Liveaboard cruisers reinvest in reliable marine toilet system

Problem

PUERTO DEL REY, PUERTO RICO — After retiring in 2024, Henrique Pretti and his wife made the decision to live permanently on their 2020 Bali 4.1 catamaran, a cruising boat they had purchased in Croatia in 2022. They embarked on a new adventure, using their catamaran for full-time liveaboard cruising throughout the Atlantic and the Caribbean.

The boat was previously outfitted with marine toilets in all three of its bathrooms. At first these toilets operated flawlessly, meeting the demands of daily use during liveaboard conditions and supporting continuous travel from Croatia to Brazil, lasting 58 days with a few stops; and then from Brazil to Barbados, lasting another 18 days without the need to dock at a marina.

However, the couple encountered a problem when guests aboard their vessel ignored warnings not to overuse toilet paper. This led to clogging in two of the three units.

After manually unclogging the system, further complications emerged: “The seal had gotten old and allowed hot water inside the motor,” Pretti explains. “There are carbon contacts that help the system work, and they had worn down. With saltwater exposure, it became too damaged to repair.

“That’s when we decided to get the new system.”

Solution

Ultimately, rather than replacing only the two damaged units, the Prettis decided to use the opportunity to upgrade the toilets in all three bathrooms with Maxlite+S models, made by SFA Saniflo.

Pretti handled the installation despite having zero experience working with any marine toilet system. Fortunately, the install process turned out to be quite straightforward for this first-time DIY installer:

“Each unit took about 15 minutes to install,” he explains. “They arrived fully assembled, which made the installation quick and easy. The instructions were easy to follow, and I could see all the parts clearly. There were no issues at all.”

Two of the bathrooms are situated about one meter from the boat’s holding tank, where the effluent is stored until disposal. The third is located approximately five meters away. According to Pretti, “All three Maxlites were still easy to install and work very well.”

How does the couple manage black water waste when on the water for days at a time? “We have a valve mechanism on the holding tank,” Pretti explains. “When we’re in the middle of the ocean, we simply open the valve to release the waste. However, we keep the valve closed near a marina or in regulated waters.”

Product Profile: Sanimarin Maxlite+S

The Sanimarin Maxlite+S from SFA Saniflo is a marine toilet system specifically designed for efficient waste management on boats and recreational vehicles.

The unit features a stainless steel macerating blade that quickly reduces waste and toilet paper. Its integrated pump can move effluent up to 10 feet vertically and 100 feet horizontally through a 1-inch or 1½-inch discharge line, operating at a low noise level of only 52 dB(A), which is comparable to household refrigerator.

Weighing 18 pounds and with a standard toilet height, the Sanimarin Maxlite+S includes a soft-close toilet seat and mounting hardware for easy installation.

Other key features:

Flushes with onboard freshwater or connects to pressurized water.

Prevents backflow for enhanced hygiene.

Available in 12-volt and 24-volt configurations.

Two flushing options – Eco (0.63 gallons for liquid waste) and Normal (0.79 gallons for solid waste).

Low water and electrical consumption for efficient operation.

Results

Living on their boat full-time, Pretti and his wife continue to use the Maxlite+S toilets three to four times daily. All three have performed reliably since their installation.

Happy with this trouble-free performance, the Prettis also appreciate the simplicity and reliability of the Maxlite design.

“It’s a very robust system, strong and reliable,” he remarks. “There aren’t too many parts, so it’s easy to work on if something happens. It’s simple to open, fix the issue, and put everything back together. It’s very easy.”

The Maxlite’s four-year warranty, covering free repair or replacement of any parts, gives them the confidence they need in their choice.

To help maintain optimal performance, the Prettis occasionally replace the seal on each toilet. “It’s a good way to stop saltwater from getting in and damaging the system,” he explains.

For the Prettis, the Maxlite toilet system has consistently provided peace of mind, comfort, and easy maintenance while they cruise full-time in the Atlantic and Caribbean. With its simple installation process, durable design, and dependable performance, the Maxlite toilets have proven to be the perfect solution for their needs.