No pump-out service in winter - solutions?

[Aikiboat]

I'm exploring the liveaboard option in northern NJ on the Hudson across from NYC. I spoke with the GM of a marina while exploring the other day and he was very helpful in answering my newbie questions. I also got to watch in-water boats getting shrink-wrapped.

The marina allows liveaboards, has metered electric, cable hook-up, water filling twice a week in the winter and fuel available year-round. However, there is no pump-out service from November to April. While I understand the idea of using the marina facilities in general, I can't imagine mid-winter having to get fully dressed and trudge up the dock late at night if nature suddenly calls.

So what do people in the colder climates do for on-board facilities when pump-out is not available (other than dumping overboard)?

[Kettlewell]

A composting head works well in that situation. But, you probably don't want to change heads. There are some portable pumpout systems that can be wheeled down a dock. If there are enough liveaboards there you might be able to get everyone to pitch in to purchase one. Still, you need a dumping station that is open.

[delmarrey]

On this map you will find pump out boats that come to you.>>> http://www.goingcoastal.org/img/2010HR_Pumpouts.pdf

BTW the Hudson River is a "NO DISCHARGE " area, for those who would recommend dumping over board.

[Kettlewell]

I doubt any pumpout boats will be in the water during the winter on the Hudson. You'll have to come up with something else.

[Kenomac]

#1 gets pumped overboard and for #2 you trudge up the dock to use the marina facilities.

[The Other Gary]

Our marina has a 100 gal tracked vehicle that comes right down the docks for winter pumpouts.

[Aikiboat]

Thanks for the ideas! Anyone have experience with composting toilets? Suggested brands to consider or potential issues to be aware of (smell, emptying, etc...)? Instead of changing out the existing head, could one be brought on board just for the winter season (assuming there is room for it)?

[The Other Gary]

Depending on the setup in your area several of you may want to share a Todd Waste caddy.

Todd Waste Caddy (P93-2402)

[Aikiboat]

Thanks again for the info! The caddy is a simple solution and perhaps others at the marina would contribute in some manner (or pay a small fee to use it to help recoup costs).

[Kettlewell]

The caddy could work. Just be sure you have some place to dump it.

[delmarrey]

I see on the map that the Pennsylvania side doesn't have a "No Discharge" area. Maybe you should go over there and dump.

Just kidding of course!!!

[sailorboy1]

hard to believe at a marina with winter liveaboards that there isn't a plan to pump out heads

have you checked with your dock neighbors?

[gonesail]

if you are man (or woman) enough to live on a boat in the NYC winter then it would seem you would be able to walk to the facilities if and when needed.

[ScuzzMonkey]

We live in an area where there are mobile pump-out services available year-round, but since we're cheap, we just hike up the dock when we need to go. Not such a big deal. We'll use the head aboard in emergencies, but we don't usually have to pump out more than once or twice each winter, and it's a good excuse to get the engine fired up and make sure everything is still working to take the trip to the pump-out station ourselves then.

Some of the older fellows in the marina keep buckets aboard, with varying degrees of creature comforts installed, for when they don't feel like making the trek at night. They just take the bucket up and dump it in the morning. So that might be another option for you.

[AnchorageGuy]

I can't understand why anyone would want to live aboard in NY in the winter. Haul the boat, get a cheap rental for a few months and move back aboard in the Spring. That's what we did in the Chesapeake. Chuck