I have an 86 Hunter 34 with what appears to have a Raritain Manual Head. Wife wants to go Electric. Where the heck do I start? How do I get power there? And will I end up with less hose spagetti than I have now. Most guests step in there and freak out at all the hoses and levers.
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I have an 86 Hunter 34 with what appears to have a Raritain Manual Head. Wife wants to go Electric. Where the heck do I start? How do I get power there? And will I end up with less hose spagetti than I have now. Most guests step in there and freak out at all the hoses and levers.
Rick, check out photos #20 and #22 on
my web site. The key, is to remove the holding tank and go to a LecraSan. I also replaced the head this week with a Raritan. Good luck, I feel your pain, and smell it too.
my web site. The key, is to remove the holding tank and go to a LecraSan. I also replaced the head this week with a Raritan. Good luck, I feel your pain, and smell it too.
Rick, check out photos #20 and #22 on
my web site. The key, is to remove the holding tank and go to a LecraSan. I also replaced the head this week with a Raritan. Good luck, I feel your pain, and smell it too.
my web site. The key, is to remove the holding tank and go to a LecraSan. I also replaced the head this week with a Raritan. Good luck, I feel your pain, and smell it too.
Try to resist
You don't have an electric head at home, and the manual one is just as clean. If properly cared for, she should have no problem. Consult Peggie the Headmistress on this site for her excellent book and frequent advice. Here's my advice. 1. Keep it clean. 2. Use only CP to clean. 3. Use proper grease for pump. 4. Don't use vinegar, it destroys the grease. 5. Pump out the holding tank before fills up. 6. Live happily ever after.
You don't have an electric head at home, and the manual one is just as clean. If properly cared for, she should have no problem. Consult Peggie the Headmistress on this site for her excellent book and frequent advice. Here's my advice. 1. Keep it clean. 2. Use only CP to clean. 3. Use proper grease for pump. 4. Don't use vinegar, it destroys the grease. 5. Pump out the holding tank before fills up. 6. Live happily ever after.
Try to resist
You don't have an electric head at home, and the manual one is just as clean. If properly cared for, she should have no problem. Consult Peggie the Headmistress on this site for her excellent book and frequent advice. Here's my advice. 1. Keep it clean. 2. Use only CP to clean. 3. Use proper grease for pump. 4. Don't use vinegar, it destroys the grease. 5. Pump out the holding tank before fills up. 6. Live happily ever after.
You don't have an electric head at home, and the manual one is just as clean. If properly cared for, she should have no problem. Consult Peggie the Headmistress on this site for her excellent book and frequent advice. Here's my advice. 1. Keep it clean. 2. Use only CP to clean. 3. Use proper grease for pump. 4. Don't use vinegar, it destroys the grease. 5. Pump out the holding tank before fills up. 6. Live happily ever after.
Electric is a no-brainer...
There'll be complete installation instructions, including wiring instructions--with it. If you're a bit shaky about your wiring skills, have that part done by a competent yard. As for plumbing, your current plumbing shouldn't be a mess of "spaghetti"...the plumbing to an electric toilet shouldn't be either. A flush water intake hose and a head discharge hose to the tank or treatment device are the only two hoses needed for either type. Any vented loops should remain...however, any vented loop in the head intake should be replaced with an electric solenoid valve that's wired to the flush button. As for which toilet...the best "bang for the buck" is the Raritan SeaEra.
There'll be complete installation instructions, including wiring instructions--with it. If you're a bit shaky about your wiring skills, have that part done by a competent yard. As for plumbing, your current plumbing shouldn't be a mess of "spaghetti"...the plumbing to an electric toilet shouldn't be either. A flush water intake hose and a head discharge hose to the tank or treatment device are the only two hoses needed for either type. Any vented loops should remain...however, any vented loop in the head intake should be replaced with an electric solenoid valve that's wired to the flush button. As for which toilet...the best "bang for the buck" is the Raritan SeaEra.
Electric is a no-brainer...
There'll be complete installation instructions, including wiring instructions--with it. If you're a bit shaky about your wiring skills, have that part done by a competent yard. As for plumbing, your current plumbing shouldn't be a mess of "spaghetti"...the plumbing to an electric toilet shouldn't be either. A flush water intake hose and a head discharge hose to the tank or treatment device are the only two hoses needed for either type. Any vented loops should remain...however, any vented loop in the head intake should be replaced with an electric solenoid valve that's wired to the flush button. As for which toilet...the best "bang for the buck" is the Raritan SeaEra.
There'll be complete installation instructions, including wiring instructions--with it. If you're a bit shaky about your wiring skills, have that part done by a competent yard. As for plumbing, your current plumbing shouldn't be a mess of "spaghetti"...the plumbing to an electric toilet shouldn't be either. A flush water intake hose and a head discharge hose to the tank or treatment device are the only two hoses needed for either type. Any vented loops should remain...however, any vented loop in the head intake should be replaced with an electric solenoid valve that's wired to the flush button. As for which toilet...the best "bang for the buck" is the Raritan SeaEra.
