tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11311723.post6663285234423734531..comments2023-12-01T10:35:12.938+00:00Comments on Boatlife: Cruising Aboard NB Valerie: What Every Woman Wants For Her birthday...Les Biggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06200731053479474814noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11311723.post-69496545973635948742016-08-29T02:47:53.796+00:002016-08-29T02:47:53.796+00:00Great article, thanks. I don't live in the UK...Great article, thanks. I don't live in the UK, but I hope I can find a cocoa husk supplier. I want MY poo to smell like chocolate!!Cindyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03730190528435265307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11311723.post-65611270653544164672014-07-12T11:34:47.660+00:002014-07-12T11:34:47.660+00:00Hi Rhys,
We would have purchased a second Airhead...Hi Rhys, <br />We would have purchased a second Airhead bottom container if we had room, but we don't. Well thought out narrow boats builds make maximum use of every bit of precious space but this boat was a bachelor's dream of simplicity and there is a lot of wasted space as a result. Never mind, we love our floating home, and even though our loo doesn't completely compost it all each month, there is amazingly no nasty smell. It is like digging clay out of a narrow bucket. :) As for fans, the one provided with the Airhead is ample and does suits the job perfectly. It is small, unobtrusive, and can barely be heard at night when it is quiet. It also doesn't draw down our batteries. Best of luck with your boat Rhys. Please let us know when you are on the cut--your boat's name, and if you start a blog of your own we will be happy to link to yours. <br />Jaqueline Mrs. Jaqueline Biggshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14248541763708771727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11311723.post-14094303880744353162014-07-09T14:59:09.054+00:002014-07-09T14:59:09.054+00:00Hi Les and Jaqueline
Have you considered getting ...Hi Les and Jaqueline<br /><br />Have you considered getting another Airhead so you have two?<br /><br />I am considering getting an Airhead in the future (don't have a narrow boat yet). I was thinking if they don't take up much space, you could use one, and when that is full you could then move onto the other one. Then when that is nearly full, the first one should be fully compost and can be disposed of anywhere that's suitable?<br /><br />I was also thinking it may be a good idea to install a high RPM fan instead, and have it connected to a fan controller so you can adjust the speed. You could speed it up while using the toilet to act as an extractor fan, or if the temperature slows down the composting maybe the increased airflow will speed it back up.<br />If noise is a concern you could then turn the fan down at night before bed.<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />RhysRhyshttp://www.rhysphotograph.menoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11311723.post-24818096852663647412013-06-24T17:54:45.576+00:002013-06-24T17:54:45.576+00:00Hi Emma,
If you go with a composting loo, go with ...Hi Emma,<br />If you go with a composting loo, go with an Airhead. It is a marine toilet--designed specifically for boats. the kit comes with the fan in its casing and the hose to attach it to the toilet. The fan only draws odors out of the toilet--more importantly it draws moisture out. We don't recommend the solar fan as it will not keep running all night and the fan must run all the time. The electric fan which comes with the Airhead kit only uses a minute amount of battery energy. We really have to listen to hear it. We only notice it now when we are in the bathroom--even still it is not loud or intrusive. this is our first summer with the composting loo and we find we change it twice a month--as active decomposition is taking place due to the warmer summer air in the boat. If we let it go for a month the loo begins to smell a bit swampy--not a poo smell but literally a compost bin scent. We address it by emptying the loo every two weeks in warm weather. <br />Cheers, <br />JaquelineMrs. Jaqueline Biggshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14248541763708771727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11311723.post-73710593743180247312013-06-22T21:11:21.877+00:002013-06-22T21:11:21.877+00:00Dear Jacqueline,
Many thanks for last reply. I am...Dear Jacqueline,<br /><br />Many thanks for last reply. I am getting ever closer to a decision. It's so refreshing (oddly) to be able to have a direct conversation about poo :).<br />Another question - if you have a moment. I have understood that a fan needs to be installed which can be solar-powered or run off 12v. I am concerned about a constant noise. Does the fan need to be running all the time and do you hear it when moving around inside or outside the boat when there is nothing else running? <br /><br />I saw another blog today whose installation you inspired. It's good work you do....<br /><br />Best, Emma.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11311723.post-20767774340390215922013-05-23T16:23:11.642+00:002013-05-23T16:23:11.642+00:00Hi Emma,
We use Flash with bleach foam spray whic...Hi Emma, <br />We use Flash with bleach foam spray which doesn't run. It cleans the toilet bowl and the outside bits fine. WE don't have to clean the bottom container where the solids go. We use a small folding spade to scoop out the contents. The residue is left behind because it has good bacteria which jump start the next load of poo to composting. There is no bad smell and no spoilage. We did a hole somewhere wooded and off the towpath, bury the bottom container's recently removed contents, and add the recommended amount of cocoa husks to the bottom container getting it going again. We do this once a month because as you say it will not compost completely when being added to every day. Mrs. Jaqueline Biggshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14248541763708771727noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11311723.post-1182188610433876782013-05-22T14:10:00.751+00:002013-05-22T14:10:00.751+00:00Hi Jacqueline,
