Selecting the Head

[04 Marine]

Though the head is likely one of the least visited spots on the boat it is perhaps one of the most important. Well at least when we have a use for it. I'm looking to begin the build out of the head on my Ingrid 38. I'm curious as to toillet selection. I'm looking for a manual, full size toilet and I'd really like to hear about how you came to choose the one you use. I'm interested in manintainability, parts availability, etc.. I know it's a dull subject, but if you would take a moment, I'd like to hear your reasoning for having chosen the throne you rest upon.

Glen

[forsailbyowner]

Raritan is what I have now, its performed well last five years. I had a jabsco on last boat that was nothing but problems. If I could afford it I'd probably go with wilcox crittendon.

[MarkJ]

Jabsco parts are world wide.
They might have Highway Robbers at the cash till but at least they do have the parts.

They are pretty good, easy to use and have stood the test of charterers right accross the world.

[YourOldNemesis]

I would recommend the Lavac. It uses a standard manual bilge-pump so you already carry all the spares you need and can easily get more at an chandlers. It also comes with the Rahula recommendation that there's 'no turd too tough'. They work incredibly well and are extremely simple, so long as the operators are fully instructed!

Have had to rebuild both Jabsco and Wilcox-Crittenden while on passage - they are both a truly dreadful design.

[Laidback]

Originally Posted by YourOldNemesis

I would recommend the Lavac. It uses a standard manual bilge-pump so you already carry all the spares you need and can easily get more at an chandlers.

Nemesis, support your choice 100 + % - I have a Henderson Pump - which will transport a tennis ball from the bowl to the outside world (or wherever!) All that is needed is a 6 monthly service of this very simple system.

[TrevC]

+1 for Lavac. You could flush a small animal down one of these things, no problem.

[Mule]

You have a long many times contributed to thread on here about composting heads. You might want to read it. I have been living aboard for 6 months and for 2 months I used nothing but the on board natures head just to test it out. No smell, no chemical treatment, no problems. No holding tank, no hoses, no siginificant moving parts, only a crank on the outside and an agitator on the inside.

With the trend for no discharge zones seems the composter is the best of all worlds.

Downside= will not support more than 2 people for an extended period of time, however if at sea then emptying on a calm day is no problem, when in port, whatever system is chosen it is best to use shorside facilities asap, of course.

[Christian Van H]

another for the Lavac here...

[Sluce]

With great trepidation we installed a Nature's Head composting toilet last year and after a full season have nothing but good things to say. It works. There is no odor, no maintenance, and less hassle than a holding tank. The only issue would be over use. But for two people sailing weekends and a two week vacation it was the best choice I've found.