Elecric Head

ddilman · #1 (**permalink**) 12-25-2004

I am looking into an electric head since I will be entertaining lots of none boaters. I will avoid having to explain how to use the head to many people and at the end they probably won''t get it right.
Is an eclectic head a practical solution for a boat with one head? Are they reliable and when they fail, is there a manual override? What are some well made models?

Thanks

wwilson · #2 (**permalink**) 12-26-2004

I have had one 4 seasons with no problems at all. A sistership to my boat is on her 5th season with the same head and no problems. It will fail eventually of course. Buy the replacement parts kit and have it standing by for the inevitable nasty job. The spare parts kit is not much more expensive than a manual head parts kit. That does not of course include a spare electric motor, but that is a pretty infrequent failure. No, there is no "back up" in the event of failure. Mine is a Jabsco head. I have had more problem with manual heads in other boats!

ddilman · #3 (**permalink**) 01-02-2005

wwilson,
Is there a model for Jabsco that you prefer?What do you mean by "nasty job"?
Danny

wwilson · #4 (**permalink**) 01-03-2005

Danny,

Mine is the Jabsco - Quiet Flush Electric Head-Raw Water model. I see it advertised for $659.99 at Boater''s World. Others may have it for less.

It has been perfect to date. At the end of last season I was prepared to disassemble the plumbing because water flow was seriously reduced. Turned out to be a discarded "item" lodged at the drain by a lubberly lady (we can leave it at that I assume?).

I meant by "nasty job" only what you would expect anytime you have to tear into the "business end" of a toilet. Fortunately for me that job is still off in the undefined future.

In any case, I encourage your idea to install an electric head in your boat. Assuming the installation goes properly - the operation of the head is very simple and much more "intuitive" to non-boating friends. Its dependability has been a very pleasant plus for many - myself included. Even with the macerator however, it is not intended to dispose of anything other than, ah, hmmmm "organic" and tissue materials.

Wayne

ddilman · #5 (**permalink**) 01-07-2005

wwilson,
How long of the labor for instaling it?
Is it simple enough for any boatyard or have to go to specialist?
Danny

wwilson · #6 (**permalink**) 01-08-2005

Danny,

I can''t say from experience since mine came with the boat. That said, my guess would be that it is a pretty straightforward job for anyone with the experience of installing or replacing a head, manual or electric. Since you are replacing - the biggest task may be electrical rather than plumbing. You will need a seperate circuit run from the electrical pannel through the included switch and fuse to the electric motor.
The raw water intake and discharge to the holding tank are virtally the same as your manual head. You may want to simplify the job by using the same manufacturer as your current head if you can find one with the same fastenings (bolt pattern).
I''m out on a limb guessing installation time for a job I''ve already admited that I''ve never done myself, but if it is a simple replacement of the plumbing and the run of a new 12V line I''d guess 3-5 Hrs for a professional.