After three years, it's time to "service" one of the entry level Jabsco heads in our Hunter 410. I've read here that why bother and instead buy a new one for $100 more than the price of the service kit. My question is should I pay about twice as much an buy the Raritan? Another question is will the mounting holes line up with the Raritan that were used for the Jabsco? If not, how big of a deal is it to drill new ones? It looks like there were two mounting screws for the Jabsco. And, are the Jabsco hoses sufficient in length, function and diameter to attach to the Raritan? Peggy, I know you're out there. I read your book this afternoon and couldn't tell about the holes, hoses, etc. I know you like the Raritan. Thanks, John Richard s/v Jack's Place
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PHII and not a big deal.
John: I have had about 4 different heads in my Hunter 31. It seems that I have been able to use 2 or 3 of the holes each time. I normally fill the unused holes with silicone or some other caulking so water does not get into the platform. I believe that they are held down with 1/4" lag screws. The PHII is by far the best unit of the ones that we have had. The Jabsco was by far the worst.
John: I have had about 4 different heads in my Hunter 31. It seems that I have been able to use 2 or 3 of the holes each time. I normally fill the unused holes with silicone or some other caulking so water does not get into the platform. I believe that they are held down with 1/4" lag screws. The PHII is by far the best unit of the ones that we have had. The Jabsco was by far the worst.
I think everyone who has one will agree with me:
Buy the Raritan PH II...or PHC (same pump on a compact base) if the PH II won't fit. The mounting bolt pattern won't match...one or two of 'em might...but you should fill the holes and redrill even those to ensure that the mounting bolts get a good bite. 'Cuz those bolts aren't made to NASA tolerances...if the new ones are even half a micromilimetre smaller in diameter you could end up with a wobbly toilet. As for the hoses...if the Jabsco has only a 1" discharge, you'll have to replace that hose...but the intake hose is the same size...it's only a question of whether it's long enough.
Buy the Raritan PH II...or PHC (same pump on a compact base) if the PH II won't fit. The mounting bolt pattern won't match...one or two of 'em might...but you should fill the holes and redrill even those to ensure that the mounting bolts get a good bite. 'Cuz those bolts aren't made to NASA tolerances...if the new ones are even half a micromilimetre smaller in diameter you could end up with a wobbly toilet. As for the hoses...if the Jabsco has only a 1" discharge, you'll have to replace that hose...but the intake hose is the same size...it's only a question of whether it's long enough.
Raritan for customer service
We have refurbished our Raritan twice: both times the folks at the company were knowledge-able, courteous and prompt. Joe
We have refurbished our Raritan twice: both times the folks at the company were knowledge-able, courteous and prompt. Joe
I replaced with a PH II
John, I replaced a 12 yr old head (couldn't find any ID on it and wasn't worth researching what kind) with a PH II on my O'Day. Filled all the old holes with epoxy and started over with locating and drilling new holes. For the two on the front side, was able to use bolts as I had access under that portion of the platform. Had to use lag bolts for the two on the back side. (Don't make the mistake of drilling the same size holes for 1/4 inch bolts and lag bolts!) Has worked without a problem for almost 3 years, the only maintenance has been lubing the cylinder once a year. Good luck. Ed.
John, I replaced a 12 yr old head (couldn't find any ID on it and wasn't worth researching what kind) with a PH II on my O'Day. Filled all the old holes with epoxy and started over with locating and drilling new holes. For the two on the front side, was able to use bolts as I had access under that portion of the platform. Had to use lag bolts for the two on the back side. (Don't make the mistake of drilling the same size holes for 1/4 inch bolts and lag bolts!) Has worked without a problem for almost 3 years, the only maintenance has been lubing the cylinder once a year. Good luck. Ed.
I agree with the rest
The best use for a Jabsco is maybe an anchor . . . no, not really heavy enough. I just put mine in the dumpster. I'm totally satisfied with the Raritan PHII I bought.
The best use for a Jabsco is maybe an anchor . . . no, not really heavy enough. I just put mine in the dumpster. I'm totally satisfied with the Raritan PHII I bought.
Exactly what is wrong with Jabsco heads?
It seems unanimous that boatowners dislike the Jabsco. I've had one for years and it seems to work fine. I don't expect much, though, as it's only a toilet. My question is, what is it that people dislike and what are the good features of the Raritan.
It seems unanimous that boatowners dislike the Jabsco. I've had one for years and it seems to work fine. I don't expect much, though, as it's only a toilet. My question is, what is it that people dislike and what are the good features of the Raritan.
Jabsco = poor quality
The Jabsco that Hunter thoughtfully provided on my 356 has not lasted even two years. The intake fitting on the valve cover has cracked, so I get a nice spurt of water (??) every time I flush. The sailing season is too short to be spending hours messing with problems like this after a season and a half of fairly light use.
The Jabsco that Hunter thoughtfully provided on my 356 has not lasted even two years. The intake fitting on the valve cover has cracked, so I get a nice spurt of water (??) every time I flush. The sailing season is too short to be spending hours messing with problems like this after a season and a half of fairly light use.
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