Electric Marine Toilet Review and Buying Guide

Electric marine toilets are a game-changer for boaters, offering a convenient and hygienic way to handle waste on the water.

They're also a significant investment, so it's essential to choose the right one for your needs. In this review and buying guide, we'll explore the key features to consider and help you make an informed decision.

One of the most critical factors is the toilet's power consumption, which can range from 20 to 60 amps, depending on the model. This is important to consider if you're planning to use it on a small boat with limited power capacity.

Look for toilets with a self-contained system, which includes a macerator, pump, and bowl, for added convenience and reduced maintenance.

Explore further: Marine Shore Power

Choosing a marine toilet can be a daunting task, but understanding your boat's needs can make it easier. Consider the size and type of your boat, as this will determine the type of toilet you need.

Readers also liked: Electric Tug Boat

Small boats under 20 feet usually require manual or compact electric toilets, such as the Johnson AquaT Compact Manual Marine Toilet. This toilet is an excellent choice for small boats or sailboats due to its simple pump design and space-efficient design.

Boats between 20-40 feet often benefit from 12V electric toilets, like the Jabsco 12V Electric Marine Toilet. This toilet offers reliable performance, self-priming pump, and easy installation, making it ideal for medium-sized boats.

Yachts over 40 feet require high-end electric systems with advanced features, such as the Raritan PH SuperFlush Toilet with Soft-Close Lid. This toilet features a powerful, low-water pump system and quiet operation, providing a residential-style experience on the water.

When considering tank capacity and flush power, think about the waste tank size and flush power based on your boat's capacity and trip length. Larger boats may need high-capacity models for frequent use.

Here's a quick guide to help you choose the right marine toilet for your boat:

You've got options when it comes to choosing the right marine toilet for your boat. Let's start with the basics - boat size and type. For small boats, a compact manual marine toilet like the Johnson AquaT Compact Manual Marine Toilet is a great choice. It's perfect for boats with limited space.

If you have a medium to large boat, a 12V electric toilet like the Jabsco 12V Electric Marine Toilet is a good option. It's reliable, easy to install, and has low maintenance. For larger yachts, you may want to consider a high-end electric system with advanced features.

Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

Remember to choose a reliable brand like Jabsco, Raritan, or Dometic, known for their durability and marine-grade construction.

The Jabsco Deluxe Lite Flush is a compact marine toilet with a unique construction. It features a heavy China bowl surrounded by plastic pieces to form a top, case, and base.

One notable feature of this toilet is its non-slam type plastic seat and cover, which slowly closes. This is a rare design element in marine toilets.

The toilet also comes with an electronic control panel with four buttons that automatically time and control the amount of water for filling and flushing. The panel is marked “Fill,” “Quick Flush,” “Flush,” and “Empty.”

Recommended read: Jabsco Electric Marine Toilet

The Jabsco Deluxe Lite Flush has a quick flush mode that uses only about a cup of water, and a regular flush mode that uses about a half-gallon and flushes twice. The quick flush mode is presumably meant for flushing urine.

The noise and speed during flushes were average, according to testers. While the Deluxe Lite Flush has some innovative features, testers had concerns about access to plumbing and durability in a rigorous marine environment.

Here are the key features of the Jabsco Deluxe Lite Flush:

Marine toilets come with a range of features that cater to different needs and preferences. Some marine toilets are designed for compact spaces, while others offer more luxurious features.

A compact marine toilet can be an excellent choice for small boats or sailboats, as seen in the Johnson AquaT Compact Manual Marine Toilet. This unit is built to withstand marine conditions and delivers effective waste removal.

The Raritan Marine Elegance features a larger bowl and wood seat, making it a good compromise for those who want the comforts of a home toilet but are limited by space. Its 12-inch footprint is surprisingly compact.

Marine toilets often come with advanced features like silent flush and discharge operation, as seen in the Marine Toilet Features section. This ensures a more comfortable and peaceful experience on the water.

Some marine toilets have flexible hole patterns on the base, making it easy to substitute with the most common toilets on the market. The Raritan Marine Elegance has this feature, along with a discharge motor coated to resist corrosion.

A marine toilet's installation process can be a crucial factor in its overall performance. Fortunately, many marine toilets come with accessible mounting points and standard fastenings, making the installation process faster and easier.

The Johnson Pump Aqua-T features a high capacity discharge pump and a built-in rinse pump, which can be used with raw water or fresh water from a separate toilet water tank. However, it's essential to note that the rinse pump should not be connected to the boat's fresh/drinking water system.

Here are some common features found in marine toilets:

Choosing the right electric marine toilet for your vessel can be a bit overwhelming with all the options available. First, consider the type of toilet: all-in-one units or separate waste pump and water feed styles. All-in-one units are typically noisier and require a moderate skill level to service.

If you're looking for a quieter option, toilets with a separate waste pump and water feed style are a better choice. These units allow you to control the water in the bowl and can be left dry while underway to prevent splash over.

