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Ericson 29 Head Disposal Tank Removal/Composting Head Installation

GrockSounder

Junior Member
I checked a lot of threads but could not find one on this subject. I have an Ericson 29 and want to remove the old system and replace with composting toilet. I have read quite a bit on this and I realize to have bags, duct tape, industrial garbage bags, glove, mask, etc. on hand. Also, I have read on the tedious pump out thrice with water, odor controlling agents, etc. to get as much stuff out of the current system before attempting removal.

My question is along the lines of the footprint of the head. They seemed to range between 18 and 20 inches deep; the height and width are not an issue. However the depth is chanllenging because in the head compartment it is only about 12 inches back before you hit the wall. I am thinking that this is facia and that there is 18 inches between the hull and the door to the compartment, but I don't know. Does one need to cut through this facia or attempt to remove it? There are many bolts and it does not look intuitive to me at all.

If someone has gone through this please let me know. Or just general helpful advice would be great. BTW, I also want to know with the tank once removed onto the hard. Can it be taken to the dump/transfer station for recycling or disposal?

Thank you,
Gary Langrock
Kymodoce
 

toddster

Curator of Broken Parts
Blogs Author
There are a couple of different E29 interior layouts, with different head arrangements. It sounds as if you might have the newer one but a photo would help the peanut gallery to figure out the issue.

The toilet niche is a very complex and strange-shape (on my boat). Narrow at the bottom, wide at the top. Narrow at one edge, wide at the other. Curves. Using cardboard to make a full-sized mockup of whatever you want to put in there can save a lot of frustration down the line.
 

woolamaloo

Member III
Gary,

I've had my Air-Head for three seasons now and am pleased with it. I posted a blog on it a few years ago.

I paid the college-age son of the marina owner $175 to remove the head and holding tank so I can't help you on how bad that job was. They just put it all in their dumpster.

The fiberglass footprint was completely incompatible with the new head but by installing an aluminum base plate it worked out pretty well.

I would imagine your E29 and my E30+ might have some similar quirks.
 

GrockSounder

Junior Member
Gary,

I've had my Air-Head for three seasons now and am pleased with it. I posted a blog on it a few years ago.

I paid the college-age son of the marina owner $175 to remove the head and holding tank so I can't help you on how bad that job was. They just put it all in their dumpster.

The fiberglass footprint was completely incompatible with the new head but by installing an aluminum base plate it worked out pretty well.

I would imagine your E29 and my E30+ might have some similar quirks.
Thank you for your reply. I read your blog. Nice installation, and good job on the snaking the hose to the anchor locker. However, I didn't really get a feel for what you did with the fiberglass insert of the head. I get the aluminum plate for the base, but did you have to cut out the fiberglass behind the head or remove in some other fashion? I would like to keep the door in place and not have the head come out into the passage way to the V-berth.

Gary
 

woolamaloo

Member III
Thank you for your reply. I read your blog. Nice installation, and good job on the snaking the hose to the anchor locker. However, I didn't really get a feel for what you did with the fiberglass insert of the head. I get the aluminum plate for the base, but did you have to cut out the fiberglass behind the head or remove in some other fashion? I would like to keep the door in place and not have the head come out into the passage way to the V-berth.

Gary
Gary,

This image shows my aluminum base position. No modification was needed to the fiberglass.
aluminum-base.jpg

The only thing that I cut was the hole into the "vanity" to snake the vent hose. The head does not jut into the companionway and the door closes as before. The important point to watch is the handle to stir the tank. I made sure to mount the head far enough inside so the handle doesn't interfere with the head door. There's plenty of room right to left. If you choose the Marine size seat instead of the Household seat, the head can mount even closer to the bulkhead. (But I think the household seat is totally worth it.)
 
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