Peggy, The head in my catalina 28 is twelve years old. I believe it is a Jabsco cadet. The pump assembly has been serviced numerous times over the years. I was wondering if totally replacing the head would be advisable at this time or just purchase another service kit. What head would you recommend for replacement?
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IMO it's time to replace it
The older Jabsco toilets were definitely a lot higher quality than any made in the last 5-6 years...but everything has a life span, and 8-10 years is about the limit for "budget" manual toilets. I wouldn't replace it with another Jabsco...you'll find out real quick that they "ain't buildin' 'em like the used to." The best buy in manual toilets is the Raritan PH II (or PHC, which is the same pump on a compact base to fit in a tighter space)...about $250 (less for the PHC). It's the least expensive toilet that's likely to give you more than a couple of years--if that long--of trouble free service...in fact, has been rated the best manual toilet under $500 for decades. Keep it lubricated, rebuild it every 5-6 years, and it'll last at least 20 years. Quite a few people here have bought 'em and love 'em.
The older Jabsco toilets were definitely a lot higher quality than any made in the last 5-6 years...but everything has a life span, and 8-10 years is about the limit for "budget" manual toilets. I wouldn't replace it with another Jabsco...you'll find out real quick that they "ain't buildin' 'em like the used to." The best buy in manual toilets is the Raritan PH II (or PHC, which is the same pump on a compact base to fit in a tighter space)...about $250 (less for the PHC). It's the least expensive toilet that's likely to give you more than a couple of years--if that long--of trouble free service...in fact, has been rated the best manual toilet under $500 for decades. Keep it lubricated, rebuild it every 5-6 years, and it'll last at least 20 years. Quite a few people here have bought 'em and love 'em.
Follow up head question for peggy
Never have replaced a head on a boat, it appears that the bolt patterns are not the same for the PHII and my PAR model 29090-0000. Will I need to fill the previous holes and tap for new ones?
Never have replaced a head on a boat, it appears that the bolt patterns are not the same for the PHII and my PAR model 29090-0000. Will I need to fill the previous holes and tap for new ones?
Yep...in fact,
It's unlikely that even the mounting bolt holes for your 12 yr old Jabsco are an exact match for the current version...mfrs redesign toilets. So yes, you'll have to fill holes and drill new ones..but the good news the base of the PH II should cover all of 'em. Btw...note that the discharge fitting on the PH II is in the front of the pump, so you may need to splice a section of hose if you don't have enough slack to reach. Both straight and 90 degree Discharge fittings are available...straight is what's supplied with the toilet, but all you have to do is ask, and Raritan will swap it out for a 90--which you'll most likely need.
It's unlikely that even the mounting bolt holes for your 12 yr old Jabsco are an exact match for the current version...mfrs redesign toilets. So yes, you'll have to fill holes and drill new ones..but the good news the base of the PH II should cover all of 'em. Btw...note that the discharge fitting on the PH II is in the front of the pump, so you may need to splice a section of hose if you don't have enough slack to reach. Both straight and 90 degree Discharge fittings are available...straight is what's supplied with the toilet, but all you have to do is ask, and Raritan will swap it out for a 90--which you'll most likely need.
What a load of crap!
Peggy writes: "IMO it's time to replace it The older Jabsco toilets were definitely a lot higher quality than any made in the last 5-6 years...but everything has a life span, and 8-10 years is about the limit for "budget" manual toilets. I wouldn't replace it with another Jabsco...you'll find out real quick that they "ain't buildin' 'em like the used to." The best buy in manual toilets is the Raritan PH II (or PHC, which is the same pump on a compact base to fit in a tighter space)...about $250 (less for the PHC). It's the least expensive toilet that's likely to give you more than a couple of years--if that long--of trouble free service...in fact, has been rated the best manual toilet under $500 for decades. Keep it lubricated, rebuild it every 5-6 years, and it'll last at least 20 years. Quite a few people here have bought 'em and love 'em." Who on earth ever heard of replacing a toilet in 8 years? The harbor is full of boats well over 20 years old with the original heads working just fine, with little or minimal maintenance. This blatant hawking of Raritan heads as the replacement alternative for everything else out there , thinly disguised as advice, is getting old. Peggy, how about a disclaimer about your business relationship with Raritan on every post instead of a link to buy your book? btw: Frank's one and only post is "should I replace my head?" Do you think there really IS a "Frank?"
