ITT Jabsco Elec. Pump Problem

[Chick Weiss]

Dear Maggie,One month ago, I purchased a 1995 Catalina 36 on which the prior owner installed (I don't know when) an ITT Jabsco toilet conversion electric pump (12V) attached to a Wilcoxon head. I've noticed some rust at every joint in the pump, but it worked perfectly until this weekend. Now, when the dial is turned to either empty or flush the bowl with water, there is so much electrical drain that either the circuit breaker breaks or many electrical systems (e.g. radios, gps) on the boat shut off. When turning the dial, for the initial second or two all that happens is a humming and and then it begins pumping.I called the company this morning and they believe it may be use of too small wires to the pump or added resistance in the circuit. I thought of a bad motor, impeller, etc. My suspicions lean toward the pump nearing the end of its useful life. We've really liked the electric head. However, purchasing just a new pump is about $380. I'm wondering if this is the best route or should I replace the entire head and pump with a new electric head (a complete system designed as electric). If so, what electric head is recommended. Your advice is greatly appreciated.Chick WeissCara CarinaE. Greenwich, RI

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

I'd replace the whole toilet

And my choice for a "budget" electric toilet is the Raritan SeaEra. It's available as either a complete toilet or a conversion kit that would allow you to keep your bowl and seat...with 3 pump options: integral sea water, remote sea water, and pressurized water solenoid. Check it out on the Raritan website at the link below.Wire size does matter, no matter what toilet you have...so you may have to rewire too.

 

[Chick Weiss]

Thanks, Peggie..another question!

Dear Peggie,After reading your response, I've been trying to find best prices for your recommendation. While calling one mail order firm, the customer rep strongly recommended a head system that I've never heard of before.....the Lavac Head which uses a diaphragm vacuum system and has a remote pump to create the vacuum, evacuate and break up the waste. The rep described this as the Mercedes of heads. Can you advise me on this choice (about $565 compared to about $399 for SeaEra). Will installation of the "Mercedes" be a hastle to your knowledge, should that be the best choice? Many thanks.Chick WeissCara Carina

 

[George]

I agree w/ Peggy

The raritan SeaEra toilet is a great toilet, better than a Jabsco and so much better than the Jabsco w/conversion kit

 

[R. Young]

Lavac is more effort to install

I saw the Lavac at the Annapolis Boat show last season - a nice unit but it is more difficult to install. The remote (hand) pump is as I recall installed on some available panel, like a wall panel - that will take some effort.I just purchased the SeaEra and it was very simply to install. You should be able to reuse all the existing plumbing making the installation go very fast.R. YoungHunter 37 - Destiny"Committing solecisms that society will never pardon"