Taking Tiny to the Waters - Part 2
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Separett Tiny’s Performance on the Baltic Sea and Beyond: A Three-Month Sailing Adventure
When we began planning our three-month sailing adventure with Olivia, our 31-foot sailboat, across the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, the English Channel, and the Bay of Biscay, one of our biggest concerns was how our Separett Tiny composting toilet would perform at sea. Now, after 1800 nautical miles (3200 km) and three months, we can confidently say that Tiny has exceeded all our expectations. It has worked flawlessly, whether in calm seas or rough waves.
How Does Separett Tiny Work on a Sailboat?
Before setting off, we had two main concerns: 1) How would the toilet handle the boat's tilt while sailing? And 2) Would there be any odor issues? We’re happy to report that Tiny has performed perfectly in all conditions. The tilt hasn’t caused any issues, and everything stays securely inside the toilet, even in the roughest seas.
As for odor, Tiny gets full marks. The built-in fan efficiently removes odors from the bathroom area, and we also installed an additional flexible ventilation pipe through the ceiling, which has kept the entire boat odor-free. This combination has made our sailing experience much more comfortable.
Tiny’s Emptying Process and Ease of Use
The solid waste container fills up in about a week with two people using it. Changing the waste bag is quick and easy, and we’ve been able to dispose of it in mixed waste bins at all the marinas. We’ve been using Separett’s moisture-absorbing pads at the bottom of the bag, which has proven essential. If the pad is forgotten, moisture can build up on the container walls, but this has been the only minor downside so far.
The urine tank fills up in a day, but thankfully, Tiny has two tanks, giving us more time before needing to empty them. Swapping the tanks is simple, and the convenient handles make them easy to carry. On open sea voyages, we empty the urine tanks overboard, while in marinas, we use the restroom facilities.
We initially found the bio tablets too strong-smelling for our small boat, so we’ve been using a vinegar-water solution in the urine bowl to prevent clogs. Time will tell if the bio tablets would have been necessary, but for now, we’re satisfied with this solution.
Tiny vs. Traditional Marine Toilets
We’ve found that Tiny is extremely well-designed and simple, with no technical issues to date. Traditional marine toilets often involve complex systems like pumps and hoses that can leak or clog. Thanks to Tiny’s simple yet ingenious design, we haven’t had to worry about these problems.
Another major advantage is the lack of pump-out stations outside the Baltic Sea. Most sailors have no choice but to empty toilet waste directly into the sea, but with Tiny, we’ve managed to avoid discharging any solid waste into the ocean throughout our entire journey. We’re proud of this environmentally friendly solution.
Conclusion: An Eco-Friendly and Easy Solution for Sailing
We are extremely pleased that we decided to switch from a traditional marine toilet to the Separett Tiny separating toilet. It’s maintenance-free, eco-friendly, and simply an excellent solution for sailing. We believe that toilets like Tiny will eventually replace traditional marine toilets, especially due to their practicality and environmental benefits.
- Heikki & Outi from Finland