I'm about to replace the marine toilet on my CD25D, and would like to hear users' experience before choosing one. I bet there are others of you in need of the same kind of advice.
As for MY experience, I now have a Groco HE which I've upgraded to an HF, using Groco's kit. It works but takes a lot of effort to clear the bowl (of solids) and it's awkward for some people to use the up-and-down piston pump, so I'm thinking of a replacement with lever operation.
The Raritan PHII has a lever-operated piston pump. Raritan also has a new lever-operated diaphragm pump model, the Cricket. Nigel Calder says these are "less troublesome" than piston pumps. The Cricket, though, doesn't look very robust. These are both available at $200 or so. Wilcox-Crittenden has three lever-operated models at substantially higher prices, $500 to $700 even at discount. Lavac has an economy model at under $300, but it requires additional space to mount the separate diaphragm pump, with hoses, on a bulkhead.
Any comme
bbarber38@aol.com
Head Recommendations?
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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sam
Re: Head Recommendations?
I replaced the Groco that came with my cape dory with a Raritan PHII years ago and have been very happy with it. Have replaced seals once and it was an easy job to do. By the way, I thought the Groco was the lousiest head I ever saw.
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Matt Cawthorne
Re: Head Recommendations?
Bruce,
My CD-36 came with a Wilcox-Crittenden 'skipper' head. I should knock on wood, but it has worked perfectly since I bought the boat (used) 5 years ago. The only maintenance that I give it is to winterize it in the fall with a mixture of mostly anti-freeze and a little bit of salad oil which I pump in through the intake line. I have even tempted fate by flushing large wood chips through it on occasion. It will not prop up the resale value of your boat, but if you have the extra cash it is a nice feeling to not worry about the head.
Matt
mcawthor@bellatlantic.net
My CD-36 came with a Wilcox-Crittenden 'skipper' head. I should knock on wood, but it has worked perfectly since I bought the boat (used) 5 years ago. The only maintenance that I give it is to winterize it in the fall with a mixture of mostly anti-freeze and a little bit of salad oil which I pump in through the intake line. I have even tempted fate by flushing large wood chips through it on occasion. It will not prop up the resale value of your boat, but if you have the extra cash it is a nice feeling to not worry about the head.
Matt
Bruce Barber wrote: I'm about to replace the marine toilet on my CD25D, and would like to hear users' experience before choosing one. I bet there are others of you in need of the same kind of advice.
As for MY experience, I now have a Groco HE which I've upgraded to an HF, using Groco's kit. It works but takes a lot of effort to clear the bowl (of solids) and it's awkward for some people to use the up-and-down piston pump, so I'm thinking of a replacement with lever operation.
The Raritan PHII has a lever-operated piston pump. Raritan also has a new lever-operated diaphragm pump model, the Cricket. Nigel Calder says these are "less troublesome" than piston pumps. The Cricket, though, doesn't look very robust. These are both available at $200 or so. Wilcox-Crittenden has three lever-operated models at substantially higher prices, $500 to $700 even at discount. Lavac has an economy model at under $300, but it requires additional space to mount the separate diaphragm pump, with hoses, on a bulkhead.
Any comme
mcawthor@bellatlantic.net