Last winter we kept our boat at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore. Winterized all systems including toilet. We used the marina facilities, however that 3AM pee is a long walk. What about keeping a gallon of anti freeze next to head and pour some into toilet at that time? We're not talking a great amount of pee as this may only be needed a dozen times for the whole winter. Can we flush and not worry?
Keeping boat in water and use of head in winter
- Thread starter plexi1
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As long as your using anti freeze then you should be fine.My concern would be smell. Could also line bowl with a heavy duty garbage bag and dispose in morning.
ColonyCove
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I wouldn't use a holding tank that could not be dumped for months. For a hundred bucks or so you could buy a self-contained portable toilet. The holding tank portion can be detached and carried ashore for emptying. Much better peace of mind while aboard to handle any restroom needs.
Safe and Happy Boating!
ColonyCove
Safe and Happy Boating!
ColonyCove
There is also a system that uses "Poo Powder", hikers use it a ton...may work for your application.
Description:
Help keep the backcountry a little bit cleaner with these easy-to-use biodegradable waste bags.
Features:
Biodegradable double bag system is constructed from puncture resistant materials
The included "Pooh-Powder" gels waste, removes odor and drives the decomposition process
Just toss the leakproof bag in a trailhead garbage can on your way back to the world of flush toilets
Specifications:
Weight: 2.4 ounces (one bag)
Description:
Help keep the backcountry a little bit cleaner with these easy-to-use biodegradable waste bags.
Features:
Biodegradable double bag system is constructed from puncture resistant materials
The included "Pooh-Powder" gels waste, removes odor and drives the decomposition process
Just toss the leakproof bag in a trailhead garbage can on your way back to the world of flush toilets
Specifications:
Weight: 2.4 ounces (one bag)
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plexi,
I've kept my boats in the water in Maryland as well, both as a liveaboard and a weekender. There are pumpout boats available in Inner Harbor to empty holding tank when needed, and so long as freeze protection is available (only when there is ice on the water), you should be OK. During one really cold period of several days, I used a trouble light with a 100 watt bulb to generate enough heat to prevent line and head freezing - always shut the thru hull intake line when not in use.... NOTE: NEVER use a bulb in the bilge of a gasoline powered boat. In my case, the area is outside the engine compartment and "safe" (relative term) from fumes.
Delaware Jim
I've kept my boats in the water in Maryland as well, both as a liveaboard and a weekender. There are pumpout boats available in Inner Harbor to empty holding tank when needed, and so long as freeze protection is available (only when there is ice on the water), you should be OK. During one really cold period of several days, I used a trouble light with a 100 watt bulb to generate enough heat to prevent line and head freezing - always shut the thru hull intake line when not in use.... NOTE: NEVER use a bulb in the bilge of a gasoline powered boat. In my case, the area is outside the engine compartment and "safe" (relative term) from fumes.
Delaware Jim
Unless there was a storm and you lost power.
If you keep antifreeze in the water tanks, and use the water just for the head, I don't see a problem, am I missing something?
KiDa's idea of a boatsafe heater is a good idea as a back up.
Maybe "The Other Gary" will chime in, he lives aboard all year in Canada.
Walter
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"am I missing something?" -- walterv
Raw water flush?
Raw water flush?