The 2 differences between a marine toilet and a chemical toilet

Comfort on board, Marine WC

It is important, if not necessary, to have a toilet on a pleasure boat. However, beforeinstall a marine toilet, you have to know which ones would be best suited to your boat. Is it a marine toilet or a chemical toilet? What are the parameters that must be taken into account to justify such a choice? To help you make your purchase a success, we have highlighted the main differences between a marine toilet and a chemical toilet. Thus, you will know which criteria must be taken into account to select the model of toilet best suited to your motor boat or sailboat.

What differences between a marine toilet and a chemical toilet should you take into account when choosing a toilet for your boat?

If you are looking for marine toilets for your boat, take into account the parameters that we are going to present to you. They will allow you to identify the differences between a marine toilet and a chemical toilet. This will give you the assurance that the model chosen is the one that best meets your needs.

Space required for installation

Space is one of the parameters that establishes the differences between a marine toilet and a chemical toilet. Indeed, there are models of marine toilets that require more space than others to be installed and function properly. This is the case with manual and electric marine toilets. Not only are they equipped with a pump, but also, they are connected to black water tanks and sometimes fresh water, and all of this requires space. So, if your boat does not have enough, opt for a chemical toilet. However, there are also models of compact electric marine toilets designed to adapt to an interior with a small surface area.

Differences between a marine toilet and a chemical toilet in terms of the toilet drain system

The electric and manual pumps are all connected to water tanks. Only their emptying systems differentiate them (understand 'their flushing'). Unlike manual marine toilet models which require the strength of the arm to operate, electric pumps are automatic and therefore more comfortable. In addition, some of them allow water to be drawn directly from the sea.

Regarding chemical toilets, they have integrated water tanks. The downside is that these tanks have more limited capacities than those of the electric and manual marine toilet models, so they cannot hold up over long distances.

The noise of the toilet

The noise is a parameter which intervenes only in the choice between several models of electric marine toilets. Indeed, the main defect of this type of marine toilet comes from the noise generated by the electric pump, in particular when the latter is integral with the tank. Fortunately, there are models where the pump is disconnected from the tank, this allows it to be installed in a place where its noise will be less noticeable.

WC materials

This parameter is more aesthetic than practical, because some materials are more comfortable and more prestigious than others. This is the case with ceramics, porcelain or wood. They are better appreciated than plastic or stainless steel which, on the other hand, are less expensive.

Why choose a manual or electric marine toilet?

Manual marine toilet: free yourself from dependence on electricity

As we said above, the Manual marine toilets are equipped with a mechanical pump to empty the bowl. Connected to a clean water tank and to a waste water tank, the pump is operated by the driving force of the arm. The main advantage of this type of marine toilet is that it does not require an electrical connection to operate.

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

However, they are restrictive and less practical, since it is necessary to produce a physical effort to pump the water so we need. In addition, compared to chemical models, they are more cumbersome, because the pump and water tanks require more space. In addition, they are fixedly installed, so they cannot be moved in the event of a problem. Finally, 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…:

Replacement pump for Jabsco manual marine toilet with Twist 'n' Lock system

Electric marine toilet: equip your boat with practical and comfortable toilets

Electric toilets are also equipped with a pump, but it is electric. Thus, electric marine toilets are more practical and more comfortable. Here, all you have to do is press a button for the water in the tank to flow into the bowl. The main disadvantage of this type of marine toilet comes from the noise caused by the hum of the pump, it is annoying. In addition, like the models of manual marine toilets, they must be installed in a fixed manner, which constitutes a handicap vis-à-vis chemical toilets. Finally, electric marine toilets are often more expensive than others.

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:

see the Osculati compact electric marine toilet

The classics you should already know:

See the classic Albin Pump electric marine toilet

See the Johnson Classic Electric Marine Toilet

Top of the range for maximum comfort:

See the Albin Pump 12V premium electric marine toilet

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

See the Jabsco compact premium electric marine toilet

Why choose a chemical toilet? What are the differences between a marine toilet and a chemical toilet?

Chemical toilets are the simplest of all, and the most accessible too. They derive their main advantage from their size, because they are less bulky than marine toilets. Their operation does not require connection to a tank or a pump, therefore, they require less space. This is the reason why their models are best suited to small boats. In addition, they are not fixed during their installation, so they can be moved from one compartment to another if needed.

You will find chemical toilets at all prices, from the most basic to that with an electric flush!

However, chemical toilets also have drawbacks. First of all, they are equipped with integrated tanks which very often have limited capacities. As a result, they fill up faster, so they cannot withstand long sea trips. In addition, these tanks generally have to be emptied by hand. Unfortunately, they often turn out to be heavy. do not forget that la regulations on marine toilets requires the discharge of sewage from a boat to be phased in and not all at once. This means that you will have to support the weight of your tank the entire way it takes to drain it.

NB: If you have chemical toilets, we recommend the use of ecological and self-degradable DOMETIC tablets so as not to contaminate the marine environment.

Conclusion on the differences between a marine toilet and a chemical toilet

The differences between a marine toilet and a chemical toilet are played out on two main parameters: the space available on the boat and the use made of it. Let's start with space. If you have a small boat and lack the space to secure the tank-reservoir-pump assembly, opt for a chemical toilet. On the other hand, if your boat can accommodate a marine toilet and its accessories, do not hold back, take one.

Let's move on to the use of the boat. If you use your boat for long trips at sea, it is better to use manual or electric marine toilets. Because, their autonomy is more important. Chemical toilets are dedicated to small boats, over short distances or during moorings of short duration. Unless there are a few of you and you don't use it a lot.

Now you know which type of marine toilet is suitable for your motor boat or sailboat. 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 even 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.