I was hoping to get some advice on what the best head system is. I currently have Vacu Flush and have had lots of problems with it , holding the pressure, paper getting clogged etc. Thanks
head replacement
- Thread starter John6176
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Do you want to go manual or electric?
Manual: Raritan PHII, hands down.
Electric: try reviewing the old Head Mistress files.
Manual: Raritan PHII, hands down.
Electric: try reviewing the old Head Mistress files.
Agree with Stu 100%. Except that the Compact II fits my boat better, and it is also a very good system. Raritan heads are made/distrubuted here in NJ-- home of the early Hunters as well.
The best part about the PH series is that one can be bought as manual and retrofitted to electric in place; or it can be bought as electric and either de-fitted to manual or, if the pump or battery ever fails, can be used as manual with minor or no modifications. It's got to be the most versatile basic head out there.
I just came into ownership of a used Wilcox Head-Mate which made me retire my 'Frankentoilet' (a mismash of unrelated parts) in its favor. The Head-Mate is a good, basic head with many decades of solid history. Thetford make them now-- I cannot vouch for the newer ones. But both the old-school Raritan series and the Wilcox ones were high-quality units when they were made, parts are still available, they can be had for cheap used and are easy to rebuild/repair.
Having worked for WM ('big blue') I should also add that I am quite sure the reason WM sells so many PAR/Jabsco 'Twist-N-Lock' heads is not due to their quality (which in my experience is not their best-selling feature) but due to the increased discount WM gets from PAR/Jabsco to stock and sell them. Just because they're plentiful doesn't make them better. You will notice WM do not stock much in the way of Raritan nor even Thetford. But both of these (I say, superior) heads can be had through sources other than WM if you only look for them; and you may well get a better deal anyway.
So... I say go with what makes you happy.
The best part about the PH series is that one can be bought as manual and retrofitted to electric in place; or it can be bought as electric and either de-fitted to manual or, if the pump or battery ever fails, can be used as manual with minor or no modifications. It's got to be the most versatile basic head out there.
I just came into ownership of a used Wilcox Head-Mate which made me retire my 'Frankentoilet' (a mismash of unrelated parts) in its favor. The Head-Mate is a good, basic head with many decades of solid history. Thetford make them now-- I cannot vouch for the newer ones. But both the old-school Raritan series and the Wilcox ones were high-quality units when they were made, parts are still available, they can be had for cheap used and are easy to rebuild/repair.
Having worked for WM ('big blue') I should also add that I am quite sure the reason WM sells so many PAR/Jabsco 'Twist-N-Lock' heads is not due to their quality (which in my experience is not their best-selling feature) but due to the increased discount WM gets from PAR/Jabsco to stock and sell them. Just because they're plentiful doesn't make them better. You will notice WM do not stock much in the way of Raritan nor even Thetford. But both of these (I say, superior) heads can be had through sources other than WM if you only look for them; and you may well get a better deal anyway.
So... I say go with what makes you happy.
My 77 Hunter 30 when I bought it had an original Raritan Compact Toilet it was at least 23 years old at that time. I kept it another three years only re placing it this year with a Compact II. Only reasoning retired it was the pump needed a rebuild and parts were impossible to find.
If the new head lasts half as long will be great. I figure I have 3 to 5 years on this boat. Then I move to a place where the water is too shallow for her and the mast to tall to clear a fixed bridge. It will be painful to let go of this lady and I may just ldrive to keep her.
If the new head lasts half as long will be great. I figure I have 3 to 5 years on this boat. Then I move to a place where the water is too shallow for her and the mast to tall to clear a fixed bridge. It will be painful to let go of this lady and I may just ldrive to keep her.
WC discontinued the Head Mate last year or maybe two ago. They were better than the Jabsco nonsense, and don't get me started on Groco. I had two or three WC's in the last 13 years and just installed a PHII.
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3797.0.html
http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,3797.0.html
Unfortunately, Thetford discontinued the entire Wilcox product line several years ago. Rebuild kits are still available, as are a (very) few pump parts. I also highly recommend replacing with a Raritan. I recently posted a thread on the Catalina 309 forum on my replacement of a WC Headmate with a Raritan Marine Elegance.DianaOfBurlington said:
Head Mate
I have a Head Mate complete pump very little used like new I am willing sell cheap make ofer if interested send private message.
Nick
I have a Head Mate complete pump very little used like new I am willing sell cheap make ofer if interested send private message.
Nick
PHII for sure, there is a compact model as well. We also offer a PHII upgrade that allows you to keep/recycle your current bowl and save a lot on shipping cost:
http://shop.sailboatowners.com/prod.php?52006
http://shop.sailboatowners.com/prod.php?50112
http://shop.sailboatowners.com/prod.php?52006
http://shop.sailboatowners.com/prod.php?50112
Dave,Dave Groshong said:
I have a Jabsco 29000(?) Head on my 1996 Hunter 280.... I am interested in the Raritan PHII upgrade, but I could not determine the width of the base from the drawing....my Jabsco base measures about 13.25". The head mounts on a raised flat spot, and there is not much room for a larger base....
Would the PHII or the Compact fit as a replacement for the Jabsco? Or can you provide the maximum dimensions for the base?
Greg
recently replaced my manual Jabsco with a Raritan Sea Era electric head based on Head Mistresses recommendations (search forum for manual to electric head replacement). So far working fine. I did use sea water but would recommend (as did Peggy) to use fresh water if you are able to.
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