If you have an installed toilet on your boat, you are all set. But what do you do if you don’t have one? Sure, you can get away with a 5-gallon bucket. But if you go on a long boating trip with your wife and children, and you don’t have a comfortable toilet within your reach, you are getting into big trouble. A porta-potty will give you peace of mind while boating with your family and save you lots of trips to the marina. Here are the best portable toilets for boats and a buying guide to help you make the right choice.

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BEST RATED

1# Camco Portable Toilet

Average Rank: 4.6 out of 5 

The Camco is a sturdy portable toilet you’ll be happy to have when you need it most. Whether for boating, camping, road trips, or even for your house, it ticks all the boxes. 

It’s compact and fits nicely into small spaces, making it easy to store almost anywhere in your boat. Although the Camco is built with heavy-duty polyethylene material, it’s lightweight. Plus, it has a handle, making it easy to carry when emptying the waste. A user said that even his grandmother could lift the toilets when filled with water. 

This portable toilet comes in two pieces with durable plastic side lashes to connect the top and bottom parts. There is a cap on the right side of the top tank that you remove to fill out the water. And on the left side is a pump to flush the water into the tank. The lead on the top tank is airtight and prevents smelling and spilling when flushing.

Hold on; there is more.

The bottom tank features a sliding gate that closes tightly to prevent leakage and keep unpleasant odors in the tank. 

There is also a cap on the holding tank to empty the waste and a built-in ergonomic handle to transport it easily. 

Reviewers loved how simple and easy it is to clean. First, you separate the two pieces, empty the bottom tank, and rinse. Then, to control odors, throw a Camco self-dissolving drop in the water reservoir, and that’s it.

 The bottom tank is flat; thus pretty stable on the ground.

 This very nice portable toilet will come in handy on long cruising trips with your family—no need to run back to the dock to do your business. Thanks to the Camco, you’ll be able to spend more time on the water.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Well built
• Easy to clean
• Easy to carry for emptying
• Fits nicely into small compartments

Cons

• Some users reported that the handle started to leak after a few months of use.
• A boater wished the Camco had brackets to fasten it to the floor.
• Several reviewers were disappointed that it didn’t have directions for use.

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2# SereneLife Portable Toilet

Average Rank: 4.6 out of 5 

The Sereinelife and the ArtCourt portable toilets are nearly identical. Both products have practically the same features.

So what’s the difference between them?

Well, the Sereine life is slightly higher and delivers a flushing capacity of up to 120, while the Arpcourt offers a flushing capacity of up to 50, and it also includes a sprayer to clean the bowl, which the Sereine Life doesn’t have. That’s all!

The Sereine life porta potty also has a sturdy carrying bag for easy transport. It also has an orange rotating spout on the holding tank that swing on the side to empty the waste.

The water reservoir is on the right side. A piston pump is on the left side, a waste tank level indicator on the top, and a sealing waste valve in the middle to keep odors at bay. 

The Serene life is also made of high-quality polyethylene and has no plumbing, so you can bring it at sea without worrying it will rust.

A nice ergonomic handle at the back, and the two pieces separate easily with the latches on the side. 

Although it doesn’t include any mounting bracket, many boaters use it for long days on the water. And if you read the reviews, which I suggest you do, you’ll see how much they love it.

The SereineLife is an excellent portable toilet you can use on your boat or on any outdoor trip. It got a high rating on Amazon and is more popular than the Alpcour and less expensive.

Pros

• Excellent customer service
• Very sturdy
• Easy to clean and use
• High flushing capacity
• Easy to assemble

Cons

• Some people found it difficult to get all the Water waste out of the holding tank completely.
• Several users said that the carrying bag is of poor quality.
• A few customers found this portable toilet not ideal for men. 

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3# Porta Potti White Thetford Corp

Average Rank: 4.6 out of 5 

The Theford porta potty comes with an electric pump mechanism that works on AA batteries. This portable toilet has exceeded many reviewers’ expectations thanks to its remarkable features!

It has a sleek oval design, and it’s tall. One of the reasons people pick this porta potty is because of its height. Users felt like using their home toilet when sitting on it. 

If you have knees or back problems, this will help a lot, as you don’t need to crouch low to do your business.

