Anybody who has replaced their 28.5 head with a new model, I'd appreciate make/model recommendations for a new manual head. Mine is shot & the manufacture is defunct. All the models on display at the local Boat US/West Marine stores are too big. Thanks Mike
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Original and replacement
The Groco HF was probably the original. I replaced mine with a Wilcox Crittendon Headmate which fit right in for $100 on sale. The Groco was worn out and a rebuild kit wouldn't work any longer after the third one in 16 years. Neither of these is high end but mine gets very little use so I opted for what fits and was cheap. If it gets a lot of use, then I would opt for a better model and ignore trying to get an exact replacement. You may haver to move the shower seat higher or get rid of it altogether.
The Groco HF was probably the original. I replaced mine with a Wilcox Crittendon Headmate which fit right in for $100 on sale. The Groco was worn out and a rebuild kit wouldn't work any longer after the third one in 16 years. Neither of these is high end but mine gets very little use so I opted for what fits and was cheap. If it gets a lot of use, then I would opt for a better model and ignore trying to get an exact replacement. You may haver to move the shower seat higher or get rid of it altogether.
Make & Model
Peggy, My boat is still slumbering under tarp. I wanted to mail order a new head and take it with me when I 'woke 'er up' so to speak. I don't remember the make, other than it was not a brand name I recognized. I remember trying a web search last year on the make but turned up nada. I took the bottom part off and brought it to both West Marine and Boat US last year at the end of the season, but the display models were all too big down at the mount. Naturally, I left the head parts on the boat over winter were they would be the most use of course. Mike
Peggy, My boat is still slumbering under tarp. I wanted to mail order a new head and take it with me when I 'woke 'er up' so to speak. I don't remember the make, other than it was not a brand name I recognized. I remember trying a web search last year on the make but turned up nada. I took the bottom part off and brought it to both West Marine and Boat US last year at the end of the season, but the display models were all too big down at the mount. Naturally, I left the head parts on the boat over winter were they would be the most use of course. Mike
Wilcox
Jeff, All I care about is getting the mounting bracket/bottom part to fit the cramped quarters of the 28.5 head area with enough clearance to operate the head seacocks (modern ball type). I am not trying to improve things, and I know I will not find anything that will fit the existing mounting holes exactly. The head gets modest use. I am a weekend day sailer for the most part. Cheap or expensive doesn't matter so long as it fits - and works. Having said that, the gold plated models can stay on the shelf....if I want a "throne", I'll buy a throne, if you know what I mean.
If you say Wilcox fits your 28.5 then it will fit mine. Good enough for me. Thanks Mike
Jeff, All I care about is getting the mounting bracket/bottom part to fit the cramped quarters of the 28.5 head area with enough clearance to operate the head seacocks (modern ball type). I am not trying to improve things, and I know I will not find anything that will fit the existing mounting holes exactly. The head gets modest use. I am a weekend day sailer for the most part. Cheap or expensive doesn't matter so long as it fits - and works. Having said that, the gold plated models can stay on the shelf....if I want a "throne", I'll buy a throne, if you know what I mean.
If you say Wilcox fits your 28.5 then it will fit mine. Good enough for me. Thanks Mike Headless?
The original equipment that was installed on my 1986 28.5 was a 'Sealand'. I replaced it with a Jabsco Compact style but the bolt holes did not line up and the dimensions may have been slightly different. My solution was to fill the old holes with marinetex and slightly turn the unit a few degrees counter clockwise to clear the location of one of my thru hull/ replacement ball valves. It fits the compartment and the valves can all be operated. I've had 3 years without problems which is more than I could ever say about the original.
The original equipment that was installed on my 1986 28.5 was a 'Sealand'. I replaced it with a Jabsco Compact style but the bolt holes did not line up and the dimensions may have been slightly different. My solution was to fill the old holes with marinetex and slightly turn the unit a few degrees counter clockwise to clear the location of one of my thru hull/ replacement ball valves. It fits the compartment and the valves can all be operated. I've had 3 years without problems which is more than I could ever say about the original.
Any "compact" toilet should fit
The base may not be exactly the same size...you may have to angle it a bit. The W-C Headmate, Groco HF, Raritan Compact II, and Jabsco 29020 are all compact toilets. So is the Raritan Cricket, which was discontinued at the beginning of this year, but most retailers still have it in stock. Because it has a diaphragm pump directly beneath the bowl instead of the usual piston/cylinder pump beside the bowl, the base is smaller than most other toilets. If you have to wait till the tarp comes off to replace the toilet, it's not a big job--especially if you've done everything else first. Which reminds me...does the boat have a holding tank? If not, you'll have to install one....'cuz flushing directly overboard in all US waters is illegal.
The base may not be exactly the same size...you may have to angle it a bit. The W-C Headmate, Groco HF, Raritan Compact II, and Jabsco 29020 are all compact toilets. So is the Raritan Cricket, which was discontinued at the beginning of this year, but most retailers still have it in stock. Because it has a diaphragm pump directly beneath the bowl instead of the usual piston/cylinder pump beside the bowl, the base is smaller than most other toilets. If you have to wait till the tarp comes off to replace the toilet, it's not a big job--especially if you've done everything else first. Which reminds me...does the boat have a holding tank? If not, you'll have to install one....'cuz flushing directly overboard in all US waters is illegal.
Thanks Peggy
Yes the boat has a holding tank and yes we use it (when the head was working that is). I am aware of the regs regarding discharging waste into the water. Last season I added a nice new Y-valve to the Sanitation system when the manual pump-out pump gave up the ghost. Interesting how everything failed almost at the same time.... I also replaced all the sanitation hose while I was at it last season. All I need is the new head. The old one is already removed, and (temporarily of course) stowed in the Lazerette.
Yes the boat has a holding tank and yes we use it (when the head was working that is). I am aware of the regs regarding discharging waste into the water. Last season I added a nice new Y-valve to the Sanitation system when the manual pump-out pump gave up the ghost. Interesting how everything failed almost at the same time.... I also replaced all the sanitation hose while I was at it last season. All I need is the new head. The old one is already removed, and (temporarily of course) stowed in the Lazerette.
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