What's under the head?

  • Thread starter Jack, La Paloma, La Paz
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J

Jack, La Paloma, La Paz

After 15 years my Headmate head cannot be repaired. And, they are no longer made. Besides, I am in Mexico. So I picked up a new Jabsco head to install. The footprint is different from the Headmate and requires 4 bolts. There is no access under the platform the head sits on. I will drill new holes and maybe a large hole to reach under the platform to attach the nuts. Surely someone has been there before. Any suggestions? The plumbing is not a problem, just attaching the toilet. Thanks.
 
Feb 26, 2004
23,050
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
There be NO nuts

The base of most all heads are held on by LAG BOLTS. So you don't have to do what you're suggesting. Just take one bolt out, you'll see.

Just about everyone, me included, used to think that way.

But then I stopped and said ""Hey, if there aren't any BIG access holes there now, how'd they get their hands on the nuts when they put in the head that's there now?" Doh!!!:redface::D
 
J

Jack, la Paloma, La Paz

Thanks Stu

The base of most all heads are held on by LAG BOLTS. So you don't have to do what you're suggesting. Just take one bolt out, you'll see.

Just about everyone, me included, used to think that way.

But then I stopped and said ""Hey, if there aren't any BIG access holes there now, how'd they get their hands on the nuts when they put in the head that's there now?" Doh!!!:redface::D
Makes sense Stu, I figured I would learn more when I take the head out. Lag bolts will be pretty easy compared to cutting an access hole for my hand. Just arrived here after a four day drive and then found a bad toilet. Used rebuild kit, broke a critical ss screw due to the age of the thing. Used since 1995, 3 rebuilds. It's time to replace. Been putting it off since we are setting the boat up after 7 months of non use. Other priorities since we are in a marina with bathrooms. Maybe next week after starting motor, putting sails up etc. Thanks again.
 
May 23, 2004
3,319
I'm in the market as were . Colonial Beach
ewwww....Jabsco. You should have gotten the Raritan PH II. I have one on my Catalina 30 and I love it. It is much nice and it is supposed to work much longer than the Jabsco.
 
J

Jack, la paloma, la paz

Limited choices here

ewwww....Jabsco. You should have gotten the Raritan PH II. I have one on my Catalina 30 and I love it. It is much nice and it is supposed to work much longer than the Jabsco.
I kinow, but we have limited choices here in Mexico (La Paz). Leaky toilet needs to be changed out. Jabsco was available. Will do the Raritan conversion of the bowl as suggested by Peggy, but next year when we drive down. Just cannot get every thing down here...no west marine etc., no US deliveries. Thanks to Stu, will install tomorrow with lag bolts (checked, he's right). Get sails up, start motor, etc. Then hit the Sea of Cortez. 83 degrees here today, nice wind. We'll stay until April, then back up to the states. Next year it will be the Raritan and hope the Jabsco lasts until April. Thanks for all the advice, forum is great
 
May 23, 2004
3,319
I'm in the market as were . Colonial Beach
That sounds like a good plan.

With the Jabsco you want to keep the internal parts well lubed. Flush some kinds of lubercant once in a while and it should keep it operational for longer!
 
Oct 25, 2005
735
Catalina 30 Banderas Bay, Mexico
The base of most all heads are held on by LAG BOLTS. So you don't have to do what you're suggesting. Just take one bolt out, you'll see.

Just about everyone, me included, used to think that way.

But then I stopped and said ""Hey, if there aren't any BIG access holes there now, how'd they get their hands on the nuts when they put in the head that's there now?" Doh!!!:redface::D
Hull #10 has an access door under the head so it was easy to through bolt the head. I had never looked at that detail on the newer boats.
 
May 23, 2004
3,319
I'm in the market as were . Colonial Beach
On MKII it is a solid plate and the head is lag bolted to the floor pan.
 
Sep 18, 2009
58
Beneteau Oceanis 38 Long Beach
That sounds like a good plan.

With the Jabsco you want to keep the internal parts well lubed. Flush some kinds of lubercant once in a while and it should keep it operational for longer!

What, and how do you do this? Simply pouring something into the bowl and 'flushing'? I was told that the plastic plungers do not need this, it is a carry-over from metal plumbing....

What do I know... just a noobie.

Thanks
 
May 23, 2004
3,319
I'm in the market as were . Colonial Beach
I know that some of the holding tank treatments have lub in them for the pump in the head. It is a good thing to do. There are other things that people use and flush down the head for this.

The plastic plungers do need to be maintained.
 
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