Rich Schultz wrote:
I am considering replacing a POS Raritan head with the Lavac Vacuum System.
Does anyone have any first hand experience with them?


I've had a Lavac on my cat for 7 years, which includes a year cruising
plus about 7 weeks aboard each summer.

It was originally a manual, but shortly after moving onboard I sprang
for the electric pump in order to save my elbow. If you want the
manual version, consider very carefully where the pump will be placed.

The manual works better than the electric, because you can give a
mighty tug to dislodge anything that might try to stick in the flapper
valve. The electric is too slow, so once or twice a year I have to
open the pump to clear it - that takes about 20 minute, so its not too
bad. I keep two spare manual pumps (the original, plus one from a
clearance table) so I know I have options. Its possible to put a
manual in series with an electric, and theoretically get the best of
both worlds.

One downside of the Lavac is that it defies description to
landlubbers. Guests will generally "hold it" rather than confront
it. And when it was new, it was far beyond the capability of our then
3 year old. Now she's 10, so she should be able to only need
occasional help.

While its not perfect, it has advantages for the dedicated cruiser.
However, if I had to do it over, I would consider the other vacuum
systems - Peggie can hopefully give her opinions on those.