Which marine toilet is right for your boat?

Most boat owners are familiar with manual toilets and how they operate. They are based on a straightforward mechanism: no electricity is needed, operation is like a hand pump, and only basic skills are required for servicing.

An electric boat toilet is an alternative to a manual one. While electric toilets require more space at the rear of the installation, the benefits of an electric marine toilet may be worth the additional space needed to install one. Electric toilets are also more accessible to operate and explain to your guests. After all, everybody knows how to press a button.

 When it comes to marine toilets, nobody knows more than Jabsco, a Xylem brand. Jabsco sets the standard for reliability, serviceability, and ease of use as the world’s largest manufacturer of small craft marine toilets, including both manual and electric toilets. All Jabsco toilets can be used on inland waterways, rivers, lakes, or the sea, and can be installed above or below the water line. In addition, all can be discharged overboard or into holding tanks.

Not only has Jabsco demonstrated proven marine performance for more than 80 years, but it also has one of the best spare part distribution networks in the world, including throughout Europe. Any European marina will either have spare parts or be able to get them quickly.

So, which electric toilet should you consider? Electric marine toilets are available as either all-in-one units or with a separate waste pump and water feed style. Regarding the differences between these types of electric toilets, all-in-one units are typically noisier, require a moderate skill level to service, and use only salt or lake water to flush. Examples of these types of toilets include the Jabsco Electric marine toilet and the Jabsco Lite Flush toilet.

Toilets with a separate waste pump and water feed style are typically quieter than all-in-one units and allow boat owners more control of water in the bowl. For example, they can leave the bowl dry while the vessel is underway to prevent splashover, or fill it for everyday usage. Toilets of this type include the Jabsco Quiet Flush E2 and the Jabsco Deluxe Flush electric marine toilet.

So, what should you look for when upgrading to an electric marine toilet? There are several things to consider, from rinse water to bowl size to flush controls.

Rinse Water

The water used to rinse your boat toilet can be freshwater, sea, river, or lake water. Freshwater uses pressured fresh water from the vessel. Toilets that use fresh water come with a solenoid valve installed in the cold-water side of a pressurized water system. Freshwater systems reduce smells compared to those that use sea, river, or lake water. 

Sea, river, or lake water systems use a separate pump to draw water from outside the boat to flush the toilet. This type of system conserves fresh water onboard.

Noise

All-in-one units are typically noisier. Systems with flush and rinse pumps separate the functions, resulting in a quieter experience.

Bowl Size

Most Jabsco toilets come in either compact or regular sizes. Compact versions are ideal for areas with limited space. Regular versions have a more standard household toilet feel, are generally more comfortable, and are always recommended for the best experience.

Toilet Seats

Most Jabsco boat toilets can be purchased with either a standard-close wooden seat or a slow-close composite seat. Standard wooden seats offer a warmer feel, while composite slow-close seats won’t bounce while the vessel is underway, which provides a more aesthetic appearance (and won’t make a loud bang if accidentally dropped at 2 AM).

Flush Controls

Jabsco electric toilets have single-button controls or touch panels with various control options. Single-button controls manage both the flush and fill simultaneously, while touch panels with multiple control options allow boaters to control the flush cycle independently of the fill cycle. These controls also allow users to leave the bowl filled or empty.

 If you upgrade to an electric toilet, you want a world-famous, renowned brand like Jabsco to help you bring the comforts of home with you out on the water.