Fresh water flush
Miss Peggy, Recommend a fresh water flush off of your fresh water tanks. Sea water has bacteria, etc which cause a bad odor. Of course, if you are crossing oceans and need to conserve water, that is a different requirement. Fair winds and happy holidays. Charlie
Miss Peggy, Recommend a fresh water flush off of your fresh water tanks. Sea water has bacteria, etc which cause a bad odor. Of course, if you are crossing oceans and need to conserve water, that is a different requirement. Fair winds and happy holidays. Charlie
Fresh water flush
Miss Peggy, Recommend a fresh water flush off of your fresh water tanks. Sea water has bacteria, etc which cause a bad odor. Of course, if you are crossing oceans and need to conserve water, that is a different requirement. Fair winds and happy holidays. Charlie
Miss Peggy, Recommend a fresh water flush off of your fresh water tanks. Sea water has bacteria, etc which cause a bad odor. Of course, if you are crossing oceans and need to conserve water, that is a different requirement. Fair winds and happy holidays. Charlie
Never connect sea water toilet to fresh water
supply...it cannot be done without risk of polluting potable water supply, damage to the toilet, or both. Only toilets designed by the mfr to use pressurized flush water can safely be connected to the fresh water plumbing. Some people close the intake seacock and use the shower head as a source of flush water...that's safe, but can only be done without damage to the toilet if the toilet is a manual toilet. Flushing most electric toilets with the intake seacock closed will destroy the intake impeller and intake pump housing...and can also damage the discharge impeller if flushing continues without also continuing to add water after the bowl is empty. Bottom line: If you want to flush with fresh water, buy a toilet designed to use pressurized water.
supply...it cannot be done without risk of polluting potable water supply, damage to the toilet, or both. Only toilets designed by the mfr to use pressurized flush water can safely be connected to the fresh water plumbing. Some people close the intake seacock and use the shower head as a source of flush water...that's safe, but can only be done without damage to the toilet if the toilet is a manual toilet. Flushing most electric toilets with the intake seacock closed will destroy the intake impeller and intake pump housing...and can also damage the discharge impeller if flushing continues without also continuing to add water after the bowl is empty. Bottom line: If you want to flush with fresh water, buy a toilet designed to use pressurized water.
Never connect sea water toilet to fresh water
supply...it cannot be done without risk of polluting potable water supply, damage to the toilet, or both. Only toilets designed by the mfr to use pressurized flush water can safely be connected to the fresh water plumbing. Some people close the intake seacock and use the shower head as a source of flush water...that's safe, but can only be done without damage to the toilet if the toilet is a manual toilet. Flushing most electric toilets with the intake seacock closed will destroy the intake impeller and intake pump housing...and can also damage the discharge impeller if flushing continues without also continuing to add water after the bowl is empty. Bottom line: If you want to flush with fresh water, buy a toilet designed to use pressurized water.
supply...it cannot be done without risk of polluting potable water supply, damage to the toilet, or both. Only toilets designed by the mfr to use pressurized flush water can safely be connected to the fresh water plumbing. Some people close the intake seacock and use the shower head as a source of flush water...that's safe, but can only be done without damage to the toilet if the toilet is a manual toilet. Flushing most electric toilets with the intake seacock closed will destroy the intake impeller and intake pump housing...and can also damage the discharge impeller if flushing continues without also continuing to add water after the bowl is empty. Bottom line: If you want to flush with fresh water, buy a toilet designed to use pressurized water.
Fresh Water Head
Dear Peggy, When I purchased my boat it came with an electric head and hooked up for a fresh water flush so I guess it was designed that way because it has been operating for the 6 years that I owned the boat. I would recommend that anyone who has the option do so and if purchasing a new head to make certain that the option for a fresh water flush is available. Your point on contamination is well taken and when I go back to my boat I will check to determine if that is possible. Your biggest fan, Charlie
Dear Peggy, When I purchased my boat it came with an electric head and hooked up for a fresh water flush so I guess it was designed that way because it has been operating for the 6 years that I owned the boat. I would recommend that anyone who has the option do so and if purchasing a new head to make certain that the option for a fresh water flush is available. Your point on contamination is well taken and when I go back to my boat I will check to determine if that is possible. Your biggest fan, Charlie
Fresh Water Head
Dear Peggy, When I purchased my boat it came with an electric head and hooked up for a fresh water flush so I guess it was designed that way because it has been operating for the 6 years that I owned the boat. I would recommend that anyone who has the option do so and if purchasing a new head to make certain that the option for a fresh water flush is available. Your point on contamination is well taken and when I go back to my boat I will check to determine if that is possible. Your biggest fan, Charlie
Dear Peggy, When I purchased my boat it came with an electric head and hooked up for a fresh water flush so I guess it was designed that way because it has been operating for the 6 years that I owned the boat. I would recommend that anyone who has the option do so and if purchasing a new head to make certain that the option for a fresh water flush is available. Your point on contamination is well taken and when I go back to my boat I will check to determine if that is possible. Your biggest fan, Charlie
Home made electric toilet
Our previous (almost) boat (1980 H30, still for sale) had a do-it-youself "electric" toilet installed by the previous owner. The boat had a standard Raritan toilet with a macerater installed in the toilet discharge line. The macerater was located in the holding tank compartment and placed in the line between the toilet and the holding tank. To use the toilet, the user would add some deodorized water from a near-by 1/2 gallon jug, use the toilet and then press a small button on the bulkhead to activate the macerater. Additonal "blue" water could be added if necessary. The hand held shower was another option to add rinse water. Since we never used or needed it, I disconnected the sea water intake hose for the toilet and filled it with pink antifreeze. This eliminated the usual water-in-the-hose smell. The hand pump on the toilet could still be used but there was resistance pumping through the macerater. The system also had a Y valve for overboard dischage when permitted. The holding tank had the standard deck pump-out and vent lines. The system worked perfectly for the ten years we owned the boat and never clogged with paper or other solid material.
