Sea Ray heads - Portapotty vs. vacuflush

[jattea]

Hi all.

I'm in the market for a used SeaRay 240da, and I'd like some opinions about the head options.

My understanding is that the standard option is the squarish "portapotty" with a pump flush, with a holding tank that can be pumped out.

Then there's the optional VacuFlush. Is the only advantage of the vacuflush that you can flush it without pumping? Can they both be emptied in the same fashion?

If I buy a boat with a portapotty, can I retrofit it with a vacuflush? What would it cost?

What is a macerator?

I haven't had any experience with either (I haven't ever owned a boat, so I've never had to deal with cleaning the head), so I'd appreciate anyone's opinions.

Thanks!

Jonathan
Buffalo, NY

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Sea Ray heads - Portapotty vs. vacuflush

a portapotty has a tank in the bottom you have to empty yourself. the vacuflush, have a built in holding tank, that is emptied for a small fee at marinas, the connect a hose to the boat, and pump out the stuff, with a pump.

i have a portapotty, only the girls use it, and the occasional guy, that has to go #2. guys use the swim platform.

 

[Grand Larsony]

Re: Sea Ray heads - Portapotty vs. vacuflush

Not totally correct. I have a 25' cruiser with portapottie. It does have an integrated holding tank (the bottom half of the unit) and uses a bellows pump to flush (top half holds clean water)... but mine, like many, has a 2" hose connecting the bottom half holding tank to a topside waste fitting for pump out.

You usually get gas, and then the operator hands you the pump out hose. Open the deck fitting, hold the hose end tightly to the opening, open the valve on the hose, and it vacuums out waste from the holding tank. Takes about 5 seconds. Viola!

I usually pump out once per month or about every tankful of gas. Our gas place doesn't charge for pumpout if you fill up, but if you don't it's about $10 to pump out alone.

We try to minimize use of the head, but with our regular amount of usage it can hold about a month of pee-pee. Use deodorizing chemicals per instructions (ask at the store if you need more help).

Others can detail setup and use of other types of head systems. A friend of mine pees in his vanity sink to save on portapottie capacity. Not me.

Hope this helps.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Sea Ray heads - Portapotty vs. vacuflush

your friend is nasty.

 

[torcano]

Re: Sea Ray heads - Portapotty vs. vacuflush

I just sold my 240 DA that had a portapotty after 6 months. The three things that were essential for the next boat that I just bought were: 1. Vacuflush head 2. A/C 3. electric windlass. While the portapotty can be pumped out the waste sits in the lower chamber until you do so. On a hot day in the close quarters of a 240DA ,the air can get pretty intense. It cost $ 3000-4000 to retrofit that boat with a vacuflush. IMHO it is not worth putting that money into it. I would look for a boat that is already fitted with one. You're more likely to see them in the 260 DA .