Hi Peggy,
I have a 35 year old 42 foot sailboat with 2 Wlicox Crittenden Skipper heads of the same vintage. I have regularly overhauled both of them, but now understand Thetford who has taken over WC has discontinued this model and, after talking with them over the phone, has just about run out of parts for same.
The head in the forward cabin, even after lubricating it with silicone grease, vaseline or Sealube only runs smoothly for about a week and then is very stiff if not impossible to pump. This is even after using one of replacement parts kit about a year ago. I disconnected both inlet and outlet hoses to see if that was the problem, but no. It also now shoots water into the users face after moving the pump handle about an inch (I think this is a jammed flapper valve in the outlet area). I think this one is now completely shot, but maybe can be used as parts to help keep the other one working.
The second head in the aft cabin is still working reasonably well, but eventually as parts become more difficult to find, will also have to be replaced.
The boat is also used in charter for about 40 days per year, so I am looking for a fairly idiot-proof solution. I believe the head in the forward cabin gets much more use, so that probably accounts for its present condition.
I have read many of the postings in this forum, and agree that the best manual replacement is probably the PH II. I looked at one in our local West Marine, and it certainly looks better engineered than the other ones.
The holding tank is a Sealand 40 gallon tank and we carry about 200 gallons of fresh water. So I was thinking about replacing the one in the forward cabin with a feresh water electric unit. The Dometic 9800 series masterflush toilet looked like a good choice. The pipes must exit the back as there is no room under the floor.
What is your opinion as to the best strategy to follow? Is one manual and one electric a good idea? Should I continue to try to maintain one of the Skippers, or is 35 years too long for anything marine? And have you had any feedback on the Dometic 9800 toilet?
Thank you for doing all this great work in an area that is troubling for most of us. I have just registered as a member today. My next step is to order your book.
I have a 35 year old 42 foot sailboat with 2 Wlicox Crittenden Skipper heads of the same vintage. I have regularly overhauled both of them, but now understand Thetford who has taken over WC has discontinued this model and, after talking with them over the phone, has just about run out of parts for same.
The head in the forward cabin, even after lubricating it with silicone grease, vaseline or Sealube only runs smoothly for about a week and then is very stiff if not impossible to pump. This is even after using one of replacement parts kit about a year ago. I disconnected both inlet and outlet hoses to see if that was the problem, but no. It also now shoots water into the users face after moving the pump handle about an inch (I think this is a jammed flapper valve in the outlet area). I think this one is now completely shot, but maybe can be used as parts to help keep the other one working.
The second head in the aft cabin is still working reasonably well, but eventually as parts become more difficult to find, will also have to be replaced.
The boat is also used in charter for about 40 days per year, so I am looking for a fairly idiot-proof solution. I believe the head in the forward cabin gets much more use, so that probably accounts for its present condition.
I have read many of the postings in this forum, and agree that the best manual replacement is probably the PH II. I looked at one in our local West Marine, and it certainly looks better engineered than the other ones.
The holding tank is a Sealand 40 gallon tank and we carry about 200 gallons of fresh water. So I was thinking about replacing the one in the forward cabin with a feresh water electric unit. The Dometic 9800 series masterflush toilet looked like a good choice. The pipes must exit the back as there is no room under the floor.
What is your opinion as to the best strategy to follow? Is one manual and one electric a good idea? Should I continue to try to maintain one of the Skippers, or is 35 years too long for anything marine? And have you had any feedback on the Dometic 9800 toilet?
Thank you for doing all this great work in an area that is troubling for most of us. I have just registered as a member today. My next step is to order your book.
