Boat bathrooms are an essential utility for going out on the water with the family. Having a portable toilet on your pontoon boat will be an absolute live saver. You never know when you may need it, until you really need it. It's kind of like boat insurance!
When you've got to go to the bathroom some people opt to go in the lake (I've done it a few times myself as a kid). Yet, this method only works for number one and it can lead to poison fish as reported by TIME. Don't even ask about number two, as that can cause worse effects.
As you seen it's crucial to have a portable toilet for those times when you can't hold it for the marina or make it back home. Not to mention if you have little girls you'll need somewhere private for them to go. We'll break down the best pontoon boat bathroom, along with some must-have toilet enclosure accessories. Here's a quick list of the best portable toilets for your pontoon boat:
IMAGE
PRODUCT
PRODUCT DETAILS
OUR #1 RATED
Camco
Portable Travel Toilet
5.3 gallon detachable holding tank, sealing slide valve locks to prevent odors and leakage.
Camco
41544 Travel Toilet
Pumping flush style to clean bowl. 5.3 gallon detachable holding tank with sliding gate valve to seal odors.
SereneLife
Outdoor Portable Toilet
The travel anywhere toilet with carry bag, an extra large toilet tank for easy empty, and a level indicator.
Palm Springs
Portable Outdoor Toilet
Self contained portable toilet with a full size seat and lid. One piece leak proof 5 gallon holding tank.
PARTYSAVING
Travel Outdoor Toilet
Spacious fresh water reservoir with a separate waste tank included. Side valve with tight seal to lock odors.
What Is A Pontoon Boat Bathroom?
A porta potty for pontoon boat is a portable travel toilet that goes anywhere. Many people also use these toilets with their RV or camper. For a boat, this is perfect since you can carry it with you on board. Then once you're done boating for the day you can take it back home.
These outdoor toilets also feature a large holding tank to make it easy for a full day of use. You can even dump them at home in your own toilet without the need to go to a special dump station.
Who Needs A Pontoon Boat Bathroom?
Portable travel toilets can be useful for a wide variety of scenarios. There's a few common situations where you may need one on your boat.
1. You have young kids
It never fails when you get out on the water that kids will need to go to the bathroom. You'll get to the middle of the lake right when everyone starts swimming, and then someone has to go.
With kids it can be unpredictable for when they'll need to use the bathroom. You can always remind them to use it at the marina or at home before leaving. Yet, when you plan to go out for a couple hours they're bound to stay hydrated or have a few sodas.
Even adults or big kids run into this issue when you're having some special drinks out on the water. Staying hydrated out in the sun is important and you'll have to relieve yourself eventually.
2. Large bodies of water
You can be traveling for miles on end without any land in sight. In these cases, it can be nice to have a portable toilet at the ready.
For those who use their pontoon boat on the ocean, this is a very common issue. Although most do use their pontoon in lakes and rivers, any long stretch of water can be painful if you've gotta go.
3. Medical issues
You may have a family member that needs access to a convenient restroom at all times. It's never fun when someone can't come due to the fear of needing to go and waiting to hold it until home.
It also increases your chances to develop a UTI (urinary tract infection) when holding urine too often (source). This even extends to older members of the family, or expecting mothers.
Pontoon Boat Bathroom Accessories
In addition to your portable toilet, you'll want some key boat bathroom accessories. These will help to keep your pontoon boat clean out on the water. Not to mention, they'll improve your entire boating bathroom experience.
1. Aqua-Soft Toilet Tissue
Contrary to what some may believe, you cannot use traditional toilet paper on a portable toilet. Instead, you need special paper that dissolves inside the water.
These aqua soft toilet tissues have worked great for my family and are quite comfortable as well.
A few rolls should do as it's not necessary to use every time when going number one.
2. Porta-Pack Holding Tank Deodorizer
After a few people go to the restroom on the toilet, the holding tank can build up a strong odor (even only going number one).
To combat the smell, you can use a simple porta-pak deodorizer for a fresh and clean scent.
It's never fun to have that porta potty smell when trying to enjoy a day on the lake. You can only imagine how it may be if someone needs to go number two.
3. Pop-Up Shower Tent Privacy Shelter
Trying to go to the bathroom in front of your entire family is flat out embarrassing. Everyone has to look away and you lack true privacy.
To combat this issue, you can use a tent privacy shelter to give yourself a private area for the on board boat bathroom.
Not to mention, this can also be very useful when changing clothes out on the water.
How Do I Choose A Portable Toilet?
In order to choose a portable toilet for your pontoon boat you'll first need to determine how large of a holding tank you need. Most portable toilets come in two standard sizes. You can choose between a 2.6 gallon or 5.3 gallon holding tank.
For a family of four we were fine with a 2.6 gallon tank when camping over multiple days. If you plan on going on a boat for the day and then emptying it when you get home you should be okay with a smaller size. However, if you plan on having more than four people use it you may want the larger 5.3 gallon tank.
In addition to the size of your tank, you'll want to consider your pontoon boat weight for safe towing. When full a portable toilet could weigh up to 20 pounds.
Buy a pontoon boat bathroom that has a sliding valve mechanism. This will help to keep the odors under control. In addition, this will make sure that the holding tank does not leak at all. This is more or a less standard feature, yet something to check for.
