SEA ERA

F

foggysail

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exMember
Joined
Aug 30, 2004
RO Number
15080
Messages
248
My raw water Crown just pooped. This dog has given me problems since we purchased the boat. No, I am not dumping on the Crowns in general. I have a fresh water Crown and it works flawlessly.

But the other dog will not discharge, just keeps filling. So I shut off the ball valve preventing additional water from entering and then ran the motor. OH--- last year I changed the ceramic cutter in it and the one I replaced looked almost new. I had the same problems last year.

OK, now back to running the motor or motors as the case may be. Sounded sick! but being the nice guy I am, I kept giving this thing the chance to feed the ducks. That did it!

The circuit breaker trips now after about 30 seconds. The breaker may even be damaged because they have a limited number of trip cycles before they belly up.

I think it was about 4 years ago when I purchased the freshwater Crown.........for about $650 if I remember correctly. I looked at the prices today and would have passed tears or other forms of H2O until I remembered "I might just have to spoon this #$%^& out!"

Sea Era!!! The bang for the buck looks better than the Crowns as long as it isn't me that ends up getting banged. Unless I am advised to consider something else, I believe that is what I am going to order when I get back from vacation. Geez! Thats another joy here in Massachusetts! We still are using wool blankets to sleep. Some days we get lucky and the sun pays a visit but usually not long enough for anybody to remove the blanket to take to the beach.

Gore!!!!! GLOBAL WARMING????????? They are out of their minds.

Foggy
 
Look at the fresh water Elegance. I had Jabsco and VacuFlush prior to getting the Elegance fantastic unit eats anything, uses very little water when it is not needed.
Bill
 
Bill-- Who makes the Elegance? I looked at Jabsco at Anchor. Could not find any reference to that unit.

Foggy
 
I'm with Bill. Raritan Marine Elegance. Boatfix has it.
 
Yes! I did a Google and found it. How the heck does one pick out a toilet with prices ranging from $391 for the model 220HF01202 all the way up to $899 for the model 220AHS012? Without putting in the time needed to study the differences, the prices surely represent major differences.

Foggy

EDIT: I am going to seek more information before I make a purchase. Some things are self evident such as fresh water/sea water. Right now I am lost in models without details.
 
Ron, thank you.

Last night I visited West Marine's site to see if there was information regarding the differences in the units. They listed about 7-8 units WITH EXACTLY THE SAME description.

Even the main Raritan section on Boatfix lacks information on the Elegance. Before I purchase anything, I need to check the mechanical dimensions to be sure it will fit where the Crown now sits.

Raritan should make it easier to get product information on this unit.

Foggy
 
Raritan Marine Elegance! I installed one this year and it is terrific! For the money I don't think there is a better value on the market anywhere.

Bought mine from BoatFix, installation was a snap.

Bob

quote:
Originally posted by foggysail

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quote:
Originally posted by foggysail

Ron, thank you.

Last night I visited West Marine's site to see if there was information regarding the differences in the units. They listed about 7-8 units WITH EXACTLY THE SAME description.

Even the main Raritan section on Boatfix lacks information on the Elegance. Before I purchase anything, I need to check the mechanical dimensions to be sure it will fit where the Crown now sits.

Raritan should make it easier to get product information on this unit.

Foggy

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If you search their site, you can find the manual/installation guide in downloadable form. It should have all the dimensions you need. I did that before I bought one.

It appears to be linked off this site, left side of page:

http://www.raritaneng.com/products/toilets/electric/marine_elegance.htm

For the record, I'm not getting a commission on these things - it's just that this is the slickest marine head I have ever seen. And as opposed to the weekly problems with my old Jabsco, this thing has been completely trouble free.

I do agree that all the manufacturers offer a lot more options than they used to - the state of the art has advanced. The ones that look like they came off a WWII U-boat appear to be a thing of the past.
 
Thanks Ron, I got the dimensions!!! Will measure when I go to the boat Friday.

Boatfix!!! I have purchased numerous things from them. I now believe they are starting to s l i p!

For instance, the Elegance is getting GREAT reviews I see after reading in this forum. But when one opens the Raritan section (found in the search dropdown) there is ziltch mention about the Elegance. Further, it is tough to find anything there regarding the Elegnace.

Not sure I will purchase an Elegance from them. Too many other sites out there pushing the product.

