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Scorecard
Thetford Eco-Smart Formaldehyde-Free Holding Tank Deodorant
Specs
Pros
Cons
Provisions
Deodorizer gets the green light
By Craig Grosby
Though it’s not a glamorous topic, I bet most boaters would agree that controlling head odor is important.
But according to the Environmental Protection Agency, many holding tank deodorizers contain toxic chemicals, such as formaldehyde, that can pass through onsite wastewater treatment systems and pollute soil, groundwater and nearby surface water.
Thetford Marine recently launched Eco-Smart, a new line of environmentally sound holding tank treatment products that carries the TerraChoice EcoLogo. To be EcoLogo certified, a holding tank additive must be biologically based, nontoxic, harmless to humans and marine life, not accumulate in the environment, and include usage and disposal instructions. Last but not least, it must effectively control odor, decrease waste materials and maintain a clean holding tank.
Personally, I don’t usually give much thought to the holding tank deodorant I use on my Hunter 35.5 Legend sailboat, Flyer, but I decided to give the Eco-Smart Formaldehyde-Free Formula a try. According to Thetford, it provides 70 percent better odor control than other eco-friendly additives and quickly breaks down and liquefies waste and tissue to prevent clogs. It contains a detergent additive that keeps tanks clean, and its non-staining green dye washes off with soap and water.
After determining I needed 4 ounces for my system, I opened the cap, removed the safety seal, and squeezed the bottle until I had the correct quantity in the pouring receptacle. However, when I went to pour it into the head, I tilted the bottle too far, and additional product from the reserve supply also started pouring in. Oops … I poured in too much.
I went to the sink to do a few test pours and found that if I flipped the bottle on its side and kept it fairly level, the measurement system worked pretty well.
I must say, the boat never smelled fresher. The product completely neutralized any head odors, and there was no heavy, overpowering deodorizer smell. I returned several days later to check for any of those lingering head odors that you often smell when you first open up a closed boat. But there was no odor whatsoever.
This product will be on my equipment list from now on. 
Craig Grosby, S, of Fort Lauderdale Power Squadron, is a commercial property manager. He recently completed the Piloting course and is awaiting his test results.
Provisions
Shakespeare 5247-A VHF whip antenna
$100.95
This 3-dB base load sealed copper coil antenna features a heavy-duty 36-inch stainless steel single-section whip that folds out of the way when needed but maintains stability at high speeds. Mounting hardware is included.
DeLorme Earthmate PN-60w GPS with SPOT Satellite Communicator
$549.95
Connected wirelessly to the SPOT Satellite Communicator, the Earthmate PN-60w hand-held GPS lets you stay in touch with loved ones via satellite text messaging. In emergencies, send SOS messages with your GPS coordinates embedded. Loved ones can track your location via Google Maps.
OM4500 Omnia Oven
$79.95
Used with a gas or alcohol stove or electric hotplate, the OM4500 Omnia Oven consists of a 2.1-quart aluminum dish, treated-steel base plate with center hole, and an aluminum lid. Ventilation holes give cakes and breads room to rise. Measuring 10.5 inches across and 5.5 inches high, the oven weighs slightly more than a pound.
ENO hammocks
SingleNest $54.95
DoubleNest $64.95
About 10 feet long, ENO’s hammocks support up to 400 pounds and set up nearly anywhere in less than 3 minutes with eco-friendly Slap Straps. The hammocks fit into softball-sized sacks for easy transport.
Chadd Padd
$9.95/6
$34.95/36
The Chadd Padd refueling mat catches and contains fuel before it spills. Its perforated hanging chad design accommodates most filler ports. Static resistant and water repellent, the 10-square-inch pad holds up to 4 fluid ounces of diesel, gas or oil.
Enter code EZFUEL8 at chaddpadd.com to save 10 percent.
Publication on THE ENSIGN’s New Products pages does not guarantee claim accuracy or imply endorsement by USPS or THE ENSIGN.