It has a built-in battery electric flush pump on the left side that rinse the bowl with fresh water, and based on users, it doesn’t make noise, which is helpful if you use it in the middle of the night.

On the right side is the reservoir where you fill out fresh water.

The two tanks come apart quickly, and there is an ergonomic carrying handle to hold it comfortably for emptying it.

This porta potty also has a level gauge that tells you how much water is left in the holding tank, which saves time and nerves.

The sealed valve between the two tank works manually and keep odors at bay. Plus, there is a toilet paper holder on the side that had many users preferring this porta potty over their home toilet.

The rotating pour spout on the holding tank swing on the side to help you empty the waste easily without spilling. 

The hold-on kit is not included in the package, but you can buy it separately if you want to secure this porta-potty on your boat.

Although there have been many complaints about the electric flush breaking after a few months of use, this porta potty received a high rating on Amazon—people were thrilled with its height, ease of use, and price.  

Pros

• Easy to clean
• Easy to use
• Excellent height
• Attractive design
• Easy to assemble

Cons

• Some users complained that the electric pump flush broke after several months of use and that there was no manual backup pressure system to replace it.
• A few people reported that the seal between the top and holding tank leaks.
• Several customers found Theford customer service awful.
• Some customers were disappointed that they could buy a manual pump only from the UK website and not the USA.

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4# PLAYBERG Portable Toilet

Average Rank: 4.6 out of 5 

The Playberg is a simple porta potty that is easy to use; no need to pump or fill it up with water or what so ever—finished your business? Empty the bucket, and clean out. And Voila!

It comes with a small black bucket and a lid that goes over it to block odors.

The whole toilet is made of durable plastic. It can hold adult weight without any problems. Users felt stable when sitting on it, even big persons. 

The built-in toilet paper holder on the side is convenient. It makes you feel like you are using your home toilet.

The great thing about the Playberg is that it has the shape and height of a regular toilet. 

The company recommends using compostable bags with the toilet. 

But it’s optional. Some people use plastic bags and even kitty litter.

And it works great. 

This portable toilet cannot be mounted on the floor. But this didn’t stop boaters from using it on their boat.

It may look flimsy but don’t underestimate it. It’s study, ultra-lightweight, and super easy to use!

Pros

• Very easy to use and clean
• Ultra lightweight
• Come with a toilet paper holder
• Great price
• Durable

Cons

• Some people wished the height was a little bigger.
• Several users said that it’s cheaply made.
• A few reviewers found that it lacks instructions.

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5# Alpcour Portable Toilet

Average Rank: 4.6 out of 5 

The Alpcour is a high-quality portable toilet that comes with plenty of excellent features and a sturdy carrying bag to transport it easily from your car to your boat or camping car or wherever you go.

This portable toilet is made of solid and long-lasting, durable plastic material. There is no plumbing, so no rust or corrosion, making it suitable for any water trip.

There is a manual piston pump on the left side that you lift and push down to run the water into the tank. 

It has an attachable spray handle that goes into the tank reservoir on the right side, which helps you clean the bowl after each use easily. 

The waste level indicator on the front top lets you know when to empty the holding tank.

One of the features that many people appreciated was the well-designed orange rotating spout on the holding tank. It helped them to empty the tank so much easier.

The capacity of this porta potty is excellent and has exceeded many reviewers’ expectations.

The top tank separates easily from the holding tank with the help of side latches, and the drain valve lock in the liquid and odors. 

Another thing is a built-in handle on the back of the bottom tank to help you transport the portable toilets effortlessly. 

This excellent portable toilet has made the life of many users so much easier. It’s lightweight, durable, easy to use, and clean. A fantastic value for the price!

Pros

• Lightweight
• Easy to use and clean
• Excellent water capacity
• Very sturdy
• Compact and easy to store

Cons

• Some users found the portable toilets heavy to lift when filled with water.
• Several customers reported that the flushing is hard to pull up and down.
• A few reviewers found the portable toilet too small for grown adults.

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6# Camco Portable Bucket Toilet 

Average Rank: 4.7 out of 5 

This Camco portable 5 gallons toilet is a lifesaver in case you need a restroom quickly.

Although it’s a lightweight bucket, it’s strong and can hold heavy weight. Unfortunately, the limit weight is not indicated in the item’s details. 

