Hi!
So as a new owner to a 1992 Catalina 34 that came with a head that didn't work it was obviously my first project. Decided to treat myself and get a Jabsco Deluxe flush electric head, no more explaining to non boaters how to flush lol. I will be editing a video of the whole process but I figured I'd share with the group the progress so far. I've worked with insulation foam as a plug material before and I like how easy it is to create any shape you want. The idea is to build a fiberglass insert that will accept the new head but that can be removed down the road if I change my mind or sell the boat and new owner wants to go a different route. Should look almost factory when I'm done.
Curious; is this a 17 in. or 14 in. Jabsco, and why did you select this electric head over other electrics, such as the Raritan Elegance or Dometic.
It's a 14" slant back model, no thought pattern went into why Jabsco and not a different brand. Every boat I've had has had a Jabsco head, going with what I know I suppose?
:thumb:
Thx!
Thanks for sharing with us.
Finished the plug today, taking it home with me to sand it down to where I like the look of it. Then I have out fairing compound all over it and sand again till I'm happy with it, bring back to the boat to confirm nothings moved. Then back home to glass over it and repeat the process. It's gonna take me a couple more weeks as I can only work on it over the weekends.
Quote from: LogoFreak on April 25, 2020, 10:52:47 PM
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The idea is to build a fiberglass insert that will accept the new head but that can be removed down the road if I change my mind or sell the boat and new owner wants to go a different route. Should look almost factory when I'm done.
Hi & Welcome.
I looked at your photos and went back to your OP. The piece I'm completely missing in understanding is: Why?
Doesn't the new head simply lag bolt onto the existing platform?
Hi Stu,
Simple answer, cause otherwise it won't fit. It's deeper and has a back that's meant to go against a bulkhead that in our boats doesn't exist.
Continuing on the project from home today, getting ready to apply low density filler and then sand it down. Not sure why this platform keeps rotating my pictures?
If anyone is interested I have a YouTube channel, it pretty new and I'm very new at content creating so bear with me. Eventually when I finish the project I will be uploading a video if the whole process.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK47pXEAVBykhtJXC-K8NMw
Did you see if it is operational with the new configuration? I'm wondering about water level.
Hi Mark, could you expand on your question? Not sure what you mean? Head came with a raw water pressure pump, unsure how the water level has an impact on the functionality of the head?
I don't know much about how the head works but I know mine is below the waterline for some reason. Your raw water pump may make that unnecessary. I just think it's a good idea to see if it actually functions well before doing the final fit up.
There are different types of installations and in all cases a system can be arranged for it to work. If your head is below the water line then a hose routed through a vented loop above the waterline is all you need. Same with with the holding tank and it's discharge hose, if the tank is below the waterline a vented loop above the waterline is required for your discharge hose.
Here's the link to the heads manual, you can see all the options listed for the installation based on any particular case. https://www.xylem.com/siteassets/brand/jabsco/58xx0-technical-datasheet-en.pdf
Don't think I can get a job making wedding cakes anytime soon :D
Quote from: LogoFreak on April 27, 2020, 01:25:38 PM
Don't think I can get a job making wedding cakes anytime soon :D
Maybe it's the color??? :D :D :D
Had you considered just a bigger base only?
I think his goal was to not leave the back of the toilet open (exposing internal machinery/guts)? Making a bigger base and a panel to cover the back, may have been another way to go.
One more layer of glass and I can fair and paint the outside. I will be glassing the inside as well so it's encapsulated to make it stronger and not let any smell or moisture impregnate the foam.
Quote from: Noah on April 29, 2020, 03:14:44 PM
I think his goal was to not leave to back of the toilet open (exposing internal machinery/guts)? Making a bigger base and a panel to cover the back, may have been another way to go.
I did, for a very short moment. This is what it would look like.
Using paint instead of gelcoat?
I've always felt the best remodeling job is one where you can't tell anybody worked there.
That's a great design Logo and looks well thought out, I can't wait to see the finished product.
Quote from: Noah on April 29, 2020, 09:41:30 PM
Using paint instead of gelcoat?
Probably, I've considered gelcoat but it's bridle and will crack over time I feel. Probably use a polyurethane paint, trick is going to be to match the colour as close as I can.
Quote from: ewengstrom on April 30, 2020, 03:31:40 AM
I've always felt the best remodeling job is one where you can't tell anybody worked there.
That's a great design Logo and looks well thought out, I can't wait to see the finished product.
Thanks Eric! I can't wait till it's done either! Bought the boat just over a month ago and haven't been able to head out for more than a couple of hours because of the non functioning head. I hope I can get it all done in the next couple of weeks so I can head out for a weekend.
Ain't that funny.....the only thing working reliably on Ohana right now IS the head...other than that, I'm getting close on everything else. :clap
Nice job and thank you for the pictures!
Back on the boat today to check on clearances on back side of it so I can glass that part in.
I didn't take many pictures of the process, I'm definitely not an expert and have spent more time fixing my mistakes so not really of anything benefit to anyone lol. Heading to the boat to do a final fit check and then it's paint time.
Quick update, got the first coat of gel coat on it today. Probably a total of 3 to 4 coats with wet sanding in between. I'd like to achieve a flat polished surface.
Woohoo! Houston we have flushtoff! Took me far longer than I thought, work schedule and restrictions have made this a longer project than I had hoped for. All done now and the wait was worth it. I will post a link to the video as well but here's a few pictures.
Nice job.
Looks great
Logo, I've been following your head rework project.
For the head base platform in this thread, you do great work. It looks like you went with a gel-coat instead of a paint. Where/how did you find the matching gelcoat? it looks like a really good match for the Catalina interior gelcoat.
Thanks
Rob.
Very slick install!!
Antoni : Very nice job!! :D
A thought
Quote from: rmjohns on January 27, 2021, 09:45:59 AM
Logo, I've been following your head rework project.
For the head base platform in this thread, you do great work. It looks like you went with a gel-coat instead of a paint. Where/how did you find the matching gelcoat? it looks like a really good match for the Catalina interior gelcoat.
Thanks
Rob.
LOL, I actually got stupid lucky colour matching! Used white gel coat and started adding yellow till I thought it was good.
Quote from: Ron Hill on January 27, 2021, 02:30:43 PM
Antoni : Very nice job!! :D
A thought
Thanks! It's was a fiddly process but I'm happy with how it came out. It was a test run for my upcoming hard dodger project ;-)
Aloha,
I had a new head installed and he made a teak pedestal that worked well. I will attach a pic for you.
Cheers, Susan
Susan- what model head is yours?
It's a 2018 Marine Elegance by Raritian.
Susan- very interesting! Is it a straight-back or an angle-back model? Did your installer have to cut into the head compartment hull liner to fit/push toilet outboard to fit? Can you please post/PM or email me some additional pics from other angles? I am interested in installing the same unit.
Aloha,
Sorry I didn't get back sooner. I will attach more pics. The installer didn't modify anything but turned it slightly to stern, and add teak block.
Good Luck!
It wouldn't load other pics..heres one more. Hope they help.