The marine head is something that is definitively an example of multiple personalities. On one hand it is a stalwart provider of relief, and it does so with cool countenance and stoic calm. On the other hand it can give the most awful PITA ever: think overhauling a clogged joker valve in a rough seaway!
OK, graphic imagery aside, the marine head and its related accessories is a vital piece of equipment on many a vessel. In the days of faded memory, one only had to take care of business and one's business would be pumped overboard. However, in these days of environmental responsibility, overboard sewage discharge is not only not necessary it is illegal.
Full disclosure is necessary, and here goes. Before my career in business, I was in the environmental science field (e.g. marine biologist), and I monitored sewage pollution on the coast of Maine. After walking many miles of the downeast coast, it was easy to see that estuarine pollution was primarily caused by run-off and faulty municipal sewage treatment. The recreational vessel, while a contributor, was merely a rounding error in generation of fecal coliform scores.
OK, that may be true, but in order to effectively talk the talk, one has to walk the walk, which means we all have to pony up to the responsibility bar. I don't relieve myself in my pool, so I should refrain from dumping my waste into the bays and harbors I either moor in or visit. Good, but I don't like having to carry gallons of sewage in my vessel until I can get the holding tanks pumped out, or losing valuable storage space to poop!
On Harmony, we have opted to install composting heads. These will eliminate the holding tanks AND the need to find a pump-out station every 4-5 days or so. Not to mention the issues of head clogging and an ever present odor! Even though the Marion Harbormaster will pump our holding tanks out on a weekly schedule for free, we hope to travel beyond our mooring.
While there exist modern plastic versions of the old wooden bucket, we looked at what we believe are the only two viable marine composting heads on the market today: Airhead and Nature's Head. Both operate very similarly by separating the liquids from the solids, which eliminates the unmentionable odor. By desiccating the solids within in peat moss or a like material, the only aroma that should be detected is an earthly, dirt-like, smell.
The liquid container generally needs emptying every 3-4 days depending on usage, but the solids container can last 6-8 weeks. Disposal is relatively easy, and, as a bonus, these units require no water. Great! On Harmony, that eliminates 4 seacocks and through-hull fittings! Yes, that means 4 less holes in the bottom of the boat!
I will write in more detail about the installation and operation when we actually install the units in 2013. However, we have chosen the Nature's Head unit after much consideration. We like the larger seat and the better price. That being said, I believe we would be well served by either unit.
While our sewage on Harmony, alone, may not impact the environment in a significant manner, everything we can do to act responsibly CAN make a difference. Besides we can be an example for others, and, in the final analysis, our living conditions on Harmony will be enhanced.
Fair Winds and Following Seas!
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