But a user whose weight was 360 lb had no problem sitting on it. This bucket is made of thick and durable UV-resistant polypropylene plastic. 

The interior is sleek, making it easy to empty and clean. 

The seat and lid are durable plastic that snaps onto the bucket. There is a small button on the lid that helps you fasten it to the seat securely to prevent odors from escaping from the bucket.

The seat is relatively thin and might not be as comfortable as the other toiletries listed here, but for the price, it does a great job based on users. 

If you want, you can purchase the bucket alone, as some customers did, but they had an issue finding a seat that matched the bucket. So they finally bought the whole kit.

There is a handle attached to the bucket that allows you to carry it easily to empty the waste. 

This portable toilet has a zip lock bag containing three large black bags with powder inside to crystallize waste. Those black bags are easy to insert and remove and help prevent spillage.

This porta potty is relatively low to the ground, so if you’re tall or have knee issues, that wouldn’t be your best choice.

Otherwise, it’s a great portable toilet for boating, fishing, or camping. It’s practical, lightweight, and easy to transport anywhere.

Pros

• Practical
• Easy to carry
• Easy to clean
• Lightweight
• Affordable

Cons

• Some people found it too low.
• A few users said the seat is thin and worried it wouldn’t last.
• Several reviewers found it uncomfortable to use.

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TOP PICK

7#Thetford Porta Potti 365

 Average Rank: 4.7 out of 5 

Thetford Porta Potti 365 is a smartly designed portable toilet that fits nicely into boats, vans, and small compartments. You can put it anywhere on your boat, and you won’t even notice it. 

The seat and lid on this portable toilet are removable, making cleaning quicker and easier.

It features a sturdy pump mechanism on the left side of the top tank with an average of 55 flush per fill, which is quite a lot for a compact portable toilet. The freshwater holding tank is on the right of the upper parts of the toilet. This is where you put the water; when you flush, that’s where the water comes from.

This portable toilet also has an indicator that tells you when to empty it. The green light turns red when the bottom part gets full. This feature really comes in handy since you don’t have to check inside the tank if you need to dispose the waste.

Another nice feature is the rotating pour-out spout. This makes the emptying so much easier.

It’s a swinging pipe placed on the holding tank that you pivot over the edge of the base to empty the waste. It’s practical and straightforward to manipulate, based on reviewers.

This porta potty is not mountable either and doesn’t include a hold-on kit. So you must find a way to attach it or buy mounting brackets separately.

However, this is a very nice portable toilet to have when boating or camping.

It received a very high rating on Amazon. Customers love this porta-potty and are extremely happy with their purchase.

Pros

• Smartly designed
• Lightweight
• Easy to clean and easy to use
• Compact and practical
• The wastewater tank level indicator shows when it’s full

Cons

• A boater was disappointed that the portable toilet didn’t include any hold-on kit.
• Some reviewers found the portable toilets heavy when full of water.
• A few users reported that the flash handle had broken after several uses.

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8# Dometic 970 Series Portable Toilet

Average Rank: 4.6 out of 5 

The Dometic comes in two versions, 2.6-gallon or 5-gallon capacity. So you can choose the one that fits you best depending on your needs. It’s made with high-density polyethylene and thermoplastic polymer material, making this portable toilet extremely durable. Don’t take my word for it because I didn’t try it, but according to the Dometic company, even if you stand on it or throw it on the floor, it won’t break. But, if I were you, I wouldn’t try this anyway.

However, I’m talking about the construction, so let’s see now the features. It has a nice plastic lid and a seat on top.

The pressurized pump is on the left side, and the freshwater cap is on the other side. Again, very easy to use. You feel up freshwater, press the pump a few times and pump the flush button, and voila, you get a nice clean wash! 

The sliding valve in the center allows the waste to get from the upper part to the bottom tank. A small tip from reviewers, when you pull the sliding valve, make sure the lid is closed to prevent any unpleasant surprise if you know what I mean.

The Dometic also has a waste level indicator on the front that shows you when the holding tank is full, so you don’t have to guess.

The top and the bottom tank separate with just one click. 

The holding tank has an air vent to prevent leakage and a dumb spout. The way it works is straightforward. First, open the vent, swing the dump spout to the side, and empty it. Then, put the cap back on the dump spout and close the vent.

