1984 CD 36 Waste holding tank removal and riser mod

[JRMay]

Hello fellow CD lovers,

I recently purchased a 1984 CD 36 and intend to install a composting head (Nature's Head) this spring.

Two questions to resolve before starting the project are:

Cutting down the riser where the original head is mounted to lower the seat height of the composting head.
The base would then be reinforced, glassed and the new head installed.

Pending the successful outcome of the above project I would then remove the waste tank and associated plumbing to gain additional storage space.

Any info or suggestions from members having experience with such a project is greatly appreciated.

[tjr818]

We installed an Airhead in our 27 several years ago, when we did the install we removed the holding tank. I have since found out that there is an adapter kit that allows a hookup to a holding tank for liquid waste (urine). The two quart urine tank on the airhead is quite small once the beverages are served. I wish now that www had kept the holding tank. We plan to add a new smaller tank now for the liquid waste. The Airhead is just as tall as the Natures Head (we looked at both). We installed a step in front of the head for more comfortable sitting.

[JRMay]

Thanks Tim,

I like the idea of ditching the liquids container and utilizing the existing tank or doing a modification to halve the tank capacity (currently 24 gals.)

Since my post I've read online that the waste tank on the CD 36 is glassed in, if this is true the tank mod project becomes more difficult (expensive and messy) and not a worthwhile consideration.

In either case ... Let the beverages flow!!!


Also like the step idea to address the head height issue, but haven't given up on a modification of the shower pan/riser.


Thanks, JR

[Skylark]

Can someone explain to me, please, what is the advantage of a composting toilet? Especially on a boat. It's not like you have a garden, and can put the poop on your compost pile.

Frankly, I've replaced the hoses, updated the vent, replaced rage the pump and I think the original design (if maintained properly) is better than any of the backyard engineering I've seen lately.

[tjr818]

A lot depends on how you sail, where, when, and how often. For a weekend sailor the composting toilet eliminates pumpouts and smell. I no longer have to sail around with 20 gallons of waste sloshing around under the settee. ONCE annually we take the compost and dump it onto our compost pile at home. The waste can also be legally disposed of most anywhere. They may not be for everyone, but we have never had a problem with our Airhead. It comes down to choices. By the way, we have a tiller and we do not lock our prop. To each his own.

[JRMay]

Hi Skylark,

I appreciate an odor free head in working order, however I also appreciate less maintenance, reduced operating cost, eliminating a nasty repair job and the inconvenience of an "Out of Order" head.

For the above reasons and having one less item on my "to do list" are my reasons for a composting head.

Not an attempt to judge one better than the other, simply my choice.

Options are good for everyone, the correct choice is the choice that works for you.

Do and enjoy, JR