Head Ache!

[MoonDoggy]

I have an original Jabsco head which they quit making in 1986. Needless to say they quit making the repair kits, so I'm looking to replace. I was looking at the low end manual Jabsco (approx. $150). Does anyone know if this unit is reliable or should I be looking at something else.

Thanks, Moondoggy

[JT1019]

You really get what you pay for when it comes to a marine head. Jabsco is one of the best heads you can get but even in the lower priced equipment you will see a great decrease in quality. One of the important things to me is the gallons per flush. With a manual head you might be using up to 3 gallons to flush once. This can really fill the holding tank in a rush. A poor head or poor install can result in your boat sinking or backfilling from the holding tank. In addition to those concerns poor seals, often found on the lower quality heads, can fill a boat with deadly and explosive gas that is not easy to clean out.

I would recommend taking a look at Defender to see what is available in a slightly greater price range. They also might still have a repair kit in the back room. That place is full of things that you can't get anywhere else.

[Vasco]

MoonDoggy,

I have had these units since 1988. On one of my boats I put a new one in in 1995 or so. I still have the boat and the head still works fine and I took this boat south eight times. Replacing is nearly cheaper than the parts kit. I now have two of them on my new boat and they work fine although I have had to replace a couple of joker valves. I would replace it with the same unit as it'll fit perfectly. Some will tell you that you have to spend $500 on a head but I have been very happy with these moderately priced units. I just lubricate the pump every week, the new units make this an easy job with the big nut , just undo and pull the piston out.

[MoonDoggy]

Thanks for info, will take a look.

[labatt]

Originally Posted by JT1019

In addition to those concerns poor seals, often found on the lower quality heads, can fill a boat with deadly and explosive gas that is not easy to clean out.

I know some people I can say the same thing about! Sorry.. couldn't resist

[SVDistantStar]

Has anyone on here used a Lavac head? Im thinking of one of these when it comes time to replace the aged jabsco in my boat. Im going to redo the holding tank/plumbing on the whole system.

[hellosailor]

Used one, haven't owned one. Owners seem to all say the same thing: They'll never install anything else again. Unanimous high praise.

[TrueBlue]

Originally Posted by SVDistantStar

Has anyone on here used a Lavac head? Im thinking of one of these when it comes time to replace the aged jabsco in my boat. Im going to redo the holding tank/plumbing on the whole system.

We have two Blake/Lavac heads onboard and as hellosailor implied, I would never swap them for anything else.

They are simple in operation, efficient and maintenance free. The toilets however are British made, so if you ever do need parts - bend over & spread them.

[Giulietta]

HEY I have a better one...

I bought 2 PLASTIMO (made in France) shi**ers!!!!!

This way I can allways s**t in France!!!!

[camaraderie]

If yer not gonna ante up for a Lavac...you might wanna look at the pretty cheapo Raritan PHII as they work well and the rebuild kits for them seem to be available everywhere you go.