Want a great storyteller you are. T...Hi Jacqueline,<br />Want a great storyteller you are. Thanks for the inspiration on a composting toilet. I had a couple of questions:<br />What do you use to clean the pan? Not water I'm thinking, or anything that would kill the helpful bacteria....<br />Second, if you had somewhere to store the decomposing matter (I don't live aboard ) then one could finish off the process in a bin perhaps?<br />My last question is presumably the mass is never completely decomposed in a system where 'fresh' deposits are being added daily - have I understood that right?<br />Many thanks again - and for your story of Sianna - they are such life-changing friends the felixes.<br />Best, Emma Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11311723.post-2932712878292149262012-11-10T15:28:10.454+00:002012-11-10T15:28:10.454+00:00Hello Richard,
Thank you for the compliment! Airh...Hello Richard, <br />Thank you for the compliment! Airheads are a brilliant, elegant boat loo and we are pleased to support their sale in any way we can. We will definitely put a link on our main blog page to your new website.<br />Cheers!<br />JaquelineLes Biggshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06200731053479474814noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11311723.post-59919489150206556222012-11-10T14:34:52.520+00:002012-11-10T14:34:52.520+00:00What can I say?
You have done a better selling jo...What can I say?<br /><br />You have done a better selling job on composting toilets in this blog that I have achieved in 15 years!<br /><br />We now have a new website for these and similar toilets with lots of useful info about them and all the spares and accessories you might need - hope I can list it on here - www eco-toilets.co.uk<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07129933812692281063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11311723.post-26431146914140437182012-10-26T16:01:45.982+00:002012-10-26T16:01:45.982+00:00Thanks Jaq - we're going to look into it - we&...Thanks Jaq - we're going to look into it - we'll be going through Hillmorton in the next week or so.Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18155792486454776550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11311723.post-68502683642969825312012-10-26T12:20:36.939+00:002012-10-26T12:20:36.939+00:00Hi Carol,
Thank you for the birthday wishes. :)...Hi Carol, <br /> Thank you for the birthday wishes. :)<br /> A composting loo operates a bit differently than a compost pile. We only add cocoa shell mulch after we empty it each time. The fan pulling air in across the compost bin part of the loo really helps break things down fairly quickly. We also added a compost activator to be on the safe side though we were told we didn't have to.<br /> Because we live aboard and use it daily it won't be totally composted when it needs emptying--probably about once a month or every six weeks.<br /> We just unbolt the seat/toilet top from the bin at the bottom, set the toilet top aside, place the locking lid on the compost container and empty it at an Elsan station.<br /> The urine container can be emptied anywhere on land--off in the bushes.<br /> CaRT says we can also empty it in the canal but there is so much good nutrient in urine they would prefer we fertilized the grass with it. Urine is sterile --a urologist will verify this, so no worries there.<br /> If the contents of our lower toilet bin were broken down completely we could safely empty it in a wood or in the hedge.<br />Hugs to you and George!<br />Jaq and LesLes Biggshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06200731053479474814noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11311723.post-37304107784275209482012-10-26T11:12:39.115+00:002012-10-26T11:12:39.115+00:00Hi Jaq - only just read your posting re the operat...Hi Jaq - only just read your posting re the operation of the composting loo - absolutely fascinating and very detailed.<br /><br />By the way - wishing you a belated happy birthday - you certainly had the most unusual present!<br /><br />Just one question though about the loo - presumably if you add a handful of composting material each time 'you've been' the container must become full - how and where would you empty it - the same would apply to the urine container too. Hope these are not 'silly' questions!!<br /><br />Best wishes to you both and hope to meet up again in the not too distant future.Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18155792486454776550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11311723.post-3131149461220757182012-10-25T09:21:45.782+00:002012-10-25T09:21:45.782+00:00Hi Dave,
Our boat didn't have a holding tank-...Hi Dave, <br />Our boat didn't have a holding tank--only boats with a pump out loo have those. We had a Vacu-flush cassettes system and Les removed all of it in the 4 days we rested at Brinklow, before we purchased the Airhead. It is still working brilliantly and we are quite pleased--and relieved!<br />JaqLes Biggshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06200731053479474814noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11311723.post-87059409266840745392012-10-22T18:42:47.945+00:002012-10-22T18:42:47.945+00:00Happy Birthday Jaq that was some present. Hope it ...Happy Birthday Jaq that was some present. Hope it works out OK how long before the Old holding tank is removed.DaveDave,Beryl Bradshawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07438223485754214849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11311723.post-40348295532960908822012-10-21T16:32:05.522+00:002012-10-21T16:32:05.522+00:00Thanks Dave!! We will check it out.
