For many boaters on the West Coast, upgrading to a marine composting toilet is one of the best decisions they ever make. Whether you’re cruising the Gulf Islands, living aboard in Nanaimo, or preparing for extended offshore travel, composting toilets offer a simple, odour-free, and low-maintenance alternative to traditional marine heads.
Why Choose a Composting Toilet for Your Boat?
Traditional marine toilets rely on holding tanks, pumps, hoses, and constant maintenance. A composting toilet removes almost all of that. These systems separate liquids and solids, allowing them to break down naturally—no chemicals, no pumping out, and far fewer moving parts to fail.
- No holding tank required
- No pump-outs or chemicals
- Virtually odour-free operation
- Simple installation
- Ideal for off-grid or long-distance cruising
How Marine Composting Toilets Work
A composting toilet separates liquids and solids into two sealed compartments. The solids container uses a natural composting medium—typically coconut coir or peat moss—which helps break down waste and control odours. A small 12V fan provides ventilation and keeps the system dry and efficient.
Most cruisers report that a composting toilet produces less smell than a holding-tank system. The real benefit? No hoses, no clogs, and no surprise odours in the heat of summer.
The Best Composting Toilets for Boats
At Harbour Chandler, we carry the most trusted brands in the marine industry:
⚓ Airhead Composting Toilet
- Compact footprint for sailboats and small cruisers
- Easy to empty and maintain
- Reliable 12V ventilation system
⚓ Nature’s Head Composting Toilet
- Ultra-durable design for long-term liveaboards
- Larger volume for extended cruising
- Excellent airflow and odour control
Both units are proven on West Coast boats and have become the go-to choice for sailors, powerboat owners, and liveaboards.
Is a Composting Toilet Right for Your Boat?
You may benefit from a composting toilet if you:
- Spend long periods away from pump-out stations
- Want to eliminate holding tank problems
- Prefer a low-maintenance, environmentally friendly solution
- Are outfitting a liveaboard boat or van conversion
Most installations can be completed in a few hours, and once installed, they require very little ongoing maintenance.
Shop Marine Composting Toilets
Harbour Chandler carries Airhead and Nature’s Head composting toilets—two of the most trusted systems used by Pacific Northwest boaters.
Shop Marine Composting Toilets
Upgrade your boat with a cleaner, simpler, and more reliable sanitation system—and enjoy more time on the water with less maintenance.
