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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

head replacement

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cmckitrick
Navigator

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USA
116 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/23/2008 : 10:48:55

Now that the seacocks are done I'd like to swap out the head. Does anyone know if I can get an exact replacement so I could use the same holes? My friend that helped with the seacocks thought if I got the brand name of the origional then it would be an exact fit. Any thoughts? Thanks.

Charlie McKitrick
Norwell, MA
Valiant Lady... for now
'81 C 25 SR/FK

Edited by - on

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 06/23/2008 : 12:10:04

I just replaced a head so I'll give you my experience for what it is worth. CW head was on it and I bought a compact Jabsco from west marine. The incoming line was the same diameter so I go a new line. The line to the holding tank ( no Y valve on this boat ) was a larger black line with a wire coil in the walls of the line. 1 1/2 line came out of the head and the fitting on the tank was larger than the line. I put the line on after expanding it with tin snips inserted in the end and opening them. The old line was very difficult to remove. I ended up using a small metal cutting disc on a power drill to cut the line off the fittings.

The old line that came off the pumpout line was marked 1 7/8. I ended up having to use a 2 inch to 1 1/2 adapter.

I set the head in place and used a hammer and a punch to mark the hole and then drilled them and used ss machine screws into the fiberglass.

The line holes through the bulkhead were fine without changes.

Edited by - on

quilombo
Captain

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USA
301 Posts

Response Posted - 06/24/2008 : 06:35:26

charlie
most heads are configued roughly the same way,
especially the compact ones like Ray mentioned, your going to have to make some minor adjustments and changes at some point and it wont be a big deal. The hardest part for me is as Ray mentioned, removing the old tubes and lines, mine had a Y valve and it was a challenge removing the old clamps and hoses,
one thing I do suggest is to use stainless clamps
the ones I took off looked like a pile of rust
good luck

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redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 06/24/2008 : 08:56:26

I used a small ( 2 inch ) ceramic/metal cutting blade in a battery powered drill to cut off the old lines. You have to be careful not to cut too deep or you score the fitting inside the line. I would have to increase the pressure some when it was on the wire in the hose and once it cut the wire it would pretty much pop open the hose.

Another thing that helped me was when I reconnected the fittings I used a brush-on automotive gasket that lubricated the fittings and made it easier to get them together and move when screwing in the fitting before tightening on the SS hose clamps.

It took two people, one to hold the head still and one to mark the bolt holes with a magic marker. Then score the marks with a hammer and punch to start the drill in the proper location. SS Lag bolts with washers.

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Stu Jackson C34
Admiral

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844 Posts

Response Posted - 06/24/2008 : 13:49:46

Don't worry about the holes, the fasteners are simply lag bolts. If the new head doesn't have the same holes, fill the old holes with epoxy and just drill new ones to match the new head. This is a recurring issue on almost all boating 'boards. For some reason people seem to think that all the screws on their boats are machine screws with nuts on the back, but if you can't get underneath to the nuts, they're simply lag bolts. To check, just take one out and see.

Edited by - Stu Jackson C34 on 06/24/2008 13:52:13

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 06/24/2008 : 13:58:58

On heavily laid up resin I've use machine screws and lag bolts.

Neither with nuts on the back.

The heads were easy to tighten with a socket wrench.

Difficult to get a screwdriver on a phillips head with the marine head in the way and difficult to get good torque.

Edited by - on

cmckitrick
Navigator

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USA
116 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2008 : 15:21:38

Does anyone have a recommendation for a brand name? It looks like the Jabsco compact head is a good deal but I wonder if I am missing something by not buying a more expensive modle. Thanks.

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Stardog
Captain

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USA
319 Posts

Response Posted - 07/10/2008 : 18:07:06

I have a Jabsco I've had in my boat for more than 15 years, I have to replace a couple of parts about every three years, the cost is minimal. The head works well, has never leaked or caused any problems. If I had a generator I would get one with a pump and macerator, but this one requires no electricity and no special attention, so I keep it.

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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.