Jaq :)Thanks Dave!! We will check it out. <br />Jaq :)Les Biggshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06200731053479474814noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11311723.post-53970691834172818382012-10-21T16:31:28.907+00:002012-10-21T16:31:28.907+00:00Hi Heth,
Thank you m'dear, I did my best. And...Hi Heth, <br />Thank you m'dear, I did my best. And thanks for the Ronnie barker bit. Les and I got a big kick out of it. <br />Stay warm!<br />JaqXXLes Biggshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06200731053479474814noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11311723.post-26784585326413026032012-10-21T15:11:47.841+00:002012-10-21T15:11:47.841+00:00Hi,I don't know if this link would be any good...Hi,I don't know if this link would be any good to you for a supply of coir in the UK.<br />http://www.thecoirstore.co.uk/home-products.htmlDave Winterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01539649470204455884noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11311723.post-78931921332556551272012-10-21T13:13:18.254+00:002012-10-21T13:13:18.254+00:00Hi Jaq,
Well I think you've just about closed...Hi Jaq,<br /><br />Well I think you've just about closed the lid on things there, covered every angle & flushed out any doubts!<br /><br />PS: There'll never be anyone else as funny as the late great Ronnie Barker, in an all round sense.<br /><br />Here's another of his, he used it on Open All Hours whilst reading the paper:<br /><br />""Aye dear me Granville listen to this:<br /><br />In a certain church in Hertfordshire both the vicar and his housekeeper have been reprimanded by the church committee after allegations of misconduct. They found his vest in the pantry and her pants in his vestry.""<br />[Spoken in a yorkshire accent]<br /><br />First time I heard that a toilet might've come in useful I was laughing so much!<br /><br />Heth<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11311723.post-21298140978937122082012-10-21T10:43:17.778+00:002012-10-21T10:43:17.778+00:00Hello Sue,
a. Thank you! I had a brilliant day an...Hello Sue, <br />a. Thank you! I had a brilliant day and was really touched by all those who wished me Happy Birthday. b. It didn't take much convincing when he knew you and Ken and trusted you both. After a thorough review of Airhead's website it seemed like a no-brainer for us. C.Using a water reliant system seems strange already. I wish we could convince the world to switch to Airheads. (Nothing worse than a reformed ..... fill in the dots!!) <br />JaqXX Les Biggshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06200731053479474814noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11311723.post-68954225763957790452012-10-21T10:38:31.039+00:002012-10-21T10:38:31.039+00:00Hi Derek,
Admittedly it is not Godiva! LOL--but t...Hi Derek, <br />Admittedly it is not Godiva! LOL--but the difference the Airhead makes to our comfort on board is amazing. Hope we catch up with you and Carrie sometime this next year. We are considering cruising the Southern Waterways next spring and summer. Give Carrie a big from us. <br />JaqXLes Biggshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06200731053479474814noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11311723.post-7195200223277335872012-10-21T10:36:29.816+00:002012-10-21T10:36:29.816+00:00Hi Adam,
I love reading your boat tests. What a gr...Hi Adam,<br />I love reading your boat tests. What a great job you have. :) thank you for the link--we will check it out. As you say some of these loos are too big and bulky for a narrow boat. I had only ever heard of Envirolet composting loos. Airhead was news to me and a complete revelation.<br />Cheers, <br />JaqLes Biggshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06200731053479474814noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11311723.post-21924549934801127692012-10-21T09:00:49.947+00:002012-10-21T09:00:49.947+00:00Jaq: congratulations on a) birthday; b)convincing ...Jaq: congratulations on a) birthday; b)convincing Les of the way to go! c) a very impressive description of the entire toilet episode. Anyone thinking of installing an Airhead composting loo should read this. And it's true, in three years of usage on Cleddau we have had no problems at all with our loo. (The odd thing is, when you return to shore you realise how noisy a conventional flushing loo is!)Sue / Boatwif (nb Cleddau)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11311723.post-55424897720186605452012-10-21T06:37:27.616+00:002012-10-21T06:37:27.616+00:00A new twist on getting chocolates for your birthda...A new twist on getting chocolates for your birthday - not sure Carrie would go for it thoughDerek Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13932589216733996347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11311723.post-24818081310260508602012-10-21T00:18:22.147+00:002012-10-21T00:18:22.147+00:00I did a boat test last year on a boat which had an...I did a boat test last year on a boat which had an Airhead composting loo fitted, and they were very pleased with it. When these types of loos first came out they were enormous, which is one reason why they didn't take off. The Airhead looks to me like a big step forward.<br /><br />http://www.nbbriarrose.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/honesty-on-test.htmlAdamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00797263033136330290noreply@blogger.com