Hi Brains Trust,
I would like to get some input from people who have installed a composting toiled on board as to the best method of venting.

options at present are:

througn deck vent
thorough topsides.

The hose is 38mm and it will be operated constantly with a 12v fan.
options i am thinking about:

a 38mm thoughull fitting with valve (through hull side);
mushroom vent (through deck)
vent with cowl over with the opening facing aft (through hull side)

Any experiences welcome.... thanks in advance.

James

Been toying with the idea of a composter and in theory they don't smell, but I would be inclined to have the vent as high as possible, and if arranged thoughtfully could work as a Venturi

I've installed mine vented to a cowl that is kept facing aft. She is kept on a swing mooring. I find that as long as the peat is kept relatively dry it won't stink at all.

My unit was obtained from Kimberly Kampers and has a urine diverter, automatic turner, twin fans, and a 12v heat pad. Im hoping that it doesnt stink! not throwing out my old toilet yet though just in case!

vented cowl facing aft... do you have a valve on the line for heavy weather?

I ran mine Into the anchor locker as a temporary fix but haven't experienced any odours as yet only a mild soil smell occasionally, but I will say one tip is to make sure the urine bottle is not to full before motoring into choppy seas

I have a Nature's Head. Similar with small computer fan in the unit and 38mm outlet. I ran the outlet using provided Flexi tube and conduit up to an existing deck vent. Never noticed any decktop odour.

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Jayde28 said..
I ran mine Into the anchor locker as a temporary fix but haven't experienced any odours as yet only a mild soil smell occasionally, but I will say one tip is to make sure the urine bottle is not to full before motoring into choppy seas

Thanks for the tip... definitely will follow that urine advice. unfortunately dont have a anchor locker that drains overboard so that option is out.

my worry is not really about smell as about stopping the ocean coming back aboard though the vent. thinking it through a aft facing cover , some nifty routing of hose inboard + a valve for extreme weather seems like the best option covering all bases.

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Bushdog said..
I have a Nature's Head. Similar with small computer fan in the unit and 38mm outlet. I ran the outlet using provided Flexi tube and conduit up to an existing deck vent. Never noticed any decktop odour.

What sort of deck vent? like a dorade box? how does it perform in heavy weather ....This experience is definitely what i am looking for before drilling holes in my deck / topsides! any photos and experiences you have would be amazing.

great photo!
that would definitely be a good all weather option!
Facing the dorade aft would venturi odours away.
thanks for input and experience.
James

The old toilet is out and I have lowered the base and epoxied the area to take the composting toilet...
Next weekend for the install!
Venting - I have decided to use a 1 1/4" skin fitting with a ball isloation valve and 40mm hosebarb. I plan to take this inboard and higher than the skin fitting before dropping to the toilet. if this lets water in I will fit a cover venturi cover over it.

Which way does the toilet face? Thanks

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sailorsilas said..
Which way does the toilet face? Thanks

My existing toilet (levac) was on a platform about 150mm high. i have now removed that and sloped it back towards the shower grate. The toilet will also face and slightly overhang the shower grate.
My average glassing skills will be sanded today and fairing commenced. The glassing was more for waterproofing than structural integrity.
Anyone needing a Levac Head for Spares / Repairs are welcome to PM me.