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What head do you own?

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bmelchionda
1st Mate

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63 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/04/2007 : 12:21:56

I am looking to replace my head on my 86 Catalina. The old one is shot. I can probably fix, but I refuse to work on it as it is too distrusting.

Head-Mate Head seems to have a lot of positive reviews on west marine. It is a little more expensive then the Jabsco Compact Manual Head, but has much better reviews.

Does anyone own the Head-Mate Head? How easy was it to install and do you like it!

Thanks!
Bryan

'86 Catalina 25 Tall Rig

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 06/04/2007 : 12:41:20

A slight departure from your current setup... I had a variation of the "Dometic Marine Sanitation System" shown in the WM catalog installed in my new boat. It has to be the simplest, most bullet-proof installation available, since the head and the 9-gallon holding tank are integral and held down by four screws. No hoses or hose connections between head and tank. The head is ceramic, like a proper marine head, and in my case the water flow is electrically pressurized from my freshwater tank, which greatly reduces odor issues. They say it uses a pint to flush--if it's twice that, I'll still have plenty of water. It's new, but I'm very pleased so far.

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 06/04/2007 : 14:17:05

I have a Wilcox-Crittenden head that looks pretty much like the Head Mate in the West Marine catalog. I'm not sure if it's original to my 1980 C25, but it could be. In the past six years, it has worked flawlessly and has never needed any maintenance.

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Stu Jackson C34
Admiral

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844 Posts

Response Posted - 06/05/2007 : 11:56:48

The "Head Mistress" Peggie Hall, and experience, indicates that: Jabsco and Groco are cr*p, and not worth the $. W/C Head Mates are middle of the road and will work OK (we have one, like it, usually good for a few years before either rebuild or replacement, which is easier and almost as cost effective). Raritan PHII or PHC (compact) are the best, cost the most. Installation is easy: three or four lag bolts, connect to hoses. Installation is extremely hard if you're changing from another head with different hose connection points, since you'll have to redo the hoses.

Edited by - Stu Jackson C34 on 06/05/2007 11:58:37

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.