Notice between a manual or electric marine toilet for boat

Comfort on board, Marine WC

There are two main types of marine toilets: electric models and manual models. Electric toilets are equipped with motor pumps, while manual toilets are mechanical. Which model do you think would best suit your boat? A manual or electric marine toilet? Why should you choose one and not the other? By reading this guide, you will have the answers to all of these questions.

What parameters should be taken into account when choosing a manual or electric marine toilet?

All marine toilets are made up of the same basic elements, namely: a tank, a pump, a clean water tank and a waste water tank. So for choose a manual or electric marine toilet, it is necessary to take into account parameters related to the size, operation or adjustment of these different components.

The marine toilet flushing system

The flushing system is the main parameter that differentiates manual marine toilets from electric models. Electric models are equipped with self-priming pumps, while the manual marine toilet models are equipped with mechanical pumps. Otherwise, both are made of the same elements and work on the same principle.

The dimensions of the marine toilet

Once you have decided on a specific type of marine toilet, make sure that the model you are interested in matches the space available on your boat. Remember that this is a set consisting of two tanks, a tank and a pump. So, you have to be sure that each of these elements can be integrated into your boat. Otherwise, opt for a compact marine toilet model. They are designed to adapt to the specifics of boat interiors.

The power consumption of the pump

This parameter only concerns fans of the electric marine toilet. It allows you to select a pump according to its power consumption. Indeed, there are several models of electric pumps, and each develops a power proportional to its consumption. This means that you should check the power consumption of a pump before choosing it.

The noise of marine toilets

Like energy consumption, the noise caused by marine toilets is a parameter that only concerns electric marine toilet models. Indeed, some of them are equipped with pumps which generate noisy and harmful snoring during their operation. To solve this problem, manufacturers offer models equipped with pumps separated from the tank. This allows them to be installed away from compartments occupied by passengers.

Why choose an electric marine toilet? What are its advantages and disadvantages?

Electric marine toilets feature the best innovations in technology. Practical and easy to use, they offer the best level of comfort and safety on the market. With such a device, it suffices to press a button to perform three operations at the same time: rinse the tank, crush the waste and remove it. No need to strain your arm to pump water, everything is managed automatically. Some electric marine toilet models take innovation even further, allowing water to be drawn directly from the sea to rinse the bowls (saving you fresh water for long crossings). So it's no surprise that the opinions on electric marine toilets are so positive.

However, electric pumps have a few drawbacks: the noise they generate, their electricity consumption and the costs associated with their installation. Indeed, some models of electric toilets are noisy and extremely harmful. When one of these monsters is activated at night, it is able to wake up an entire crew at once. Besides that, we can raise the problem of energy consumption. Most electric pumps are equipped with powerful 300 watt motors. Admittedly, their usage time is not long, but the consequences are still felt. Finally, come the installation costs. Electric pumps require the use of good diameter wires and quality fuses, and this comes at an additional cost.

You should know that there are four main categories of electric marine toilets operating on the same principle. We have listed them below along with the marine toilets we recommend for each category. There is something for all budgets and all needs!

Compacts designed for small spaces:

The classics you should already know:

Top of the range for maximum comfort:

The high-end compacts to combine comfort and small spaces:

Why choose a manual marine toilet? What are its advantages and disadvantages?

Manual marine toilets offer more independence and autonomy to users. Easy to install and maintain, they do not require electrical energy to operate. Everything is done in a mechanical and simple way. By eliminating the electric motor, you save energy, materials (cables, fuses, etc.) and maintenance costs. In addition, you protect yourself from its whims and those of the electrical circuit. Be aware, in the event of a power failure, the electric pumps stop working, which is not the case with manual models. Finally, let's talk about the atmosphere that prevails when using hand pumps. Unlike noisy and annoying electric models, they are silent and respectful of the peace of the passengers.

It should be noted that manual marine toilets are divided into two main categories: classic marine toilets and compact marine toilets. Below are some good quality compact models:

View Albin Pump's compact manual marine toilet

See the compact manual marine toilet Lalizas LT 0

In the classic range, these three manual marine toilets are recommended:

See the Albin Pump manual marine toilet

The main disadvantage of manual pumps is their mechanical operation. The fact that they require physical effort constitutes a handicap vis-à-vis their electric competitors. In addition, hand pumps often have a tendency to break. Either because a novice will have put too much pressure on the mechanism, or because the valves have created an air intake which deactivates the pump. To avoid this, you can send your guests our article '' How to use a marine toilet on a boat?'so that they read it at the appropriate time! Regarding the valves, it is important to lubricate all the pump mechanisms with a special grease for sanitary ware. The fat will keep the whole system in good condition for longer.

However, we recommend having a spare hand pump on board if you are going on a long trip…:

Our opinion between a manual or electric marine toilet for boat

In conclusion, we will say that the choice of a Manual or electric marine toilet depends on the user's needs and budget. Know how to define your priorities! Once you are sure what you want, all you have to do is choose the brand of your marine toilets. Here are some benchmark brands on the market: Jabsco, Albin Pump, Johnson Pump marine toilets and Osculati marine toilets. There are also other brands such as Matro, Lavac, Dometic and RM69 marine toilets. To see more clearly we wrote a comparison of the best brands of marine toilets.

How to transform a manual marine toilet into an electric one?

If you are in doubt, know that it is possible to convert a manual marine toilet into an electric marine toilet. In the market you will easily find a wide range of electric toilet conversion kits. Installing an electric marine toilet like this only takes a few hours. How to install an electric marine toilet on a manual marine toilet? To do this, you don't need to drop off all the equipment. The assembly of the kit is summarized by the replacement of the manual lever by an electric pump in order to fill and rinse the toilet bowl. After this small modification, you just need to press a button to activate the fresh water inlet and evacuate the material.

Our advice for maintaining a manual or electric marine toilet

Once the manual or electric marine toilet is installed, it must be properly maintained. Regular cleaning is sufficient.

The most important thing is to properly maintain your black water tank (and fresh water if you have one connected to your marine toilet). It is recommended to use in the black water tank of the YACHTICON Purysan Ultra. It prevents the formation of unpleasant odors and breaks down feces and toilet paper.

In addition, it is recommended to clean the tanks at least once a year before wintering. At this time, use YACHTICON Puryclean to clean and disinfect the waste water tank. But don't use it for the clean water tank! Indeed, use Yachticon Pura Tank instead. It cleans algae and germs that proliferate in freshwater tanks, their pipes and the pump without leaving any taste or smell.