The Best Electric Head

[gaha]

I have two heads and would like to replace one with an electric head. What is the best electric head? And what are the pros and cons of the different electric heads? What are the pros and cons of attaching the head to the fresh water system like some of the electric heads do?

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

How big is your boat?

What kind of power resources do you have? And how big is your holding tank? Some electric toilets use more power than others...some use a LOT of flush water compared to others. And not all are available with a fresh water solenoid option. Those that are can use considerably less water and draw considerably less current than raw water toilets that have impeller intake pumps. The only ones I'd advise against are manual toilets with "electric conversion kits" that only replace the pump handle...for very close to the same price you can have one that was designed to be an electric toilet instead of something that's neither fish nor fowl.

 

[gaha]

I have a Hunter 450

I have a Hunter 450 and am considering replacing the Aft Head with an electric and leaving the forward Head Manual.I have doubled the battery bank, have a 9kw genset, a high output alternator, and am looking at adding some solar panels. I don't have a watermaker yet, but will add one before my next cruise in the fall.I am very reluctant to waste fresh water in the head unless the advantages are substantial.I've heard you (Peggy) say that there has been "considerable improvement in macerating toilet technology in the last few years that make the V/Flush, IMHO, obsolete." Which toilets have this new technology?I've also heard you say that Wilcox-Crittenden is a great brand. They have a new electric called the Newport. I also know that you have an affinity for Raratin.My preferences for features are reliability, clean smelling (Yes I use Peal Products), and last ease-of-use. Saving a few hundred dollars is not that important to me.Thanks Peggy for all you have done for me and everyone else. My friends say I spend way too much time thinking about toilets. And since you are my favorite columnist I think they must be right.

 

[Dave Dahlstrom]

I really don't know if it's the "BEST" but I just installed a new Sea-Land ' Vacu-Flush' on my Vision 36 and it's great. Uses only about 6 oz. ( fresh ) water and 6 amps ber flush. It's expensive but we liveaboard and are already enjoying the benefits. Clean, No smell, easy to operate.

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

You'll use less flush water...

with a fesh water solenoid than with a head that uses raw rater. You'll also use a fraction of the amp hours...'cuz head intake pumps draw a LOT of current. You're right...I am partial to Raritan equipment...as a result of 10+ years as a distributor for every mfr. Raritan isn't a marketing-based company focused on squeezing every last cent into their bottom line, even if that means cutting quality...they're an engineering based company focused on the quality of what they build. The toilet on my own boat is a VacuFlush...the toilet on my next one will be a Raritan Atlantes It uses half the amp hours, about the same amount of flush water, and can be purchased at discount (VacuFlush cannot) for about 40% less. It also macerates the waste instead of splattering it all over the inside of the hose to ferment and permeate the hose...and all the "innards" are in the pedestal, not occupying valuable sotrage space. There are more reasons, but those are the main ones.Next on my list would be the Raritan Crown II, but only with the optional fresh water solenoid. 90% of the advantages of the Atlantes for about $200 less.Wilcox and Groco both build excellent toilets...and a really cheap toilets. All Groco toilets are temperamental. I've only seen the new Wilcox "Newport" at a trade show, never in the field...so I don't know where it falls.