Which electric waste discharge pump is the "best":

[BotanyBay]

Having finally gotten back to my replacement of everything associated with the forward head (decided on the Raritan Marine Elegance with the Fresh and Raw water option) the biggest remaining question is which discharge pump to use when pumping over the side.

I will be using a dip tube fitting on the top of the tank, the discharge pump will be mounted just offset from the tank and have a nice downward slope to the through hull fitting.

The two common ones I see:

Dometic - T-Series Discharge and Macerator Pump

Whale - Gulper Toilet Pump

Both have similar specs, I have used the T-series pumps in the past and have had some issues with the plastic diaphram getting pinhole leaks but otherwise a good pump. The whale pump has dual joker vales on the input and output which "should" get through many issues. I have used a smaller whale pump as a shower drain for years and not had any trouble with it.

Any suggestions of which way to go, the $$ difference is not significant just want the most robust system possible.

Thanks

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

It's a coin flip between those two

I've been a fan of the SeaLand pump for a couple of decades...it's durable, rarely needs parts (what ARE you flushing that creates pinholes in a rubber diaphragm???), but they're easy to get if you do.

And I've been a fan of Whale MANUAL diaphragm pumps and y-valves for almost as long...really impessed with their quality. However, I haven't had much experience or seen much feedback for their electric pumps...I'd recommend it solely on the quality and track record of their manual pumps.

So flip a coin and pick one...I don't think you can go wrong.

All that said..if I were refitting your boat, I'd install a PuraSan and the "Hold 'n' Treat" controls instead of either one...Raritan Waste Treatment

 

[BotanyBay]

Sewage pumping for fun!

I've been a fan of the SeaLand pump for a couple of decades...it's durable, rarely needs parts (what ARE you flushing that creates pinholes in a rubber diaphragm???), but they're easy to get if you do.

And I've been a fan of Whale MANUAL diaphragm pumps and y-valves for almost as long...really impessed with their quality. However, I haven't had much experience or seen much feedback for their electric pumps...I'd recommend it solely on the quality and track record of their manual pumps.

So flip a coin and pick one...I don't think you can go wrong.

All that said..if I were refitting your boat, I'd install a PuraSan and the "Hold 'n' Treat" controls instead of either one...Raritan Waste Treatment

Interesting thought on the PuraSan system, I will definitely look into it. I have definitely liked some of the pre-built systems where you drop it in and know you don't have leak issues. However, the space is rather limited vertically (about 15" plus a 90 degree fitting on top) which has been driving me to the "semi custom" tanks you describe. In fact I have used them before on my previous boat and was happy as can be with them!

The toilet which was feeding the prior vessels holding tank was not a macerating toilet and so people who eat seeds and the like would result in the potential of them getting stuck in the folds of the bellows and create pinhole leaks in the bellows. However, as you note the bellows is easy to replace and can be fixed for the short term with a bit of plastic glue to get through a trip.

The "T-Series" pumps use a plastic accordian connected to the plunger rather than a rubber diaphram like many other pumps. It is the accordian which would develop the leaks. Lost two of them during a period of 10 years so not too bad all things considered.

Based upon your observations I will probably go with which ever pump fits in the final space well.

Thanks!


p.s. The Marine Elegance looks really nice in the head compartment. Looking forward to getting it all hooked up!