Another cool feature people love about this porta-potty is its locking slide at the bottom. This helped fix the unit to the mounting bracket to prevent it from tipping over on the boat.

Great feature, but not so good news is that the mounting bracket on the Dometic 970 series is not included in the package. So this is something you will have to purchase separately unless you get the 960 series.

Another thing worth mentioning is that this porta-potty is low to the ground. Therefore, it can be a plus if you have small children or want to store it in the cupboard. On the other hand, it can be a minus if you have back issues or knee pain.

Overall it’s a nice little portable toilet that, once you put it on your boat, you might never want to go sailing without it. It’s compact and fits into small compartments. It’s easy to clean, use, and easy to carry.

Pros

• Sturdy construction
• Easy to use and clean
• Lightweight
• Compact
• Is it to carry it

Cons

• Some people found the seat too small and low to the ground.
• Several customers complained that the unit leaked after several uses.
• Some buyers reported that the seat is very small and is more for children, not adults.

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9# STANSPORT Portable Toilet

Average Rank: 4.6 out of 5 

If you are looking for a portable toilet that is simple to use, stable, lightweight, and can hold heavy weight without breaking, the Stansport is for you!

This easy-go portable toilet will allow you to do your business in the comfort of your own boat, camping camp, or on the road. People love how they can sit on it without fear it would tip over so much that it’s stable on the ground.

This porta-potty looks very simple, but you would be surprised; it can hold a fair amount of weight, up to 350 pounds. And the great thing is that it’s compact. Thus it doesn’t take much room and fits nicely into small boats and cars.

There is a little storage area in the bottom just below the bowl where you can store several empty bags or toilet paper.

It comes with a waste bag that you can insert inside and use a solidifying gel at the bottom to keep odors at bay Or, if you prefer, you can use the removable bowl and clean it with some water.

The waste bowl is easy to remove and put back in, making life much easier. It also has a nice handle to carry easily, which is a plus.

This is a well-built budget-friendly portable toilet that will serve you almost everywhere and for a long time. And although it is a little less popular than the other portable toilet listed in the article, people who bought it swear by Stansport, which says almost everything.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Very durable
• Stable
• Affordable
• Easy to store

Cons

• some users found the waste bowl not deep enough.
• Several people reported that the Stansport is too small for big people. 
• A few reviewers found it low to the ground.

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10# Kohree Portable Toilette

The Koheer is a well-built portable toilet with cool features that make it convenient to use and clean.

It has a large freshwater tank capacity that allows you to flush 90 times per fill, which is powerful for a portable toilet.

On the front left side, there is the air pressure relief button that you press to release hot hair before flushing the bowl.

And on the other side, you have the water level indicator that lets you know when the bottom tank is full.

The flush pump on the top works smoothly, according to users—no need to make any effort to pull it up.

This portable toilet also has a dump spout that rotates on the side so that you can empty the waste easily.

It features two latches on the side to disconnect the top from the bottom tank. You also have a built-in carrying handle for easy transport and a water gun to help you clean the bowl.

The base of this toilette is made of polyethylene, and the seat and lid of polypropylene. These high-density plastic materials are highly durable and UV resistant, so you can be sure they will last for a long time.

It has the same height as a home toilet, and the bottom has a square shape, enchanting stability when sitting on it. 

Be aware that it doesn’t include any mounting brackets, and it’s not mentioned in the details that it can be mounted. So this is something you will have to consider before buying it. But it’s pretty stable, especially when filled with water.

All in all, it’s a great porta-potty. It’s not the most popular or top pic on the list, but people are happy with it, and that’s what matters.

Pros

• Practical
• Easy to use and clean
• Same height as a home toilet
• Well built
• Comes with a gun spray

Cons

• Some people reported that the bottom tank doesn’t empty completely.
• A few customers were disappointed that Kohree company doesn’t provide replacement parts in case something happened with the portable toilet.
• Several users said it’s poorly made.

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Guide To Buying Portable Toilet For Boats

Types of Portable Toilets For Boats

There are four types of portable toilets manual, electric pump style, composting, and bucket.

Let’s take a look at them.

