$10 DIY Porta Potti

Every pontoon boat needs a potti for those "emergencies".  I mean, who wants to pull up the anchor and go back to shore just to find a bathroom?  I'm talking about "#2" emergencies here.  For #1 emergencies just pee over the side of the boat.  Or jump in the lake.  Anyone that asks to go back to shore to pee doesn't get to go on a second trip on my boat.

Here's a simple one I made from a 10-gallon bucket. The bucket cost $3.  Make two cuts as shown.  You want to cut the top off close to the ridge (the top section is the ring at the far right in the pic below).  Then cut another 2 inches off the top of the pail (see the middle ring in the picture).  You can throw this middle ring away.  The reason you need to cut this out is so the first ring will fit over the bottom portion of the pail (left in the picture).  The bucket has a gradual taper, so you need to take a small section out, otherwise the top won't slide over the bottom section.

Next, I glued a $7 toilet seat to the top section of the bucket.  I drilled holes in the seat, and used dowels to make "pins" to help hold the glue.  Flip the top ring over and you will see little chambers that give strength to the pail.  I filled these chambers with silicone caulk, then pressed the seat in place and let it dry.  The little pieces of blue tape were to help me know which sections to fill up with caulk.

Last, put a bag in the bottom section, then set the seat on top.  Your weight on the seat holds the bag in place.  You are now ready to "go".

 

Note that you can buy "sani-bags" which have a powder that soaks up liquids.  When done, tie off the bag and throw it in a dumpster back at the dock.

It helps if your boat has a changing room with a curtain.  Otherwise, make everyone get in the lake first!