I am replacing the standard head, holding tank and associated plumbing with an Airhead Composting head on my 1985 Catalina 36, #397.
The Airhead Composting head must be vented to the outside. I plan on placing the vent in the overhead in the head similar to the installation shown on the Airhead website for a Catalina 36. https://airheadtoilet.com/testimonials/catalina-36/
My question is what vent have you used up on the deck?
It appears in the Airhead installation video that they used a solar vent of some kind.
Also, the installation instructions call for a tube or liner to be installed in the overhead between the inside of the boat and the vent on the outside deck.
My question is what tube or line did you use?
I previously posted questions regarding the step for the Airhead toilet. Thanks to those who provided the many helpful suggestions.
Regards,
John
Catalina 36
1985 Hull 397
Tossing a note in here, not about how to install the vent, but on my own experience with a composting head...
I had a Nature's Head in the powerboat that my wife and I lived on for many years. I work from home, so it was my primary toilet, wife worked a rotating shift that gave her most of a week off every other week. That toilet was used a lot!
I never installed the vent, and never had a problem with it. Sold it to a gal who lives aboard and she has not had an issue without the vent hookup either. That is putting it 5+ years.
I do not know if the Airhead may have different hard requirements than the Nature's Head, but if I were you I would take the boat out for a few days and test run the toilet to see if the vent is crucial before cutting into the cabintop.
—
Ben Lobaugh
s/v Shadow
1987 MKI #724
Tacoma, WA
Cruising and Racing
I installed a Natures Head composting toilet in Xena last year, and didn't worry about the fan until this spring during haul out. I really don't think the vent was all that necessary, as there was no odor or other issues. Once the Admiral realized that it was suppose to be vented she insisted I install the vent. The vent hose came with the toilet and I bought the Mushroom vent from Natures Head, ($75) which is a Ventus mushroom vent, and installed it next to the old vent stanchion. This allowed me to enlarge the existing holes in the cabinet for the old tank vent hose, so the new vent hose is not exposed. When we sail the vent is screwed closed, and has a rubber seal to prevent water entry. We love the composting toilet and the Admiral is now convinced that the installation is correct and complete. I will add pics when I get back from the boat this next weekend, must have deleted them by mistake.
Troy
S/V Xena
2002 Catalina 36 MK II
Hull #2103
Seward, Alaska