Head Overhaul

For a workable boat, the head HAS to work properly and be comfortable. The standard-sized Catalina heads are horrible. They are the smallest size Jabsco heads, and are so small that they are difficult to use and very uncomfortable to sit on. The previous owners were day sailors who used the marina pumpout regularly, and had removed the standard macerator pump and hull discharge pipe. The hull discharge valve had not been used for a long time and was seized. I intended to frequently cruise the boat for longer periods, so this was all a no-go for me.

In with the new full-size head. So comfy!

I did a lot of research looking for a better alternative. I did a deep dive into dessicating toilets like the Airhead, which are attractive because of their capacity compared to a holding tank. However, they have a fundamental weakness in that the process of separating waste liquids from solids is not just an ideal, but must be diligently maintained. If the solids compartment gets contaminated with liquids, then the whole process breaks down, and the "dry" compartment needs to be cleaned and reprimed. I was not worried that I would be unable to do this, but think that it is impractical to believe that day-sailing guests will correctly follow instructions and protocols (anecdotal accounts say that they often do not). Thus, I decided to completely replace all of the head plumbing, pumps and valves, and to install a brand new full-sized conventional head.

Out with the old micro seat

I was surprised to find that the full-size Jabsco head is a straight swap with the same mounting bolt arrangement. This made a potentially complex job, a relatively simple component swap. The original blackwater tank was in great condition (thankfully) so there was no need to contemplate the daunting job of a replacement. Instead, with the exception of the tank pump out hose (which must have been replaced at some point) I replaced everything else, including the tank vent hull fitting.

Showing the loop from the pump to discharge valve

As noted above the original macerator pump and discharge pipes had been removed by the PO. I did a lot of research on pumps, and found that macerator pumps are guaranteed to stop working regardless of how expensive they are. So I used a large capacity Jabsco diaphragm pump instead, and have had no problems with it so far. I wired the pump directly to the batteries and use a circuit breaker to actuate the pump (currently taped to the head-to-tank hose. This means lifting the bunk covers to discharge the holding tank, but this must be done to open the valves anyway. 

For hoses, I used non-permeable West Marine hose for the straight run from the head to the holding tank, but beautiful Italian-made Raritan hose from the y-valve through to the hull discharge valve. I needed to make a 180 turn from the pump to hull discharge, which this high-quality (and expensive) hose can accomodate without collapsing. The Y-valve is made by Bosworth and works smoothly with no leaks. 

Yes, I cleaned out the hull grunge after the install

The most difficult problem was the seized 1.5" hull discharge valve. When the boat was hauled out for bottom paint (see previously), I removed and dismantled the valve. These valves are supposed to last a lifetime and are expensive. I found that the valve could not be made to work smoothly, so purchased and installed a new valve (note that the pictures show the old valve). I use freshwater from the bathroom sink for flushing the head, so don't use the seawater intake valve and hose, and left the original setup as it is, other than inspecting the valve and hose.

1.5" Marelon Ball Valve $210

 This setup overall works well for me. The new head is vastly more comfortable for me and my guests. I don't like using the Marina pump-out, but routinely sail in the ocean so can discharge the head tank beyond the 3-mile zone. It is now my go-to excuse for a sail out of the Golden Gate.

Costs:     

$30     Blue Sea A-Series Single Pole White Toggle 10A Circuit Breaker (West Marine)

$390   Jabsco 12v Diaphragm Waste Evacuation Pump (West Marine)

$210   Forespar 1.5" Marelon Ball Valve (West Marine)

$319   Jabsco Full-Size Twist'n'Lock Manual Toilet (West Marine)

$49     1.5” Bosworth Sea-lect® Diverter Valves (West Marine)

$73     1.5” Raritan Sani/Flex Sanitation Hose (Defender)

$22     1.5” Series 148 - White PVC Sanitation (West Marine)

$82     Tax (estimated)

$?       Tank vent hull fitting

$?       various hose clamps / other

$1175 Total (minimum)