Holding tanks or flow-through treatment devices became mandatory in the early 1970s. Since Fanfare was built prior to this time I did not think there was space for a holding tank (I have since fitted one of about 25 gallons under the bow stateroom). I originally had three 12v LectraSans, one for each head. I considered using just one unit for the master and guest heads but Raritan recommended not doing this. Not only would a malfunction put TWO toilets out of action (TOTALLY unacceptable to the Admiral!!!) but I suspect that the treatment process to kill bacteria could not be done in less time. The treatment process probably takes 4-6 flushes to transfer waste from the macerator to the second stirring chamber to overboard. Both chambers contain electrical plates to produce chlorine (hypochlorous acid) from the salt in sea water to kill germs. I read several independent tests reporting zero coliform bacteria in the final effluent. The nitrogen content was said to be equivalent to that produced from a single oak tree leaf. But I think this takes a certain amount of time marinating in the chlorine to be effective.
Unfortunately the rules controlling MSDs have not been updated since the '70s. Compare this to the improvement in auto emissions controls over this period. Lower emissions, more power, improved mileage. The versions of LectraSan and LectraScan seem also to have improved but are illegal in many states/counties/cities/harbors due to antiquated no discharge rules, even for our treated sewage, which are proliferating everywhere. I changed our guest head to run into our tiny 25 gallon holding tank to accommodate these no discharge zones but even with just two of us aboard we require a pump out about twice a week, daily with guests. There are almost no pump out stations in the Bahamas and last spring in the Florida Keys before corona virus several marinas told us their units were broken. Returning through the Keys in early May most marinas were completely closed by decree makin it difficult to get diesel much less a pump out--even in the Florida Keys where every place is in a no-discharge zone. Fortunately we got home with our little holding tank unfilled!
Over time all of my units have been replaced. They hold up quite well in use. There are two motors, a larger one for the macerator, smaller for the stirrer. Mine are mounted so the tops are a little above the waterline so the shafts don't seem to leak. Every couple year I send them to Raritan for inspection and a rebuild. They have been great for preserving the environment in the Bahamas. Wish we could use them in the Keys!
Happy to answer any questions about them.