Foggy
 
I originally found out about the unit in my ABYC magazine. I also seem like a commercial for this head but I have had my share of problems with other heads. I really am not sure this head can be clogged. If I had any advice it would be to open the throat of the basin a bit. I purchased the one with the 4 button control unit. While I was at it I decided it was time for a Hold-N-Treat controller and a PuraSan using my existing 36 gallon poly waste tank. I feel I have the best system out there. They even make a model that you can switch between fresh water or sea water intake. I think this model would be good for extended times out if you have small fresh water holding tanks. I have a watermaker and have 2 large water tanks so this isn't a problem.
Bill
 
Foggy I think BoatFix has the least expensive price for the equipment including the head above. I bought my head before it was commercially launched direct from Vic. The rest of the treatment stuff I bought here at BoatFix and I saved lots of coin.
Bill
 
Bill, I don't want to dump more on Boarfix other than to say they do not have the best price. If you do a Google you will see.

A WATERMAKER????????????? WOW!!! I thought of one but just could not justify the purchase. My boat is not ever going to be that far away from potable water. I don't know about your Mainship but my 40' Silverton Aftcabin is just about filled. I am not sure I would even be able to fit a watermaker in.

Tomorrow I head to the boat. I will know then if the mechanical deminensions are compatibile.

Foggy
 
Guys, the best thing is to do your homework in advance of ordering, to be sure you know exactly what you're ordering. I noticed mention of West Marine's website and BoatFix's website, when looking for model numbers, etc. Why not go to Raritan's website, or call Raritan (800-352-5630) first? That way you can get any questions answered, and get the correct part number for the model you want - before going to West Marine or BoatFix - or anyone else.

On the Marine Elegance head in particular, you will find a wide range of prices on different websites - they can range anywhere from $300.00 to $1500.00. Be sure you're actually ordering the exact model you want. The model they are advertising on any given website is usually the very cheapest one, and may not have all the features you are looking for. The manufacturer's part numbers are crucial to getting the specific model you're looking for - so be sure to have that in advance, or what you get may not be the model you thought you were ordering. Keep in mind that the cheapest is rarely ever the best. If you're not sure what you're doing, give me a call (800) 352-5630, ext. 244. - I don't bite (at least not where it shows...) :D
 
I know I didn't pay over $1,ooo for my unit and it has the 4 control unit and is freshwater. Maybe I got the early bird deal? I did get my answers from Vic himself at the Atlantic City boatshow and on the board (after I had ordered and was waiting for production). So I bought mine from Raritan but as I said the Hold-N-Treat controls/conversion kit and PuraSan were purchased from Boatfix. Keep in mind I ordered my stuff last winter and at the time West Marine wasn't in their deep discount mode and Boaters World was still open or not in liquidation. So my purchases were done prior to this boating season. There is one common thread Vic at Raritan. I have had minor hook up issues and all questions were answered and I was never left hanging.
Bill
 
Bill-- What do you find to be the most important regarding the switches? At present I am considering the model 220HF01201 that has 3 switches. Do you see any benefits with your 220HF012 having all four switches? I believe the 1201 lacks the "empty" option.

Also......... this thing is only 12" off the floor. THAT IS VERY LOW! Do you have a raised section upon which the toilet sets in your boat? My old sailboat had a rasied platform but my Silverton does not. Is the height or lack of a problem to you?

Foggy
 
I have a raised fiberglassed gelcoated step the head sits on so I havw no problems with it's hiegt. Since I have a Mainship very similar to Silvertons I am surprised there is not a raised head area? I like the 4 button model because I can empty the head when we are expecting rough conditions. I think the 3 button solution would be fine in most installations. One other nice feature about the empty is well lets say you have a nasty #2 you can start eating it then add water with the fill button then press the 1 flush button. If its really bad then I do the multi cycle button. I would think sailboats would benefit best from the 4 button control head. Keep in mind most times like the water fill, and the time the head flushes are programmable. Vic correct me if I made any mistakes.
Foggy if you don't have a raised area I can see where the Elegance would be a problem at 12" off the head's deck.
Bill
 
Yeah Bill, no raised section under the heads. Had a raised section in my old Hunter sailboat but not the Silverton.

Maybe the Elegance is not for me. Need to think about it.

Foggy
 
For the heck of it I just broke out the tape measure my bump up is 7". The Elegance is 13" from the base to the top of the seat. The toilet's seat adds an inch not enough but I figured I'm here let me measure everything for you Foggy. I can't imaging sitting 13" off of the head's floor. So my seat sits 20" off my floor. It's too bad it is really a good head again I think it would eat anything thrown in it.
Bill
 
A attractive 3"-4" pedestal to mount it on would be really easy to build and, IMHO, worth the effort.

Bob

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quote:
Originally posted by Billylll

For the heck of it I just broke out the tape measure my bump up is 7". The Elegance is 13" from the base to the top of the seat. The toilet's seat adds an inch not enough but I figured I'm here let me measure everything for you Foggy. I can't imaging sitting 13" off of the head's floor. So my seat sits 20" off my floor. It's too bad it is really a good head again I think it would eat anything thrown in it.
Bill

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