The toilet installed with vent running to overhead exhaust. Notice the liquids container installed and attached to the main unit. It has a handle on top for transport.
This provides a stable platform for the entire unit. We were almost ready to go! Calypso has a dorade mounted in a perfect position above the head for the exhaust fan, but the standard fan would restrict us from opening the port in the head. We ordered the modified fan that allowed the hose to make a gentle bend as it travelled to connect to the solids container. The fan is mounted using six screws and a foam cushion to eliminate vibration. To keep a clean look, the fan housing was attached to a 7” teak winch pad, with a 1-1/2” hole drilled through it. The pad was varnished then mounted over the dorade opening. Wiring for the fan was easy as we tapped into the reading light with a separate, fused wire. It was time to add the composting medium. The Air Head comes with one brick of compressed organic coconut husk. We purchased two additional bricks at $6.00 each. The brick is similar in size and shape to a red, clay construction-style brick, and two will fit into a one-gallon Ziploc for easy stowage. When rehydrated using water, it expands about three times its size into a sawdust-like medium. We use three-quarters of the rehydrated brick to start a new batch and set the rest aside to add later. The Air Head comes with one serving—about two tablespoons—of an enzyme similar to the type used in septic tanks. Mixed with warm water and added at the start of each new batch, it helps jump start the composting process. It is important to open the trapdoor and look in on the compost occasionally. Our weekly inspections allow us to judge if the mixture is getting too moist. Too much moisture causes odor. Excess moisture can be the result of diet, urine leaking past the trap door, stomach flu, or very high humidity. If it seems to have a swampy aroma, add more medium. We noticed the auger does not mix evenly inside the tank. So, we use a garden trowel to scrape the edges weekly. The same trowel is handy for removing compost for disposal.
Here is a front view of the toilet with the liquids container removed. Hard to see but the turning handle is on the right down low.
month, and the two-gallon liquid bottle every day or two. • We purchased an extra liquids bottle for $42 and alternate and rinse them with vinegar weekly. The bowl is cleaned daily using a baby wipe tissue. • The usual head smell is gone. Any odor smells like peat moss. A stronger smell means the compost is too moist, or it’s time to empty the solids tank. • Additional coconut bricks can be found on the Internet for about half the price. • We have been close-hauled sailing several times since installing our Air Head and have not needed to perform the • “Pee Tack” evolution yet. • A box of enzyme, Rid-X, is $10 at Wal-Mart. Approximate Cost Breakdown Air Head with Shipping Extra Liquids Tank Wood for Platform Misc. (Paint, epoxy, screws) Composting Medium Rid-X Sub Total Sale of Lavac & Holding Tank Total
$ 1030.00 $ 42.00 $ 20.00 $ 10.00 $ 12.00/2 Bricks + $ 10.00 $ 1124.00 - $ 160.00 $ 965.00
Just the Facts! • Delivery took about a week and the removal/installation about three days. • While cruising, we empty the solids container once a News & Views for Southern Sailors
SOUTHWINDS June 2013
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