J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment Head Maintenance - #143

Just purchased #143. Never had a head on board so not sure what to expect. Biggest issue is the STANK. Any tips or directions i can get would be very very helpful. Nearest pumpout to me is 30 mins by motor so its not very convenient.

#143 - shea thorvalsen

the (post-pump out) RINSE is critical. Several freshwater rinses. For you ocean sailors using the overboard option, I'm not sure how'd you do a freshwater rinse...may want to poll your fellow saltwater sailors. The seawater used for rinsing the head bowl can be teeming with life, which then can mimic 3 day old fish very soon in the head.

whats the standard protocol there? we use a closed system (lake michigan) and do a freshwater rinse at the gas dock.

Oh and the other thing is to avoid long term storage of holding tank contents in warm summer conditions. There is just no helping 14 day aged contents.

I concur with Dell. Rhapsody is in salt water, but we keep the holding tank pumped out and backflush with fresh water to get rid of sea water beasties that smell...

Another thing to consider - a lot of the cruiser guys convert their boats to freshwater flush for exactly this reason.

Basically just means plumbing the head flush intake into your freshwater tank, along with some one-way valves and tubing arrangement to ensure its not possible for the head to back up into your tank. I've been thinking about doing this, since it will also allow me to eliminate one of the seacocks which has various benefits.

I usually take my water tank down to 5 gallons or so for offshore racing just for cleaning up and washing your face - we never drink out of there. I figure if I was ever in a pinch and ran out of fresh water I could always just bring a bucket down.

BTW - while we are on the head subject - anyone see my post here?:

https://j30.us/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/12194/Troubleshooting_head_issue.html#Post12194

I hope to troubleshoot this next weekend, if Irene doesn't take out my Charleston based boat first...

-dan

interesting stuff, guys. I posted a reply on your other thread, whitedolphin.