Raritan Crown head vs. Raritan Marine Elegance

J

jgrothe

Member
Joined
Aug 23, 2009
RO Number
31650
Messages
24
I am about to remove my crown head and replace it with a marine elegance, both made by Raritan. Does anyone have any comments or experience they are willing to pass along? I will be using the fresh water version.
 
We've been very, VERY happy with our ME. I think we've had it about 4 years now. I do have to replace the joker valves every year, but that's been about it (and it takes only about 30 minutes to change the valves). From what I hear from other ME users it's because my holding tank is higher than my head so I'm fighting gravity. I have to help a friend install one in a couple of weeks because he saw ours (well, his admiral did) and decided the ME is the way to go. Fresh water here too. No regrets at all. If I sell the boat I might take it with me!
 
ME without hesitation. Best marine head I ever used, saw or heard tell of. Mine was the fresh water version as well. Used about a pint of water to flush and never even gave a hint of clogging, even on Taco Night.

Bob
 
ME, I got one of the early production models, I have a spare joker valve but haven't needed to replace it yet. I think this is my 5th season, no clogs and is probably one of the most reliable systems on the boat -0- issues.
Bill
 
If your discharge from the Crown comes out and turns down thru the floor into the hull, the footprint of the ME won't cover the holes, in fact the Atlantes has a bigger footprint than the ME and it won't cover them. You will find you have a little more floor space after installing the ME as it fits flush against the wall where the Crown was out about 6"
 
Thanks all, for the positive comments.

BarrenRiver, on my current crown head, the discharge is 90 degrees to the right, at floor level. After it goes through the wall the discharge hose was installed with a few inches of rise (my guess, to create a trap and stop venting back to the toilet bowl) before it completes a 3' run at about 30 degrees to the holding tank. Because of the current 90 discharge angle behind the crown, I chose the angle back, to give me room to route the plumbing the same way. It appears you work for Raritan?? I welcome any feedback or input from you...or others. If pictures help, happy to add that to the dialogue.
 
Not really Raritan, but install and service their products. Just be careful and not twist or kink the rubber discharge hose from the toilet. If you plan on running new sanitation hose, you can use either 1" OR 1.5" I also suggest you get the tall version along with Smart Switch Control..The tall is $16 more ...however if you elect to go for the push button you can take $319 off the list price...BUT to me its worth having the STC...push a button and let it do its thing, plus having the STC allows you to do some programming to the toilet..longer flush, more or less water....etc, etc.

Here's the model number for a Marine Elegance, tall bowl, angled back, white, fresh water flush, 12vdc, with smart touch control

230HF012
MSR $945

If you want almond color instead of white add an A before the H & $20 to the price, for push button switch flush add 02 at the end and deduct $319
 
+1 on the Smart Control. I carry a spare momentary switch just in case, but have the SC makes the head even that much more useful.
 
The smart control rocks in my opinion. I was however suprised how the major flush was actually 3 flush cycles. I like the programable water level timer feature. The optional raw water and or fresh water dual option wasn't available when I bought my ME system. However I figure if I got low on fresh water I could use a bucket for the raw water flush by filling the bowel with the bucket and evacuating using the flush only button, then partially fill with the bucket.
This is the best "marine head" on the market bar none.
Bill
 
BarrenRiver, I've had an ME for 3 years and have not had a need to service it. Is there a service kit for it or joker valves that I should have on hand?

Thanks,
David
 
The original Raritan PHE II toilet on my Carver, (25 years old) finally died, two weeks ago. We called the Canadian Raritan distributor to learn that there were no Raritan Marine Elegance toilets in stock, anywhere in the country, that had the combination I was looking for/required....tall, white, straight-back, with the Smart Control, and sea water flush w motor. And, it was estimated to be a 6 week wait for our order to be filled...
Oddly, (I thought), it was suggested that we buy a cheap manual Jabsco, and throw it out, once the ME arrived. For now, I've just installed the Jabsco. We'll be hauled for the season 6 weeks from now...
 
Lucky Dog, I don't think there is a "kit" and if there was it would be like the others Raritan sells, a waste of money, because you don't use or need half the parts in the "kit" It does have joker valves, and according to Raritan, change yearly, if live aboard and 3 to 4 if recreational use.....I have never had to service one, but have one for display that I plan on taking apart and putting back together to learn more abut it.

Rythmstrat, something is kinda weird there, I can order one today and have it in 4 days...they must but it on a slow boat to China and back for you guys
 
I can drive to Raritan and get one the same day. I'm just saying there is no backlog here is the US that I am aware of.
Bill
 
rythmstrat, I'm in Ontario as well (Bayport). I put 2 ME's on my last boat and getting them was a pain up here. The distributor was raping us pretty badly, and I dealt with Raritan and the Rigging Shoppe in Toronto to get better prices (my first one cost $1800, but the second was $750). Give Mike a call at the Rigging Shoppe,1 (416) 752-1711 and ask him how quickly he can get them. He's always come through for me in the past, you can tell him Cameron told you to call.

If that doesn't work, you can always order one from the US. Even with shipping and taxes, it's probably close to the same cost.
 
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