Electric Head Upgrade

Peggie Hall HeadMistress · Aug 10, 2015

Check out the Raritan SeaEra QC Raritan SeaEra QC available in both sea water and pressuized fresh water versions...either as a "conversion" (everything south of the bowl) that will let you re-use your existing bowl, seat and lid (yes, your bowl WILL fit!). I'd go with fresh water version...lower power consumption, less flush water, and MUCH quieter than any sea water electric toilet. And, with a pressurized flush water toilet, you'd be able to use one of the upgraded flush options that let you bring water in ahead of use, have a "dry" flush, and a low water flush...conserving your holding tank space.

Measure your space, keeping in mind that the pump can be oriented in more than one direction...if it won't fit, we can look at other options.

Get a quote from the online store here...they usually have excellent pricing on Raritan products. And I'll be glad to help you sort out any issues with the installation.

Installation isn't that hard to do. You'll need to run a new dedicated circuit for it, on its own breaker, making sure to use the right wire size for the distance from your battery, but your existing head discharge line should be useable.

johnboiles · Aug 29, 2015

Just adding my $0.02. I went with a pressurized freshwater Raritan SeaEra a year and a half ago after reading a lot of similar forums and just thought I should circle back with my experience.

I haven't had a single problem with the macerator. It's definitely robust. The seat sits ~0.7" higher than the Jabsco it replaces which means my shower seat doesn't sit flush, which is a bummer, but I ultimately decided to go with a supposedly reliable head instead of a shower seat. The macerator is certainly loud, but I don't really have much of a comparison point since I had a traditional pump toilet beforehand. There's also this little spot at the bottom of the bowl where the tube bends toward the macerator that collects poo and I can never seem to get clean no matter how much I brush it.

The biggest issue is that the solenoid valve failed after only a year and a half. It seems that it developed a hairline crack in the plastic itself. It's possible it was always there, as there was always a slow leak from the valve, that I thought was in the fitting. The replacement part is $190 on Raritan's site, which seems outlandish for a solenoid valve. Emailing Raritan support, I got a response that included the gem "I have never encountered a cracked solenoid valve In 40 years" which was unhelpful to say the least. I ended up replacing the valve with a cheap solenoid valve from Amazon, which has been fine for the month it's been installed.

Just wanted to record my thoughts. It's not a bad head. I've overall been happy with it. But I wouldn't give it quite the same glowing review that I've read on forums. Poor support, expensive replacement parts, and less than inspiring reliability makes me hesitant to purchase Raritan products in the future.

Bob 04 H260 · Aug 29, 2015

We have a Jabsco Quietflush conversion kit on our head using sea water, http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|51|2234284|2234293&id=1256412

It was installed by the previous owner. It has been in use about 6 years. I replaced a small seal on the macerator pump last year. The boat has been used as a live aboard for 5 or 6 months each year. We flush TP, have never had a problem or clog.

I thought it was noisy but a friend who has a Raritan electric head on his boat was surprised how quiet our head is ? I'm not a fan of Jabsco heads and was prepared to change if it gave any trouble but so far we have been very pleased with it.

Bob

johnboiles · Aug 29, 2015

Also worth mentioning that while Peggie is certainly the thought leader in the marine sanitation space and is a fantastic resource to the community (her book got me through some crappy times!), she did sell her company to Raritan. Her endorsement was the single biggest factor in my decision. It wasn’t until recently that I found out she was connected with Raritan. I do feel that more disclosure attached to her endorsement of Raritan products would be appropriate.

woodster · Aug 30, 2015

johnboiles said:
It wasn’t until recently that I found out she was connected with Raritan. I do feel that more disclosure attached to her endorsement of Raritan products would be appropriate.

there was a thread a while back that clears that up and if i recall she work in an advisory capacity for a few years after the sale of her company not a direct employee ...she also stated that she didn't work for them in full due to a conflict of interest or policy whichever the case may be and decided to agree to disagree on certain aspects of the sop or what ever and i can assure you that she will not recommend a product just for the sake of keeping up ties with any company ...her recommendations are based on what works ...NOT what is in vogue...i have also seen her say its ok to use other brands of products in certain situations...if you choose not to listen to her advice and expertise that is your choice and your not so efficient head ...and another thing how many other boat sanitation experts can you call on ...name me one plz...i dont know what your background is but i am sure that you are not number one in your field due to your ability to argue with success....whether you realize it or not you are privileged to be able to have benefit of this site and its experts and there are many at no cost to you..... now i am through with raving about your comment and i hope you can get some insite out of it ...

oh and i have never met Ms Hall or have any affiliation with her other than enjoying the fruits of her efforts to promote better sanitation practices while a float

Peggie Hall HeadMistress · Aug 30, 2015

Also worth mentioning that while Peggie is certainly the thought leader in the marine sanitation space and is a fantastic resource to the community (her book got me through some crappy times!), she did sell her company to Raritan. Her endorsement was the single biggest factor in my decision. It wasn’t until recently that I found out she was connected with Raritan. I do feel that more disclosure attached to her endorsement of Raritan products would be appropriate.

One more time: I am not in any way connected or associated with any product or equipment manufacturer, nor do I receive any compensation whatever for recommending any product or manufacturer. My opinions are my own and my recommendations are based on my own experience and that of boat owners over several decades, along with reviews by respected industry sources including Practical Sailor.

Yes, I did sell my company to Raritan. I'd been a distributor for Raritan AND every other sanitiation equipment manufacturer for 15 years. Raritan was familiar with our products, didn't have a consumables line and wanted one, and made me an offer. I also once sold a boat I owned to a guy who owned a Toyota dealership. Should that "disclosure" also be attached to any mention that I drive--and recommend--a Toyota?

johnboiles · Aug 30, 2015

Hi Peggie, I apologize if I came off overly critical. I own your book, and I think you are a fantastic resource to the community. Thank you for all the work you have done over the years in the marine sanitation space. Marine sanitation wasn’t something I particularly wanted to learn, but my situation dictated otherwise. Your work was truly a big help to me in that time. There’s something very honorable in solving problems that most people would prefer to ignore.

We all have biases, and in the end I likely would have gone with your recommendation either way, but it would have been nice to know about your history with Raritan in advance.

Peggie Hall HeadMistress · Aug 31, 2015

It's been common knowledge for 15 years that I sold my company to Raritan. You have my book...you'd have known that if you'd bothered to read my profile in it...or my online profile on every site including this one on which I've ever hosted a forum or had a presence. You're attempting to make an issue of something that isn't.

BJV · Sep 3, 2015

Another vote for SeaEra, liveaboard couple, been using constantly for 7 years.