Electric Pump Style Portable Toilet

Electric pump-style portable toilets have a built-in flush mechanism that works on batteries, which is very convenient. Press the button, and you are done. But the problem is that the batteries are metal, and the o-ring around the flush mechanism is also metal. And you know what happens when metal gets in contact with water? It rusts. And, of course, this will damage the flush mechanism.

Manual Portable Toilets

These come with a manual flush, and just as the name says, you need to pump the flush piston manually to clean the bowl. Of course, these require more effort to pump the water, but they are more reliable regarding durability. They don’t rely on any plumbing that can rust with time, making them ideal for long trips on the water.

Bucket Toilets

These are the most common type of portable toilets. It’s essentially a 5-gallon bucket with a seat and a lid. The advantages of bucket-type toilets are that they are lightweight, affordable, and easy to use. You just throw a bio-degradable trash bag with cat litter to collect the waste, and you are good to go. This bucket toilet is great to have in case of an emergency but not for long-term use.

Composting Portable Toilets.

These work differently than regular portable toilets. They are different in that they separate liquids from solids.

One of the biggest advantages of composting toilets is that they don’t require water for flushing. 

The solids sit in a removable lower container with bulky agents like peat mose, sawdust, or coconut husk fiber. This creates a biological decomposition process that breaks down the waste. The liquid sits in a separate container that you can remove easily. Some models have a vent to let air circulate. Many boaters love composting portable toilets for several reasons. They are easy to clean, don’t require water for flushing, and don’t smell. You can use it on your boat safely as it’s a U.S. Coast Guard-approved type III marine head.

Material

Generally, high-quality portable toilets are made of durable thermoplastic such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or both. Manufacturers use those thermoplastic materials because they are lightweight and withstand high-impact forces and high temperatures. Thermoplastic is also easy to clean and doesn’t absorb odors. 

Height and Size

Before buying a portable toilet, measure the space in your boat first to be sure it will fit.

Another thing to consider is the height of the unit. Many portable toilets are pretty low to the ground, and if you are tall or have knees or back issues, you have difficulty sitting on the toilet. If it’s the case, try to get a portable toilet with a similar height to a home toilet so you can be comfortable.

On the other hand, low portable toilets are easy to store in small compartments and are more children-friendly. 

Capacity

A porta potty with a large capacity will allow you to use it many times without having to empty it, which will save you some trips. Also, you should consider the number of people that will use it. For example, if you go boating with your family, a 5.3 waste water tank and a 4.0 fresh water tank will be your best bet. 

Portability

No matter what brand or model you choose, your porta potty must be equipped with a carrying handle so that you can transport it easily for disposing the waste.

Weight limit

Another thing to consider when buying a portable toilet is the weight capacity. You should always check how much weight it can hold. Generally, portable toilets can support between 250 lb to 440 lb, depending on their construction.

Questions People Often Ask

Q: How to clean my porta potty?

There are a few options for cleaning a portable toilet. You can use vinegar; it’s not toxic and cleans incredibly well. Or, if you prefer, you can use household cleaners. Clean, rinse, and aerate. That’s the best you can do.

Q: How do I keep my porta potty from smelling?

Cleaning your porta toilets as often as possible with some disinfectant will help. Charcoal deodorizer or TST (toilet treatment) I also very effective at keeping odors at bay.

Q: Can I put toilet paper in my portable toilet?

Yes, you can, but not the ordinary toilet paper you use at home because this will clog up the holding tank. Instead, you should use Aqua Soft toilet paper. It’s super soft and dissolves quickly.

Q: Can I poop in a portable marine toilet?

Yes, you can, as they are designed to hold human waste, regarding the model.

Q: How often should I empty my portable toilet

It depends. If your toilet has a large capacity and you go on a long boat trip, you can empty it every two or three days. Essentially, it would be best to empty it after each trip on the water.

Q: Where do I empty my portable toilet waste

It would be best if you emptied the toilet at a sewage dump station or any landside restroom, never in the sea or lake.

Q: Do porta potties must be US Coast Guard approved?

Only installed marine sanitation devices must be Coast Guard certified, not portable toilets. So feel free to use them on your boat.

Final Words!

A portable toilet will save you from countless trips to the dock. In the summer, marinas are often crowded, and this is not a place you want to hang out when you are boating. Beleive it, your porta potty will be of great help onboard, and there is no doubt that you’ll appreciate it when you need it most if you make the right choice.

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