a plywood floor the size I wanted. It sits on the original platform and extends outwards enough so we have somewhere to put our feet. Also put a support on the end and we use the resultant space between the support and the platform, under the extension, to store our shower shoes.

-Steve

Aside form the urine tank this echoes my experience. When I lived aboard, alone, I got two months or so out of the compost. Now that I don't live aboard I don't empty it. It never fills. I used it for a week and came back in then just day sailing for a couple of months and it's composted and there's almost nothing there. With occasional use the thng is amazing.

[joey69]

Originally Posted by hummingway

Aside form the urine tank this echoes my experience. When I lived aboard, alone, I got two months or so out of the compost. Now that I don't live aboard I don't empty it. It never fills. I used it for a week and came back in then just day sailing for a couple of months and it's composted and there's almost nothing there. With occasional use the thng is amazing.

What is the capacity/volume of the compost bin?

[Greggegner]

I have the same issue. we are thinking a step or ledge in front...

[hummingway]

Natures Head claims 60 - 80 uses but I don't know the actual volume. You need a good amount of dessicant with it as well and you don't let it get real full. The urine tank is aprox. 2 gallons. Which isn't that big if you're drinking beer, but not bad if your sipping tequila

[joey69]

Couldn't you just put the urine in a container on deck and let it evaporate?

[hellosailor]

Hello, Peg. been ages since the OLYC days.<G>

I'm shocked to see the laws prohibit direct "emitting" now, I always thought that if a kid peed in the ocean, they were committing no crime. I guess Congress has seen fit to close that loophole.

Grunzster, I would suggest a shelf as surveryor's red line drawing on your photo. But toilets being toilets...I'd use a sheet of StarBoard or other impervious white plastic material. Sooner or later it will need to be washed down, and impervious plastic will make the job simpler & ensure no odors are trapped.

[Minggat]

Originally Posted by joey69

Couldn't you just put the urine in a container on deck and let it evaporate?

Let us know how that works out for you.

[joey69]

ok,i'll pee in a jar and set it outside to see how long it takes.

[Bergovoy]

how long it takes for what? flys to come around or women to leave...

[peghall]

Originally Posted by hellosailor

Hello, Peg. been ages since the OLYC days.<G>

I'm shocked to see the laws prohibit direct "emitting" now, I always thought that if a kid peed in the ocean, they were committing no crime. I guess Congress has seen fit to close that loophole.

Hi Sailor... "Those were the days, my friend..." They really were! There's been nothing on the net since that even comes close to what we had on the OLYC.

"Direct discharge" from the lee rail is still legal. So is diving in and swinging on the anchor line with a silly look on your face. You just can't poop OR pee into any container and then empty the container overboard.