Peggy, I'm rebuilding a Catalina 27 and bought a new Wilcox-Crittenden Head Mate. After reading Practical Sailor...they rated it at the bottom..I'm thinking of exchanging it at West Marine for the Raritan PH-II. Twice the cost but they rate it best. I would rather pay the money now if it is worth it than "mess" with it later! Should I do it? Thanks..
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Peggie Hall/Headmistress
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Greg S2
A little Unconventional but
we've liked our Raritan Cricket a lot. It's a little bit cheaper than the PH II (I think). The single control is a hit with the kids because they can manage it by themselves.
we've liked our Raritan Cricket a lot. It's a little bit cheaper than the PH II (I think). The single control is a hit with the kids because they can manage it by themselves.
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John Visser
What's wrong with W-C?
What problms have folks had with the W-C Head Mate? I'd like to know what to look out for. I have a 1984 C-36 with what I think is the original W-C Head Mate. The boat came with a spares kit for the head. I haven't had any problem with it. I can't imagine what kind of faults/failures could occur, and how I might recognize the onset of problems. To those who recommend avoidign this model, can you provide specifics? Thanks, jv
What problms have folks had with the W-C Head Mate? I'd like to know what to look out for. I have a 1984 C-36 with what I think is the original W-C Head Mate. The boat came with a spares kit for the head. I haven't had any problem with it. I can't imagine what kind of faults/failures could occur, and how I might recognize the onset of problems. To those who recommend avoidign this model, can you provide specifics? Thanks, jv
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John
Just called W-C
Just got off the phone with W-C and they were helpful. However, you do get what you pay for. When it works the W-C is adaquate, but repair is expensive, trickey and the plastic is not the strongest.
Just got off the phone with W-C and they were helpful. However, you do get what you pay for. When it works the W-C is adaquate, but repair is expensive, trickey and the plastic is not the strongest.
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John Visser
Expensive?
List price for the repair kit for Raritan PH-II and W-C Head-mate is the same at $47.00. Why do you say W-C is expensive to repair?
List price for the repair kit for Raritan PH-II and W-C Head-mate is the same at $47.00. Why do you say W-C is expensive to repair?
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John Visser
Expense update
Both W-C and Raritan provide for ordering parts an repair kit on-line. PH-II kit w/ shaft seal cart., and W-C H-M kits are about $47.00. PH-II kit w/o shaft seal is $40.00. Shipping from Raritan is $10.00 UPS to U.S., W-C free shipping.
Both W-C and Raritan provide for ordering parts an repair kit on-line. PH-II kit w/ shaft seal cart., and W-C H-M kits are about $47.00. PH-II kit w/o shaft seal is $40.00. Shipping from Raritan is $10.00 UPS to U.S., W-C free shipping.
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Peggie Hall/Headmistress
Repairs aren't necessarily limited to parts in kit
The so-called "repair" kit would be more accurately named a maintenance kit...it includes the parts that wear out and require periodic replacement. Hardware doesn't wear out, it breaks.The cheaper the materials and production methods, the shorter the lifespan. The average lifespan of the cheapest toilet is about 5 years...the Headmate is a little more durable, with a lifespan of about 7 years--IF it's kept properly lubricated and rebuilt every couple of years (Otoh, W-C makes a $1,000 toilet that'll last 100 years or longer...I've seen 50 yr old plus Skippers still working fine.) Raritan toilets cost a bit more, but they're like Timex watches--they manage to keep on working for 15 years or longer even when maintenance is neglected. From the Raritan's, the prices--and the quality--jumps to "thrones" with price tags that start at over $500. Btw...we're only talking about manual toilets.
The so-called "repair" kit would be more accurately named a maintenance kit...it includes the parts that wear out and require periodic replacement. Hardware doesn't wear out, it breaks.The cheaper the materials and production methods, the shorter the lifespan. The average lifespan of the cheapest toilet is about 5 years...the Headmate is a little more durable, with a lifespan of about 7 years--IF it's kept properly lubricated and rebuilt every couple of years (Otoh, W-C makes a $1,000 toilet that'll last 100 years or longer...I've seen 50 yr old plus Skippers still working fine.) Raritan toilets cost a bit more, but they're like Timex watches--they manage to keep on working for 15 years or longer even when maintenance is neglected. From the Raritan's, the prices--and the quality--jumps to "thrones" with price tags that start at over $500. Btw...we're only talking about manual toilets.
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