Question for Peg re an old head
 

Hi Peg,
I'm re-outfitting my new (to me) 30 yr old sailboat. The boat came with a
head which I think is a Seaclos "Head-Mate", by Wilcox-Crittenden.
I unbolted it, and it looks OK (what do I know? The outside is clean...:)).
The question is...are rebuild kits still available, and if so, is it
worth messing with such an old appliance? Or should I just
toss it and buy a modern head?
Thanks...Norm B

engsol wrote:
Hi Peg,
I'm re-outfitting my new (to me) 30 yr old sailboat. The boat came
with a
head which I think is a Seaclos "Head-Mate", by Wilcox-Crittenden.
I unbolted it, and it looks OK (what do I know? The outside is
clean...:)).
The question is...are rebuild kits still available, and if so, is it
worth messing with such an old appliance? Or should I just
toss it and buy a modern head?
Thanks...Norm B

I've got one of those. Even though they're one of the cheapest heads on
the market it seems to work fine for me. And I believe in the 'if it
ain't broke' philosophy.

Not long ago Peg pointed me to:

http://www.wilcoxcrittenden.com/sani...-mate.asp?bid=

Problem is, the (retail) cost of a rebuild kit is about 1/2 the
(wholesale) cost of a brand new head. If it's a real old head-mate it
might be worthwhile to replace the whole thing.

engsol wrote:
Hi Peg,
I'm re-outfitting my new (to me) 30 yr old sailboat. The boat came with a
head which I think is a Seaclos "Head-Mate", by Wilcox-Crittenden.
I unbolted it, and it looks OK (what do I know? The outside is clean...:)).
The question is...are rebuild kits still available, and if so, is it
worth messing with such an old appliance? Or should I just
toss it and buy a modern head?


It's a toss-up. Although the HeadMate is W-C's "budget" model, the older
bronze ones are hard to wear out. The question is whether yours is
orgina--in which case the pump and base would be bronze..or a later
plastic version installed by a PO. If it's plastic, I'd replace it (and
btw, my choice would be a Raritan PH II)...but if it's bronze, I'd be
inclined to rebuild it. Keep it well lubricated, rebuild it every 5-6
years, and it will serve you well for years.

Btw, Mike...the HeadMate is not the cheapest toilet on the market...that
"honor"--price AND quality--goes to Jabsco.
--
Peggie
----------
Peggie Hall
Specializing in marine sanitation since 1987
Author "Get Rid of Boat Odors - A Guide To Marine Sanitation Systems and
Other Sources of Aggravation and Odor"
http://www.seaworthy.com/store/custo...0&cat=6&page=1