Electric Toilets on Boats: Key Considerations

A Practical Guide to Marine Toilets and What to Know About Our New Electric Models

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At Catamaran Adventures San Blas, we always strive to provide the best possible experience for our guests. However, we recently received feedback in the form of 2 bad reviews both on Trip Advisor and Google Reviews from a guest who did not follow the captain's advice on properly using the marine toilet, which resulted in an unpleasant odor. While marine toilets are very different from household toilets, proper use is crucial to ensure a comfortable and odor-free experience for everyone onboard. In response, we’ve introduced new electric toilets on select catamarans to make things even easier for our guests. This guide is here to help you understand how to properly use both our manual and electric toilets, ensuring that your charter experience remains as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

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Understanding Marine Toilets

Marine toilets differ significantly from household toilets. They’re designed to operate efficiently within the limited space, water supply, and plumbing systems of a boat. Most use seawater or freshwater for flushing:

Seawater-flush toilets draw water directly from the ocean, helping conserve the boat’s freshwater supply.

Waste is either:

• Stored in a holding tank (to be pumped out later at port or emptied in designated areas), or

• Discharged overboard, but only where practical.

Inside a marine toilet system: how waste is flushed, collected in a holding tank, and later discharged safely.

Proper use is essential:

Marine toilets rely on narrow plumbing and delicate systems. Improper flushing can clog the system, cause foul odors, and require expensive repairs.

Manual vs. Electric Toilets: Benefits and Disadvantages

Manual Toilets

• Operation: Hand-pumped to draw in water and expel waste.

• Pros:

  • No electricity required.

  • Simple mechanics; easier to repair.

• Cons:

  • Users must follow specific steps to avoid odors.

  • Requires physical effort.

A closer look at the manual marine toilet — reliable, simple, and standard on most catamarans.

Electric Toilets

• Operation: Activated by a button; often includes a macerator to grind waste.

• Pros:

  • Easy to use; ideal for guests.

  • Efficient waste management; reduces clogs.

  
  

• Cons:

  • Dependent on the boat's power supply.

  • More complex; may require specialized maintenance.

Electric marine toilet — an upgraded, button-operated option for easier onboard use.

Usage Guidelines

Manual Toilet:

1. Ensure inlet and outlet valves (seacocks) are open.

2. Pump several times to fill the bowl with water.

3. After use, pump thoroughly to evacuate waste.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 if needed to ensure the bowl is clean and clear.

5. Close seacocks to prevent water ingress.

Electric Toilet:

1. Press the flush button once to start the flushing cycle. The system will automatically bring in water, macerate the waste (if applicable), and evacuate it.

2. For heavier use, press the button again or hold it for a few seconds to ensure complete flushing.

Important!

• Only flush human waste.

• Do not dispose of sanitary products, paper, wipes, or any foreign objects. Also avoid putting in cigarettes, matches, cotton wool, chewing gum, or any solid items.

• Never flush petrol, diesel, oil, or solvents of any kind, as these can seriously damage the system and harm the marine environment.

Key Reminders

• Always follow the captain's instructions regarding toilet use.

• Improper use can lead to unpleasant odors and system issues.

• Remember, a catamaran is a vessel with unique systems—not a land-based home.

• And don’t worry—your captain is always available to help with any questions about how the toilets work.

Top Marine Toilet Brands

When selecting marine toilets, quality and reliability are paramount. Here are some top-rated brands:

• Raritan: Known for models like the Marine Elegance, offering quiet operation and efficient maceration. 

• Jabsco: Offers a range of manual and electric toilets, including the Quiet Flush series, appreciated for their reliability and widespread availability of spare parts.

• Dometic: Provides innovative designs like the MasterFlush series, featuring 360° bowl-to-base rotation for flexible installation. 

• Tecma (Thetford Marine): Offers sleek, ceramic electric toilets with advanced features for luxury vessels.

Conclusion

Whether you’re stepping aboard a catamaran for the first time or already familiar with sailing, understanding how marine toilets work is key to a comfortable and pleasant trip. While electric toilets offer modern convenience on some boats, many catamarans still use manual systems that require a bit of know-how to avoid odors or clogs.

Remember, marine toilets aren’t like home bathrooms—they have unique systems that need careful use.

Following the simple guidelines and asking the captain for help when needed will ensure your onboard experience stays fresh and hassle-free. With a little care, you can fully enjoy the adventure without surprises.