Head problems in a new C36 mkII

[Don Hall]

Peggy,I've just taken posession of a new (2000) C36 mkII. Great boat, but already I have two head related problems.1) As you may know, the C36's holding tank is only 15 gal. That fills up pretty fast, even with only two people on board. The existing holding tank does'nt fill the available space under the stbd setee. Do you know if there are larger holding tanks available that will fit in the existing space?2) The boat came with a Jabsco model 29120-2000. The pump on this head doesn't create enough suction to move a wad of TP or firm stool through the flapper valve. Yesterday I had to dissasemble the pump and clear a blockage twice! An unplesant job, and especially anoying on a brand new boat Is there a way to improve the suction of the pump, or is this a characteristic of this model head? 3) I saw in an earlier posting in this forum that you recommend the Raritan PHII head. Would it be worth my time to replace the existing head with a new Raritan PHII? Do you know if the the mounting holes in the base are compatable with the Jabsco?

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

Yes...and you have a warranty claim

Yes, there are larger tanks in all kinds of shapes and sizes..and one of our vendors makes tanks for Catalina. E-mail me a snail address and I'll send you a catalog.However, you may not need a larger tank, just learn to use less flush water. The article "Flush With Success" in the reference library in the Head Mistress forum explains how to cut your flush water usage by about 2/3.As for your toilet...I've never been a fan of Jabsco toilets, but there's definitely something wrong with yours....they DO work better than that! Since the boat is new and everything on it is still under warranty, it's your dealer who should be trying to figure out what it is, not you...but my guess that there's an air leak in the system that's preventing the pump from maintaining a prime. It may be in the toilet, or it may be in the installation...The first thing I'd ask for is a replacement for the toilet. If that doesn't cure it, look for an air leak in a hose. As for which toilet to ask for as a replacement, the PH II is a much better designed and built toilet than anything else below about $500. Whether your dealer will swap it out without charging you the price difference (about $100 list) is not something I can predict.

 

[Don Hall]

re: C36 Head Problems

Peggy,Thanks for the response. I spoke with the dealer's shop formean. His advise was to lube the pump by flushing some baby oil thru it. It will take some convincing that it's a warantee issue.Regarding the holding tank please send the catalog to:Don Hall74 Scenic Hills DrivePouyghkeepsie, NY 12603Thanks, Don

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

Shop foreman is wrong...

Lubricating a brand new toilet won't help it move waste any better...at best it will only make the pump smoother. But a brand new toilet shouldn't need any lubrication...it's lubricated at the factory...and the lubrication hasn't had time to wear off.Either your toilet or the installation is definitely defective...it's under warranty. If the dealer won't give you any satisfaction you need to talk to Hunter. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Eddie Breeden at Hunter is reading this. ..he monitors this group. Give him a call...he'll take care of it.

 

[Ken Palmer]

Wrong boat manufacturer Peggie!

He has a Catalina 36mkII, not a Hunter!Ken

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

Oops. Ok...then call Catalina...

if the dealer won't honor the warranty. Regardless of what "brand" the boat is, the important thing is, you have a new boat...everything on it is covered by a warranty--for which you paid quite a premium compared to the price of a 1-5 year old boat--and you have either a defective piece of equipment or installation. That's not a reflection of quality...screw-ups happen...that's why there are warranties. It only becomes a negative reflection when the dealer or mfr refuses to honor the warranty and correct the problem(s). Make either the dealer or the mfr honor it.