Our previous (almost) boat (1980 H30, still for sale) had a do-it-youself "electric" toilet installed by the previous owner. The boat had a standard Raritan toilet with a macerater installed in the toilet discharge line. The macerater was located in the holding tank compartment and placed in the line between the toilet and the holding tank. To use the toilet, the user would add some deodorized water from a near-by 1/2 gallon jug, use the toilet and then press a small button on the bulkhead to activate the macerater. Additonal "blue" water could be added if necessary. The hand held shower was another option to add rinse water. Since we never used or needed it, I disconnected the sea water intake hose for the toilet and filled it with pink antifreeze. This eliminated the usual water-in-the-hose smell. The hand pump on the toilet could still be used but there was resistance pumping through the macerater. The system also had a Y valve for overboard dischage when permitted. The holding tank had the standard deck pump-out and vent lines. The system worked perfectly for the ten years we owned the boat and never clogged with paper or other solid material.
Home made electric toilet
Our previous (almost) boat (1980 H30, still for sale) had a do-it-youself "electric" toilet installed by the previous owner. The boat had a standard Raritan toilet with a macerater installed in the toilet discharge line. The macerater was located in the holding tank compartment and placed in the line between the toilet and the holding tank. To use the toilet, the user would add some deodorized water from a near-by 1/2 gallon jug, use the toilet and then press a small button on the bulkhead to activate the macerater. Additonal "blue" water could be added if necessary. The hand held shower was another option to add rinse water. Since we never used or needed it, I disconnected the sea water intake hose for the toilet and filled it with pink antifreeze. This eliminated the usual water-in-the-hose smell. The hand pump on the toilet could still be used but there was resistance pumping through the macerater. The system also had a Y valve for overboard dischage when permitted. The holding tank had the standard deck pump-out and vent lines. The system worked perfectly for the ten years we owned the boat and never clogged with paper or other solid material.
Our previous (almost) boat (1980 H30, still for sale) had a do-it-youself "electric" toilet installed by the previous owner. The boat had a standard Raritan toilet with a macerater installed in the toilet discharge line. The macerater was located in the holding tank compartment and placed in the line between the toilet and the holding tank. To use the toilet, the user would add some deodorized water from a near-by 1/2 gallon jug, use the toilet and then press a small button on the bulkhead to activate the macerater. Additonal "blue" water could be added if necessary. The hand held shower was another option to add rinse water. Since we never used or needed it, I disconnected the sea water intake hose for the toilet and filled it with pink antifreeze. This eliminated the usual water-in-the-hose smell. The hand pump on the toilet could still be used but there was resistance pumping through the macerater. The system also had a Y valve for overboard dischage when permitted. The holding tank had the standard deck pump-out and vent lines. The system worked perfectly for the ten years we owned the boat and never clogged with paper or other solid material.
Electric toilet for H34
I modified my toilet to the electric very much as John's H30 bost(still for sale) except I also have a sea water rinsing intake pump. I made a timer switchs so both intake pump and macerator can operate as (in combination with two Y-valves)1. rinse only. 2. rinse and marcerating. 3. pump out. It works well for me and boating is more enjoyable when I only have to flip a switch after business or pump out the holding tank.
I modified my toilet to the electric very much as John's H30 bost(still for sale) except I also have a sea water rinsing intake pump. I made a timer switchs so both intake pump and macerator can operate as (in combination with two Y-valves)1. rinse only. 2. rinse and marcerating. 3. pump out. It works well for me and boating is more enjoyable when I only have to flip a switch after business or pump out the holding tank.
Electric toilet for H34
I modified my toilet to the electric very much as John's H30 bost(still for sale) except I also have a sea water rinsing intake pump. I made a timer switchs so both intake pump and macerator can operate as (in combination with two Y-valves)1. rinse only. 2. rinse and marcerating. 3. pump out. It works well for me and boating is more enjoyable when I only have to flip a switch after business or pump out the holding tank.
I modified my toilet to the electric very much as John's H30 bost(still for sale) except I also have a sea water rinsing intake pump. I made a timer switchs so both intake pump and macerator can operate as (in combination with two Y-valves)1. rinse only. 2. rinse and marcerating. 3. pump out. It works well for me and boating is more enjoyable when I only have to flip a switch after business or pump out the holding tank.
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