I can't improve on anything you said, Jeff (left intact below). In fact,
unless you object, I want to save it to my files to use in my own future
replies.

Your note that manual works better than the electric is true of all
"electrified" manual toilets. Putting motors on manual toilets does
nothing more than replace the pump handle...they're still manual pumps,
and motors do not do as good a job of pumping as people do.

Peggie
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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://shop.sailboatowners.com/books...ku=90&cat=1304


Jeff wrote:

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.

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