To help you make a decision, here are some key factors to consider:

Ultimately, the best electric marine toilet for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors like noise level, maintenance requirements, and water usage when making your decision.

Practical Sailor narrowed its test to 14 toilets representing a good cross-section of the models available from major manufacturers, including Dometic, Groco, Jabsco, and Raritan. These are the types most likely found at marine chandleries in the U.S. or onboard new boats sold domestically.

One test unit used a 24-volt pump, but all the others were 12-volt DC. However, pumps with other voltages are available. Some have the intake and flushing pumps separate and remotely mounted; some pumps are integral and located under the bowl; and others operate a combined inlet-flush pump.

For more insights, see: Electric Fuel Pumps Marine

Seven units used solenoids to control pressurized fresh water. The field included heads with compact typical marine bowls and those with the larger standard-size bowls. Elongated household-type bowls, and bowls with slanted backs to fit hull shapes in the bow are also an option for some models.

The test field was divided into two groups for simplification and comparison. Group I comprises seven sample electric toilets that are smaller, low profile, more compact, and more economical. Group II, which will be featured in the March 2011 issue, comprises the larger, taller, and more expensive household-type toilets.

Here's a breakdown of the two groups:

This is an old-school, heavy-duty head that will take some punishment. However, it did not do so well with our banana test. It was the noisiest of our samples and was also the most expensive.

Your boat's design can dictate the type of electric toilet you can install, so consider if the toilet must be installed on a step or directly on the cabin sole.

The 17” tall Deluxe Flush marine toilet is the only toilet that Jabsco offers that can be installed directly onto the cabin sole.

Before purchasing a new electric toilet, confirm your boat's plumbing size to ensure it matches the toilet's requirements. Some toilets use 1” plumbing, while others use 1 ½” plumbing for the discharge.

Reducing your discharge plumbing sizes can cause a blockage in the system, so it's crucial to not change the size.

Fresh water or sea, river, or lake water can be used to rinse your boat toilet, with freshwater systems reducing smells.

Freshwater systems use a solenoid valve installed in the cold-water side of a pressurized water system, while sea, river, or lake water systems use a separate pump to draw water from outside the boat.

All-in-one units are typically noisier than systems with separate flush and rinse pumps.

Most Jabsco toilets come in either compact or regular sizes, with compact versions ideal for areas with limited space.

Regular versions have a more standard household toilet feel and are generally more comfortable, making them the recommended choice.

Most Jabsco boat toilets can be purchased with either a standard-close wooden seat or a slow-close composite seat.

Suggestion: ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems

Choosing the right marine toilet can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available. It's essential to consider your boat size and type, as this will determine the type of toilet you need.

A small boat typically requires a compact and lightweight toilet, while a larger yacht may need a high-end electric system with advanced features.

For medium to large boats (20-40 feet), a 12V electric toilet is a reliable choice for longer trips. On the other hand, yachts over 40 feet are best suited for high-end electric systems that offer maximum comfort.

When deciding on a toilet, it's also crucial to consider the waste tank size and flush power based on your boat's capacity and trip length.

Here's a rough guide to help you choose the right marine toilet for your vessel:

Remember to choose a reliable brand like Jabsco, Raritan, or Dometic, known for their durability and marine-grade construction.

It's also worth noting that some toilets use 1” plumbing, while others use 1 ½” plumbing for the discharge. Be sure to confirm your boat's plumbing size before purchasing your new electric toilet.

Ultimately, the right marine toilet for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Take your time, do your research, and don't be afraid to ask for advice from a marine expert.

When choosing an AquaT pump, dimensions are a crucial factor to consider. You'll want to ensure the pump fits in the space you have available.

The net weight of the pump can range from 9.2 kg to 21 kg, depending on the model. This is important to consider if you're planning to move the pump around or store it in a small space.

The dimensions of the pumps vary, but the largest dimension (D) ranges from 330 mm to 475 mm. This is worth noting if you're planning to install the pump in a tight space.

Here's a list of the dimensions for each pump model:

The length and width of the pumps also vary, with the length (A) ranging from 340 mm to 365 mm, and the width (B) ranging from 635 mm to 755 mm. These dimensions can help you determine which pump will fit in the space you have available.

Remember to also consider the height of the pump (C), which ranges from 330 mm to 380 mm. This will help you ensure the pump will fit in the space without obstructing anything.

If you're interested in learning more about electric marine toilets, there are several options to consider. Jabsco Electric, Jabsco Quiet Flush E2, Jabsco Deluxe Flush, and Jabsco Lite Flush are all available products that can meet your needs.

You can find detailed product information, such as documentation and case studies, on the Jabsco website.

For those looking for interactive tools and calculators to help with installation or maintenance, Jabsco offers a range of resources.

If you're having trouble finding a location to purchase or service your electric marine toilet, Jabsco's website has a handy "Find a Location" tool.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, you can contact Jabsco directly.