rebuild, I want to go cheap

alk

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Boat is a 1972 30' Pacemaker express. It was abandoned by previous owner, now it's mine. Last weekend I tore out the 30 year old Mansfield formaldyhyde pumper, the toilet, and all of the hoses. Not a fun job.

So I'd like to get a working system in this boat, but I don't want to spend a lot of money ( or time). Anybody have any favorites, or un-favorits of the low budget options? I was thinking of going with something like this, but still considering something more permanent.

thanks

http://www.boatfix.com/shop5/store/viewItem.asp?idProduct=25638
 
Andy, for about $30 bucks more, you can install a Jabsco manual. Certainly not the greatest 'tiody' in the world, but gets the job done. New hoses van't be that much more.
 
Steve, if you go that way, you'll also need a holding tank that the head pumps into, and it will have to be plumbed to a deck fitting for dockside pumpout.

The cheapest way out would be to install a porta-potty. When it's full, you separate the tank portion of it, from the top half, carry it ashore and empty it little by little, into the nearest shore toilet. You can get one for less than $100.00 from Boatfix.

http://www.boatfix.com/shop5/store/viewItem.asp?idProduct=25639
 
I have the deck fitting, and I have about ten feet of new sanitation hose - but would still need a tank. Are the jabsco's any good, oris there something better for a few bucks more?

Not that I would ever condone such a practice {:, but isn't it legal to dump the contents of a portable device overboard? Or does that only apply to buckets?
 
I changed out the Jabsco manual toilet that came installed in my 2002 Bayliner after about 2 years. I replaced it with a Raritan PHII. My guests find it much easier to operate and much easier to understand how to operate. I just rebuilt it (changed out the o-rings, springs, balls, etc. and used the teflon lube. Very nice device. A good manual toilet for the money.
 
Even a bucket is considered an MSD and can only be emptied onshore. The only legal thing is "Direct Deposit" or an approved MSD.
 
quote:

Originally posted by mdoherty

Even a bucket is considered an MSD and can only be emptied onshore. The only legal thing is "Direct Deposit" or an approved MSD.






You sure about that? I remember an article authored by Peggy Hall, which said otherwise..

http://www.boatbuilding.com/article.php/MarineSanitationFactvsFolklore

Not that I plan on dumping my bucket overboard.

This boat will probably spend most of the summer in the slip, so I'm leaning towards portable to avoid driving over to the pumpout - but the idea of emptying the portable isn't thrilling, and worse, I'm pretty sure my marina has a rule that you can't empty anything but yourself into their bathroom facilities.
 
Peggie was interpreting the law from a very "narrow" viewpoint. Take it from me, if you get caught dumping a bucket of s**t into the water, YOU WILL be cited! You may eventually beat it in court, but it will cost you a young fortune to do so.
 
like I said, this is mostly an academic argument, I don't plan ondumping anything into the water - well at least not any ****. But a bucket of piss? Won't be mine, I just pee overboard {:, but hey, you nver know.
 
The bucket is against the MARPOL treaty. USCG is charged with enforcing the treaty.
 
quote:

Originally posted by Vic Willman

Peggie was interpreting the law from a very "narrow" viewpoint. Take it from me, if you get caught dumping a bucket of s**t into the water, YOU WILL be cited! You may eventually beat it in court, but it will cost you a young fortune to do so.






At the time she wrote that article I believe she was correct. They have since closed that loop hole.

I know she has tried to get that article removed from a number of web sites because the information is dated. But with no avail.
 
So the real question is; is taking a leak over the side legal or not?
 
That seems to be an interesting question. I suppose if you have no MSD, MARPOL is the only regulations you can violate, unless of course you are in a no discharge zone. My vote is for yes, it's legal. Maybe we should take a poll?

From what I found, according to MARPOL,
"
The Master shall prevent marine pollution by complying with “MARPOL Annex IV” and any local or domestic law and regulations.

“Sewage” means:

1. Drainage and other waste from any form of toilet

2. Drainage from medical premises (hospital etc.) via wash basins and scuppers located in such premises

3. Other wastewaters when mixed with the drainage defined above
 
Alk I have a spare 16 gallon new Sealand Poly holding tank if you want it I can measure it to see if it will fit your needs. I will give it to you if your interested.
Bill
 
thanks for the offer Bill, I'll take some measurements this weekend.
 
I just have to speak up on this. IMHO, if you go "Cheap" you will regret it later and end up doing it over again. My suggestion would be to put in a good system to begin with and be done with it.

I replaced my head with a Raritan marine Elegance a couple of years ago and am VERY happy I did so. I could have gone with another manuel for less money but the efficiency and convenience of the new one is WELL worth the money.

Anyway, thats just my 2 cents. I've seen lots and lots of boaters do things because they were cheaper and end up in the long run spending even more money by going back and doing it again.

Just food for thought. :)

Bob
 
I hear you Bob, in general I don't go cheap - but this boat was basically a freebie, and I dont have a good feel yet for the condition of the motors, hull, etc - so I'm reluctant to spend a lot of money in the event I dont hold onto the boat - but in order to spend weekends on board, a working head would be nice.
 
http://cgi.ebay.com/Jabsco-Compact-Marine-Head-Toilet-Boat-/290567810598?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item43a730ee26
 
quote:

Originally posted by rnbenton

I just have to speak up on this. IMHO, if you go "Cheap" you will regret it later and end up doing it over again. My suggestion would be to put in a good system to begin with and be done with it.

I replaced my head with a Raritan marine Elegance a couple of years ago and am VERY happy I did so. I could have gone with another manuel for less money but the efficiency and convenience of the new one is WELL worth the money.

Anyway, thats just my 2 cents. I've seen lots and lots of boaters do things because they were cheaper and end up in the long run spending even more money by going back and doing it again.

Just food for thought. :)

Bob





If you keep it I agree with Bob. Then again I have a complete used 1 season Vacu Flush system I would let go cheap.
I replaced it with a Marine Elegance.
Bill
 
quote:

Originally posted by mdoherty

So the real question is; is taking a leak over the side legal or not?






Nothing is illegal if you don't get caught!

It is not directly illegal from a boating standpoint, but it may well violate some other laws such as indecent exposure.

Climb down the swim ladder and nobody will know or can prove what you are doing.
 
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