Hunter 320 Head Replacement

[hramblerman]

I am a fairly recent owner of a '01 Hunter 320. Even before finding this forum, have noticed poor performance of Jabsco head. Based on the recommendation of Peggie and many others, I am tossing the Jabsco and installling a PHII. I was reading ahead in the PHII install instructions, and noticed they specify a discharge loop w/vent. I know I have a vent loop betweeen the pump and head, but I am not sure whether the 320 currently has a discharge vent loop. If not, is that essential? Also, I cannot remember seeing a strainer in the head intake line (may not have noticed it or looked in the right place), any idea whether it would have one? I will do a more careful inspection at the boat this weekend,but was curious on both questions as to whether someone may know the answers.

Thanks

 

[Ed Schenck]

I know that Peggy recommends one. When I replaced my head I added one right next to the original vented loop, the one between the head and the tank( http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/in...&cat_id=38&aid=6884&page=article&mn=37-cutter ). At the same time I added a strainer. I put an elbow on the thru-hull and then a small strainer. It is the round type with a clear top so you can see if it needs cleaning. It is like the Jabsco in this link: http://www.foreandaftmarine.com/STRAINERSRAWWATER.htm .

 

[Seattle Scott]

Rambler, if boat is lake bound, no overboard discharge allowed so no need for the loop because you are never opening the discharge thru hull - heck your boat may not even have a tru hull for discharge

 

[Guest]

Product bashing

Our 1991 P42 came equipped with dual electric Jabsco flushers. We've been the owner since 2002 and have sailed Belle-Vie thousands of miles, each year spending at least three months on the water. These original toilets work every time, never fail and perform flawlessly.

Terry Cox

 

[Benny]

I have never had a complaint about the performance of the bottom of the line Jabsco head. A head is a head, I don't need Swiss precision to flush waste. I did get a water leak once in the pump and replaced the whole pump assembly and have not had any more problems. Would be curious about your specific complaints which must be quite significant since the boat was just recently acquired.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

I believe the question was about the need for vented loop and strainer...

You're repeating yourself, Terry...you just said the same thing in this thread only a couple of weeks ago (see last two posts) http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=113951

Now to answer the questions:

Vented loop: If your toilet only goes directly to the tank, no overboard discharge, no vented loop is needed in the head discharge line...although a LOOP might be a good idea, depending on the distance and routing of plumbing between head and tank.

Strainer: If you're in shallow water that have a lot of bottom vegetation and/or sea life, or the water in your marina is "gunky," a strainer is a very good idea. But if you're in deep clean waters where it would really be fluke to pull anything into the head intake, you don't need one.

Btw, you ARE aware that you can buy a PH II "conversion" instead of the complete toilet, which saves a whole bunch of $$$ ?? Sbo.com PHC PH II

 

[Guest]

Product bashing

Hi Peggie, hence the title to my post, which was in response to Jabsco bashing et al referenced in the author's thread, not to the other parts of it dealing with a vented loop. You're right Peggie, I do at times repeat myself, which it seems you and others who frequent this site do quite often as well.

I have no vested interest in Jabsco, merely stating a fact relating to our experience. Maybe the quality of the product has changed, perhaps other brands fall under more favor with others. Would it be more productive of the collective 'us' to provide Jabsco with ways to make a better more reliable product? Most manufacturers seem eager to produce quality products, which in turn brings in more revenue and business success. Just a thought from the rainy state, FWIW.

Terry Cox

 

[woodster]

fwiw...i have been looking at rebuilding my 30 year old phII and keeping the old bowl and seat & lid...as i found out by the time i replaced all the bad parts including the freeze damaged ones (boat sat a long time befor i aquired it ) i looked at several brands in person and on the internet...and i found the fit and finish of the phII far better than the otherbrands in the same functions......haveing said this i purchased a phII manual only unit for just above $300.00 ....my buddy gave me heck about buying a throne for my head but i will have the last laugh i am sure when he wants me to come and repair his head...the phII was about twice the cost of the other brands but i feel it will out last the others 4 to 1 in the long haul

 

[seadaddler]

PHII

My 2007 H-36 came with a Head Mate tiolet and was nothing but a pain to use and had the pump replaced by dealer and factory even sent me new pump but still was a pain for wife and guest also.
I had a Jabsco on another boat and was OK for 5 years I had it but needed maintance every year.
I purchased the PHII kit where I used my old seat and bowl and it is like night and day using I don't need to go and flush it for wife and guest anymore.
I have vented loop off back of tiolet and no strainer on intake.
You will love a PHII.
Nick