BocaJack wrote:
Folks, if you were going to single-hand around the world for a few
years, would you recommend a manual Lavac, or the manual Wilcox
Crittenden Skipper?

I understand that the Skipper is the least likely to clog due to
having the largest hole.


The W-C Skipper is not a vacuum head.

Also, what do you think about the idea of eliminating the 'Y' valve in
the system and just having direct to holding tank with the deck
pump-out?

That can be done easily. No legal hassles in many places, too.

... In a pinch, couldn't one manually pump it overboard from the
deck?

Yes, if you wanted to & had the pump & hoses with the right
fittings.

... Are not the macerator and Y vales the most likely place for
clogs to occur?


Not in my experience, although the macerator pump is one of
the most likely to fail components.


I've beaten the odor problem by using Trident Sani Shield hoses and
fresh water flushing. Now my concerns are clogging and
maintenance/durability.

I'm willing to pay as much as neeeded to avoid having to handle crap
off-shore.


Why? If you are that neurotic about the possibility of
having to touch poo-poo then you should take up another
hobby. Not gardening...

One last question. Is there anything special about the Baby Blake?
Just why is it so expensive? As a former Lexus technician, I can tell
you that a Lexus is virtually identical to a Toyota Camry LE. The
price difference is 99 percent cosmetic.

Don't forget the advertising.

.... Maybe it's the same with the
Baby Blake?

Maybe, but I doubt it.

It is rather funny that many companies market the exact same
product under different banners for different prices, the
'family value' label for economy and the 'prestige' label
for those who get an ego boost from paying $100 for a $10
item. But don't get so cynical that you believe *everything*
is marketed this way.

One of the reasons why the above works is the predictability
of so many people buying the cheapest possible product, no
matter how shoddy it is. This definitely applies to boats.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King