B40-Head questions

[GaryG]

We are fitting out a new B40 and have a couple of questions.

First-the baot comes with a Jabsco electric flush head, plumbed to a seawater intake. How reliable are these units. i sorta like the good old hand pump, but the admiral likes the electric.

Second-has anyone added a holding tank gauge?  Its nice to know when a pumpout is needed.

 

[Alan]

You'll like the electric flush head for convienience.  The Jabsco is quite loud in my estimation.  I've had no problems so far in 2 years.  I don't have a holding tank guage but find access to the tank easy to monitor via the access doors in each head.  I know there is at least one member that has added a tank monitor and you may want to search the discussion forum for more information.  Personally, If I made any modification to the system, I would look to add a fresh water flush system. 

 

congrats on your new boat,

 

Alan

 

 

[clayton curtis]

Gary,

I've been using mine almost everyday for a couple of years without any problems with the pump. There's the occasional instance when a guest doesn't know how to use it and panics and makes things worse by pushing wrong buttons repeatedly. And every now and then it seems to have a bit of trouble but usually wins the battle. ahem... The only thing we have had to replace is the Y-valve which got stuck and the handle broke when trying to switch it. You should try to flip it back and forth as often as possible and don't leave it for a long period of time in one position. If you are going to leave it, then run a bowl of fresh water thru it and close of the seacock. We also regularly soak with vinegar (to break up salt water calcification) and a bit of mineral oil (to lube the fittings) - head salad dressing. On my to-buy list, however, is a backup pump for the day that it dies, which I'm sure will be when I have fancy guests on board. Thanks for reminding me.

I've been also eyeing a holding tank gauge, but have not purchased it yet. Should be easy to do (see my post on fuel gauge problems, as I plan to use that brand - very reliable). For now, we just pump-out as often as it is convenient.

clayton

[Mark and Karen]

Congratulations on the new boat, always an exciting time.
We have a 43 with twin heads and went for one electric and one 'manual pump'so that we had all options covered. However we are just about to replace the pump out for a second electric (waiting to be installed) Jabsco unit as this has given no problems what so ever.
Holding tank gauge is a good idea too, many different sorts and we fitted a SCAD (dead easy) and a write up/pics on our website.
Happy sailing

[Mike Brown]

We have two electric toilets on our 43 and both have been fine. I've had to replace the joker/check valves on both but I consider that to be normal maintenance. We also converted to fresh water flush on both and love it. I installed check valves to ensure waste water doesn't backflow into the fresh water side. Now the only foul odors are from the captain which the admiral seems intent on reminding me about :)

[Fred McNeil]

Mike

 

We also have a 43 but opted to dedicate one of the two fresh water tanks to the toilets and one for drinking. Keeps the two systems totally seperate. The pumps have no issue drawing the unpressurized fresh water from the tank..

I agree with everyone's evaluation, the heads have been very dependable.

 

Fred