Peggy writes: "IMO it's time to replace it The older Jabsco toilets were definitely a lot higher quality than any made in the last 5-6 years...but everything has a life span, and 8-10 years is about the limit for "budget" manual toilets. I wouldn't replace it with another Jabsco...you'll find out real quick that they "ain't buildin' 'em like the used to." The best buy in manual toilets is the Raritan PH II (or PHC, which is the same pump on a compact base to fit in a tighter space)...about $250 (less for the PHC). It's the least expensive toilet that's likely to give you more than a couple of years--if that long--of trouble free service...in fact, has been rated the best manual toilet under $500 for decades. Keep it lubricated, rebuild it every 5-6 years, and it'll last at least 20 years. Quite a few people here have bought 'em and love 'em." Who on earth ever heard of replacing a toilet in 8 years? The harbor is full of boats well over 20 years old with the original heads working just fine, with little or minimal maintenance. This blatant hawking of Raritan heads as the replacement alternative for everything else out there , thinly disguised as advice, is getting old. Peggy, how about a disclaimer about your business relationship with Raritan on every post instead of a link to buy your book? btw: Frank's one and only post is "should I replace my head?" Do you think there really IS a "Frank?"
Is there really a "truth squad???"
Geez, and I thought I'd seen it all. Ignore him, Peggie. Keep up the good work. Stu
Geez, and I thought I'd seen it all. Ignore him, Peggie. Keep up the good work. Stu
Truth Squad
I agree, Peggy helps alot of people on this site. This is probably the same guy that disagreed with Peggy several weeks ago and wouldn't let it drop.
I agree, Peggy helps alot of people on this site. This is probably the same guy that disagreed with Peggy several weeks ago and wouldn't let it drop.
Any "load" is from you, not me
"The harbor is full of boats well over 20 years old with the original heads working just fine, with little or minimal maintenance." Yep, you're right. I said in my first reply that they used to build 'em a lot better than they do now. But the fact they're working at all does NOT mean that they're still working anywhere NEAR as well as they used to or should...something that a lot of people fail to recognize. "Peggy, how about a disclaimer about your business relationship with Raritan on every post instead of a link to buy your book?" I'd be glad to if I had a relationship with Raritan...but I don't. I did sell my company to 'em, but that's all...and they're on their own with that product line too. However, 20 years in the marine potty biz has taught me which products work well, and which don't. "Frank's one and only post is "should I replace my head?" Do you think there really IS a "Frank?" I'm supposed to give a straight answer to that from someone who only identifies himself as "truth squad?????" When you have the class to use even your first name, I MIGHT consider taking anything you post seriously.
"The harbor is full of boats well over 20 years old with the original heads working just fine, with little or minimal maintenance." Yep, you're right. I said in my first reply that they used to build 'em a lot better than they do now. But the fact they're working at all does NOT mean that they're still working anywhere NEAR as well as they used to or should...something that a lot of people fail to recognize. "Peggy, how about a disclaimer about your business relationship with Raritan on every post instead of a link to buy your book?" I'd be glad to if I had a relationship with Raritan...but I don't. I did sell my company to 'em, but that's all...and they're on their own with that product line too. However, 20 years in the marine potty biz has taught me which products work well, and which don't. "Frank's one and only post is "should I replace my head?" Do you think there really IS a "Frank?" I'm supposed to give a straight answer to that from someone who only identifies himself as "truth squad?????" When you have the class to use even your first name, I MIGHT consider taking anything you post seriously.
