Convert Jabsco Manual Head to Electric

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Rob2435

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Jun 4, 2004
287
Beneteau Oceanis 352 NYC
I am thinking of converting my manual Jabsco head to an electric head on a 1998 Beneteau 352. I've read some of the old posts on this and would like comments to push me to make the move or convince me that a manual head is just fine. I am not one to make a move just because everyone else is, I still don't have a flat screen TV at home and I am OK with that...

1) is it all that much better than the manual head?
2) I only have a 13 gallon holding tank and generally have 4 aboard for multi day trips.
3) use fresh water or raw(salt water) or even have the choice to switch between them? I am not a fan of having to leave a water pump on when not in use.
4) do I replace my current macerator pump for overboard discharge?
 
Don S/V ILLusion

Don S/V ILLusion

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Sep 25, 2008
7,438
Alden 50 Sarasota, Florida
My understanding from the experts is this conversion uses a lot of power compared with a real electric head plus you are sill left with a Jabsco head destined to require constant repair.
 
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Blane

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Apr 11, 2013
10
hunter 380 daytona beach
The Head

I crossed the path and I think I made the right move. I decided to stay with the manual pump because the cost and benefit did not match. The power was a small facture but the mess was the determining factor. It does not make your tank any bigger.:redface:
 
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mattkling

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Oct 3, 2008
59
Beneteau 361 Seattle
I switched to a Raritan Sea Era Toilet

On our 361 I decided the convenience of electric for guests was worth the switch. At Peggy Hall's advice on this site, I swapped mine for a Raritan Sea Era Toilet. To conserve fresh water I got the sea water version. Sea water pump is not the quietest thing, but have had no issues with it after 2 years and lots of guests. As the head on the 361 in on the the other side of the boat from the panel, ended up wiring it directly to the battery with an in-line fuse. Guess these things don't like fluctuations in voltage so that was the better bet. It fit in the space of the old toilet well and only 1 old hole was not covered up by the new unit. It hooks up to all the existing hoses, and you just add the strainer that it comes with in-line in the water intake.
 
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thinwater

thinwater

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Mar 26, 2011
3,718
Corsair F-24 MK I Deale, MD
Not to be thick, but what is the up-side? I've used electrified piston heads on charter boats and my impression is they:
* use more water
* give less control
* one more lump to clean around

Pumping a handle is nothing at all.

If I were converting to an electric because someone demanded a home-style experience there are different products for that. Truthfully, that person may be better suited for life ashore; there are differences on a boat, that is part of the attraction, and to me a home toilet would seem simply out-of-place.
 
Don S/V ILLusion

Don S/V ILLusion

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Sep 25, 2008
7,438
Alden 50 Sarasota, Florida
thinwater said:
Not to be thick, but what is the up-side? I've used electrified piston heads on charter boats and my impression is they:
* use more water
* give less control
* one more lump to clean around

Pumping a handle is nothing at all.

If I were converting to an electric because someone demanded a home-style experience there are different products for that. Truthfully, that person may be better suited for life ashore; there are differences on a boat, that is part of the attraction, and to me a home toilet would seem simply out-of-place.
Click to expand
We used to get water from a well with a hand pump. Charming but antiquated. This is one of those personal preference things.

As to the upside, elec heads are less prone to clogging, more easily operated by guests and, most important, my wife likes it better.
 
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Rob2435

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Jun 4, 2004
287
Beneteau Oceanis 352 NYC
I think the ease of use may actually reduce currently excessive pumping by the ladies using the head. Plus, I won't have to explain how to use the head every weekend.
 
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gord331victoria

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Apr 30, 2010
54
beneteau 331 victoria
I just installed a Raritan Manual PHC, very nice quality unit that has great pumping action, and you can leave it on wet bowl and it won't over fill the bowl. Get rid of that crappy Jabsco!

The other part of my upgrade was to change the hose configuration to gravity drain the tank and head output direct to tank. I also installed a series 703 tank montior system from tank edge that also monitors the fresh water tank in the bow using foil tape on the exterior of the tank.

Fun!
 
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Rob2435

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Jun 4, 2004
287
Beneteau Oceanis 352 NYC
OK, I am going to make the switch to a Raritan SeaEra head with fresh water. Now to start all the measuring to make sure it will fit and try to figure out any issues before I start the project.
 
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Joe2954

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Jan 22, 2008
169
Beneteau 343 Saint Helens, Oregon OR
Good choice. Pulled the factory Jabsco when I got the boat (more $$ to not have it installed??) Rearranged the hoses to shorten runs. Installed the sea era and have happily flushed away for 6 years. Noisy with both the toilet and water supply pumps running but who cares.
 
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Captn TJ

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Nov 24, 2012
586
A couple of thoughts on the electric head. If you're going with the drop in jabsco pump replacement - it is very noisy. I used it on my 381 and later wished I spent the extra bucks for the quiet flush

Since we cruise a lot, when we ordered our 423 ( with 2 heads) we had the an electric head installed for the Admiral - she insisted on it. And a manual head for the aft head. That way we don't have to worry about power issues and potential loss of both heads.
 
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