Toilet paper, Vacuflush, and a search for PS testers

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Last months report on fast-dissolve toilet paper took on a new significance this past week as we began testing Sealands Vacuflush toilets, toilets that literally suck waste into the holding tank. The chief advantage of the Vacuflush system is that they need less water for flushing. These units require very little water to flush, but this makes it harder for some toilet papers to dissolve. The two units that we tested both came with vehement warnings against using Charmin Ultra Soft toilet paper, which has been proven to cause problems with Vacuflush systems. Readers can see a full report on this topic in the August issue.

Toilet paper, Vacuflush, and a search for PS testers

Our point man in this project is Dave Gill, an avid sailor with a background in construction and electronics. Hes too modest to claim to be a plumbing expert, but his experience with boats, buildings, and homes-not to mention several weeks with marine toilets of all make and brands-has given him some unique insight into the range of marine toilets on the market today.

As we work to expand our testing program, we will be looking for more people like Dave, people with long boating backgrounds and expertise that can be applied to our work. It is unglamorous work-as Dave, now a master at installing and unclogging plugged marine toilets, will attest-but if you have a sincere desire to help other boaters make the right choices when outfitting their boats, it can be extremely rewarding. We are particularly interested in working with more people with strong backgrounds in science, engineering, marine electronics, and other marine trades.

If you think you might have what it takes to be a PS tester, please send your CV or resum to [email protected].

Darrell Nicholson
Practical Sailor has been independently testing and reporting on sailboats and sailing gear for more than 50 years. Its independent tests are carried out by experienced sailors and marine industry professionals dedicated to providing objective evaluation and reporting about boats, gear, and the skills required to cross oceans. Practical Sailor is edited by Darrell Nicholson, a long-time liveaboard sailor and trans-Pacific cruiser who has been director of Belvoir Media Group's marine division since 2005. He holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton Master license, has logged tens of thousands of miles in three oceans, and has skippered everything from pilot boats to day charter cats. His weekly blog Inside Practical Sailor offers an inside look at current research and gear tests at Practical Sailor, while his award-winning column,"Rhumb Lines," tracks boating trends and reflects upon the sailing life. He sails a Sparkman & Stephens-designed Yankee 30 out of St. Petersburg, Florida. You can reach him at darrellnicholson.com.

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