Yacht Toilets and Showers: A Comprehensive Guide

Yacht toilets and showers play a vital role in the experience of living onboard. 

Unlike their land-based counterparts, yacht toilets aren’t linked to centralized sewage systems. Instead, they rely on seawater for flushing and dedicated containers for sewage storage.

this system helps to prevent environmental contamination in natural bays and anchorages, but require some attention and understanding for seamless operation.

Understanding Yacht toilets:

When you press the flush button (or pump water with a manual pump), seawater is pumped through the toilet bowl and up into storage tanks known as “Holding Tanks“, located behind walls and above the waterline. only when sailing open water and away from shore you may discharge these tanks (distance may vary depending on local regulations), .

*To prevent sewage from returning back in the pipe, it’s crucial to pump sufficient amount of seawater (approximately 6-8 liters).

Key Considerations for Toilets in Yacht charter:

• Flushing toilet paper or trash in marine toilet is strictly prohibited! Not only will the Toilet be out of order, but blockages caused by negligence can incur substantial fines, typically ranging from 200 to 300 euros. we recommend that you will emphasize this topic during crew briefing.
• When selecting a yacht for your vacation, it’s recommended to check if the toilet pump is manual or electric. While electric pumps offer convenience, they consume electricity and generate noise, potentially disrupting onboard tranquility.
• Holding tank capacity is usually limited to 70 liters, necessitating regular emptying every one to two days. Remember to close faucets before anchoring to avoid inadvertent discharge, adhering to the principle of “if you drop anchor, close the toilets.”
• To comply with environmental regulations, discharging sewage should only occur in open seas.
• Adding fresh water or vinegar to toilets can mitigate unpleasant odors caused by seawater.
• Prior to returning to the marina, remember to empty the holding tanks and leave the discharge tap open for inspections by rental company staff.

Navigating Yacht Showers:

• Yachts interior space is usually limited, therefor boat showers tend to be smaller then your home showers.
• In most cases, the shower will share the same cabin as the toilet (“wet head“) therefore you can use a pull-out faucet to take a shower. However, some spacious and modern yachts have separate standing showers that pose a significant upgrade to the experience.
• To drain the shower water, an electric pump needs to be activated either automatically or by pressing a button. the waste water discharge directly into the sea.
• The amount of fresh water in the yacht is limited, so it is recommended to take use sea water as much as possible for dish washing.
• The water tanks can be filled with a hose at various marinas or with a water desalination system (which is becoming more and more common).
• The water in the yacht may be heated by two different ways, either by using a heat exchanger located in the engines or with the help of an electric water heater (which only works with shore power or generator).

Understanding these important systems will ensure a smooth sailing experience, while avoiding malfunctions and promoting environmental responsibility.