I read on one of the posts on this forum where someone had done some research into porta loos and I was impressed with his findings ( might have been Cisco) anyway I have done a search and can't find anything. Not sure if I know how to use it properly. I need to get one quickly as the loo on board Pelagia needs an upgrade. A porta loo would seem to be the easiest and cheapest solution. By the way I sailed Pelagia up from Albany to Rockingham and her new home on a swing mooring in Mangles Bay over the last 4 days. We averaged 6 knots over the 380 nautical mile trip with the breeze all down wind for the entire trip. Will do a separate post later when I have sufficiently recovered (lost iphone and all cards over the side 20 clicks before Mangles Bay).
I sort of thought a porta loo would not be easy to live with, as I kind of thought it was necessary to lug the heavy thing ashore to empty it when staying in inshore or environmentally protected waters.
A composting toilet seems easier to empty. The Air Head composting toilet is not cheap compared to a porta loo. I guess a holding tank installation for a marine head may not be cheap either, and hard to find space for a holding tank on a small sailboat.
Installing an Air Head requires glassing up any holes from an old marine head, drilling a hole in the deck to install a vent on deck, and supplying the fan with power. The little fan needs to run constantly. The seat is at a higher position than a marine head.
I'm using a TMC macerator (no holding tank) and may buy a low capacity porta potti for when it's required
Most of us take a leak about every 90 minutes or so [or less, age dependent] The male bed urinal bottle is the way to go. Mine is attached to a cord that is secured just inside the main hatch. When sailing I just pull the cord to get the bottle, use it then tip the contents over the side, drop the bottle into the water to pick up water to rinse. Chuck it back down below. I also use it in the cabin. I never take a leak over the side because it's awkward and dangerous. At the mooring same routine.
If your planning on using a porta loo check with the local regulations on emptying the contents. If your in a non environmental area where the fish are free to crap in the water you may be surprised. Have not kept current with the regulations since I retired and sold my boat that was in survey. At the time if you did not have an installed toilet/ holding tank it was open slather 100 metres from a public toilet. Charter boats had to have an installed toilet. Trawlers do not and once clear of the wharf by 100 metres your on your own.
Buy the cheapest p/potty you can find and when its full , throw it over the side and buy another one
"The male bed urinal bottle is the way to go"
Just get a vinagre bottle with a handle, then cut the opening out bigger. Then add a cord to the handle. Put the cord over a winch and toss overboard after use. I've been using this for years. My wife has no problem either.
DIY composter:
Privett urine separating toilet bowl-- about $100
bucket with clip-on lid for poo -- ask your local pool shop
Couple of 4-liter PET juice bottles for pee
Couple of bits of plywood
12V fan -- about $30 off Ebay
bit of vent tube.
A big BBQ spatula to turn the bucket contents every couple of days.
Total cost under $200.
Airhead and Nature's Head are about $1000, C-head (the best of the lot) is about $600.
Porta-potty chemical poopers are bloody horrible.
If there are no ladies on board, a bucket will do nicely. Keep it simple.
Bought the potti 335 six months ago to replace our head. Its especially designed for low height and small space. Works for us and not that much of an issue to handle.
I feel terrible about my lack of acknowledgement re all the valuable input that I have received from all who have replied to my post. My most humble apologies. I have to admit to being somewhat overwhelmed by the number and variety of responses. From just wanting to know what the most practical and efficient ports loo is it seems that the majority opinion is the bucket is best. I have no problem with that. I just think it's probably not the most attractive option for women. Having said that I will probably go the bucket at least short term as I have many more pressing issues to spend money on ie replacing standing rigging. My boat seems to be turning into a bit of a male domain anyway I suppose. My wife seems to get badly seasick even at anchor.
So thanks again for everyone's input, much appreciated.