wilcox crittenden VS. raritan

[Hermit Scott]

Peggy, I know that your expertise in nautical crappers is based in what works in the real world of boating. I have one of those head mates tore apart in my shop right now and I was wondering why the raritan ph2 is superior to the head mate. The water pump on the raritan looks like balls with springs to seal them and the head mate is flaps.
What is the part(s) that fail on the head mate? I am just wondering what I should look for with the head mate as far as parts failing or leaking.

 

[seadaddler]

Replaced

I just replaced my 2 year old Head mate for a PHII and so much better.
I have 2 new complete full pumps I am looking to sell.
Nick

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

I think this will answer your question:

The diameter of the piston of the PHII is 2 1/2 inches. The diameter of the piston of most other manual toilets is 1 3/4". Now this doesn't sound like much of a difference, but given the same length of stroke up and down, for demonstration purposes we'll say 2 1/2 inches for each head that we're considering. When you calculate the cubic inch capacity (displacement) of the PHII with a 2 1/2" diameter piston, it comes out to a little over 12 cubic inches. If you do the same calculation for a pump with a 1 3/4" diameter piston, with the same 2 1/2" stroke, the cubic inch capacity is only 6 cubic inches. So, to put that all into English, the PHII will pump twice as much per stroke, as it's competitors will. Adding the lever-type handle, there isn't as much actual effort required. So, in a nutshell, you only have to pump half as many times to flush it, and your arm doesn't get as tired. Plus, with the lever handle, you don't have to bend over as far, with your nose practically in the bowl, while you're pumping it.

 

[Hermit Scott]

But I like putting my face into a toilet!
Looking at the diagrams of the raritan, the lever pump handle does look like it would help out.
Seadaddler-what was the biggest difference between the two different heads for you?

 

[jerryf609]

I am also interested in this topic as I have a WC Headmate currently and am considering rebuilding it with the available maintenance kit. Or I could buy a new unit. My current head does not take in sea water but I'm not sure why. It could be zebra mussels or other clogging of the sea water intake. I have checked the intake thru-hull valve to be sure it is open.I also think the head is leaking somewhere.

Related question - should I replace hoses at the same time? I have read that old hoses get stinky from absorbing you know what. This is on a 1983 Catalina 30. Thanks for any advice.

Edit: More info: I bought this boat last fall from my brother who had it for about 6 years prior. He did not perform maintenance on the head other than have it winterized for storage (in Michigan). I believe last summer the unit would take in sea water when we had the lever selected for sea water. It has been dry pumped and we have poured in fresh water to flush.

I plan to take the head off and try to diagnose the intakes. I would like to try to get everything done in one trip to the boat...remove, repair the Headmate, replace hoses as necessary and get the leak fixed and generally get the stink out.