Absolute Truth
Right up front I do exist-just ask Phil and Bly and several others from this web. Now the truth about Jabsco-in my 11 years of owning 2 boats the Jabsco head has given me more trouble per pound than any other thing on the boat. I would say average life is 5 years and they are so cheap that its easier to replace the whole head than fittle with any repair kit. Which is why I'm very interested in this post-you may have seen a very similar post made by me a couple of days ago. I'm just back from messing with the old Jabsco on my new boat and will probably order the PHC or PH-II tomorrow. I WILL reply as to the results. The way I see it, the Raritan should last me 10 years at a minimum. (with not repairs!)It cost about 3 times as much so really should last 15 yrs but time is money and if I have spend my time working on the head instead of sailing it cost a lot! Test starts tomorrow
Right up front I do exist-just ask Phil and Bly and several others from this web. Now the truth about Jabsco-in my 11 years of owning 2 boats the Jabsco head has given me more trouble per pound than any other thing on the boat. I would say average life is 5 years and they are so cheap that its easier to replace the whole head than fittle with any repair kit. Which is why I'm very interested in this post-you may have seen a very similar post made by me a couple of days ago. I'm just back from messing with the old Jabsco on my new boat and will probably order the PHC or PH-II tomorrow. I WILL reply as to the results. The way I see it, the Raritan should last me 10 years at a minimum. (with not repairs!)It cost about 3 times as much so really should last 15 yrs but time is money and if I have spend my time working on the head instead of sailing it cost a lot! Test starts tomorrow
I'm with Frank
The bolts should line up with the holes. I recently replaced the Jabasco framework. Good thing, since minor cracks had led to seepage behind the unit and backward into the aft cabin. For the longest time, I thought the water was coming in from somewhere else.
The bolts should line up with the holes. I recently replaced the Jabasco framework. Good thing, since minor cracks had led to seepage behind the unit and backward into the aft cabin. For the longest time, I thought the water was coming in from somewhere else.
Bolt holes
Hello, Last year, on my new-to-me 1986 Newport 28, I replaced an old Jabsco head (year onknown) with a new Jabsco model. I specifically bought the Jabsco because I wanted the bolts to line up. Unfortunately, they did not. So I had to cut an access panel to get at the underside of the pan the toilet sits in. In reality, I learned I needed to do that anyway - otherwise it would have been impossible to put a nut on the mounting bolts. All in all, it was a pretty simple installation. Barry
Hello, Last year, on my new-to-me 1986 Newport 28, I replaced an old Jabsco head (year onknown) with a new Jabsco model. I specifically bought the Jabsco because I wanted the bolts to line up. Unfortunately, they did not. So I had to cut an access panel to get at the underside of the pan the toilet sits in. In reality, I learned I needed to do that anyway - otherwise it would have been impossible to put a nut on the mounting bolts. All in all, it was a pretty simple installation. Barry
Barry, toilet mounting bolts are lag bolts...
Lag bolts aren't supposed have any nuts on 'em...don't need any. To replace the toilet, all you had to do was just back out the old ones, drill any new ones and fill any of the holes that don't match the ones for the new toilet, insert the bolts and tighten 'em down. If the bolts needed nuts, they'd have been supplied with the toilet. Didn't it surprise you that there weren't any...and that you didn't find any on the bolts for the old toilet?
Lag bolts aren't supposed have any nuts on 'em...don't need any. To replace the toilet, all you had to do was just back out the old ones, drill any new ones and fill any of the holes that don't match the ones for the new toilet, insert the bolts and tighten 'em down. If the bolts needed nuts, they'd have been supplied with the toilet. Didn't it surprise you that there weren't any...and that you didn't find any on the bolts for the old toilet?
New Head
To whom it may concern: Peggie Halls's former company, PEAL Products, was sold to Raritan Engineeering Company in 1999. Peggie joined Raritan as a consultant for a year period following the sale, in order to get Raritan "over the hump" with respect to the PEAL line of products - to familiarize us with them, what they are, what they do, how to market them, how to handle problems which occur from time to time, integrating her customer database with our own, etc. After the one year period was up, we went our separate ways, with Peggie later moving from Atlanta to Little Rock, to be closer to her elderly father. While we still maintain a friendly relationship, there is no business connection whatsoever at this time, and hasn't been for 5 years. Sincerely, G. Victor Willman Senior Technical Advisor Raritan Engineeering Company, Inc.
To whom it may concern: Peggie Halls's former company, PEAL Products, was sold to Raritan Engineeering Company in 1999. Peggie joined Raritan as a consultant for a year period following the sale, in order to get Raritan "over the hump" with respect to the PEAL line of products - to familiarize us with them, what they are, what they do, how to market them, how to handle problems which occur from time to time, integrating her customer database with our own, etc. After the one year period was up, we went our separate ways, with Peggie later moving from Atlanta to Little Rock, to be closer to her elderly father. While we still maintain a friendly relationship, there is no business connection whatsoever at this time, and hasn't been for 5 years. Sincerely, G. Victor Willman Senior Technical Advisor Raritan Engineeering Company, Inc.
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