Choose a portable toilet that is well made so it lasts. Your travel toilet will endure lots of wear and tear on a boat. Therefore it needs to be durable. You'll want to keep it working and safe from harsh weather. Be sure to take it inside off the boat when you're done for the day.
Below is a checklist of things to look for when choosing a pontoon boat bathroom:
- Ensure you choose the right size holding tank.
- Buy a portable toilet with a valve mechanism.
- Choose a travel toilet that is well made.
What Is The Best Portable Toilet For a Pontoon Boat Bathroom?
We've looked at a range of portable toilets for pontoon boats and have selected five toilets. The main things we've looked at are quality, pricing, and sizing. We've reviewed these five portable toilets and listed some pros and cons for each travel toilet.
our #1 rated
Camco
Portable Travel Toilet
Quality
Price
Our rating
The Camco portable travel toilet is available in both the 2.6 and 5.3 gallon tank options. The porta potty features a slide valve to lock in odors and prevent leakage. It also has a side nozzle opening for easy access to add in fresh water for flushing.
Customers who purchased this toilet found it to be convenient and sanitary for pontoon boats. People said that it worked very well as a personal restroom. Customers also said that it had no odor at all.
Some customers who used this for their boat said that it had leaked at the seal for them. A few people commented to make sure that each piece of the toilet lines up after dumping the tank. Some customers also said that it smells a bit when the tank is near full.
PROS
CONS
our #2 rated
Camco
41544 Travel Toilet
Quality
Price
Our rating
The Camco 41544 travel toilet comes in two holding tank sizes with 2.3 and 5.6 gallon options. This toilet has a pumping flush action to clean the inside of the bowl and make dumping easier. It also features a higher seat than most other porta potties available.
Customers who purchased this travel toilet said that it worked well and only needed a gel pack deodorizer every few days. People said that the design was much more comfortable to use than other types. Customers also said that emptying the holding tank was very easy to do.
Some people who purchased this porta potty said that it can get quite heavy when full on the 5.6 gallon model. A few customers who used it also said that the seal can become stiff in cool weather. Other's reported that the side latches did not stay closed for them.
PROS
CONS
our #3 rated
SereneLife
Outdoor Portable Toilet
Quality
Price
Our rating
This outdoor portable toilet by SereneLife comes with the larger 5.3 gallon holding tank. It has a wastewater indication level to let you know when it's time to empty the tank. The toilet also features a three way pistol flush for quicker flushing.
Customers who purchased this toilet said that it's great and does not leak whatsoever. Many customers also said that the materials used were of very high quality. Other customers commented that it was self contained and left no mess behind.
A few customers who purchased this toilet said they wished it was a little more elongated for a more comfortable seat. Some people who used this porta potty said that there can be splash back if the lid is not closed when opening the lever. Some customers also said that it can be quite difficult to clean and empty solid waste.
PROS
CONS
our #4 rated
Palm Springs
Portable Outdoor Toilet
Quality
Price
Our rating
The Palm Springs portable outdoor toilet comes in one 5 gallon model. It has a sturdy full size seat and lid with a matte finish. The toilet also features a simple one piece leak proof holding tank. It flushes like a residential toilet with a single fresh water pump.
Customers who purchased this toilet said that it's very easy to work with the separation drainage valves. People said that they liked how sturdy and simple the design is. Customers also said that it was comfortable for larger individuals over 225 pounds.
Other people who used this portable toilet said that the side valve can get hung up sometimes. A few customers said that the water pump requires a lot of downward force to work. Other customers commented that you will need deodorizer tabs if you don't want it to smell.
PROS
CONS
our #5 rated
PARTYSAVING
Travel Outdoor Toilet
Quality
Price
Our rating
This PARTYSAVING travel outdoor toilet is available in two holding tank size options. The toilet features a wide seat post for comfortable use. It also comes with a side valve for a tight seal to lock in odors and prevent any leakage.
People who purchased this toilet that it works great on top of a bucket to make it higher to sit on. Other customers said that it was excellent for bathroom emergencies while fishing on their pontoon boat. Some people also said it was easy to transport the waste for disposal.
Some customers who used this toilet said that it bottom empty lid is difficult to unscrew. A few customers said there is no space between the seat and bowl for air to pass through. Other people also said that the bowl is way to shallow for comfortable use.
PROS
CONS
Pontoon Boat Bathroom FAQ
Do any pontoon boats have bathrooms?
While typical pontoon boats do not come with toilets built-in, you can add an enclosure or pop-up changing room where you can place a portable toilet.
Can you put a Porta Potty on a pontoon boat?
Yes, you can put a porta-potty on a pontoon boat similar to how many people use these travel toilets in their RV or camper.
How do you go to the bathroom when boating?
You can opt to use a portable toilet with a small holding tank.
How do pontoon toilets work?
Pontoon toilets function as a portable toilet with water that pumps and flushes manually from the freshwater tank to the black water tank for waste removal.
To Conclude
Each portable toilet we've reviewed works for those looking to have a pontoon boat bathroom. All the toilets featured a spacious holding tank, valve sealant design, and easy transport for dumping.
After comparing all the products the best portable toilet for a pontoon boat bathroom is the Camco Portable Travel Toilet.
This toilet works well for those out on the water without a convenient place to go to the bathroom. It has both the 2.6 and 5.3 gallon holding tank options as well. We also like the fact that the toilet has a convenient frame for carrying.