Lavac - Zenith or Popular?

[MacYottie]

Hi

One of this winter's refit jobs is to replace the Jabsco toilet with a Lavac. This season the Jabsco pump has been a source of constant struggle and it finally disintergrated on our way back from Ireland in September - Joy! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

However, the price difference between the Lavac Popular and the Zenith models is not insignificant and I would welcome views on the merits of the Zenith over the Popular model - does it justify its £150 premium?

We use our boat for nearly six months of the year so we'll see the new Lavac quite alot!

TIA

 

[Kilter]

Was going to say Popular anyway but check here. fitted a pop in Kilter 5 years ago and it's still perfect. Previous boat had one from new and has only had the seals replaced once despite being a full time liveaboard for several years.

 

[HeadMistress]

According to the US importer, there isn't enough difference between the two models any more to matter.

 

[Boathook]

Having last winter replaced a baby blake with a lavac popular I will make the following comments. Lavac is nice and easy to use. Used the big bleed vent in the inlet to speed up the venting after pumping. The seat is not as comfortable as the baby blake as it is just a round thing. If the zenith has more shape it might be worth the extra expense. The ultimate would be a baby blake with a sealing seat and lid which gives me an idea ....... /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[Vara]

The main difference is size so the size of your bum should determine your choice.
(images lifted from Blakes site)

 

[Searush]

I have a 33yr old Zenith with a cracked seat. Seat replacement is about £56. I can have a whole Popular including the pump for £135 on special offer at the moment. Populars have been modified to reduce the costs of production. Part of this saving may have been passed on to the customer . . . . or maybe the Zenith's price has simply been inflated to reduce its appeal?
If anyone is replacing their old Zenith I would be happy to buy it (or at least the seat) for spares. Mail me direct steve.kean(at)virgin.net if you have one!

 

[Heigaro]

Fitted a Lavac eighteen months ago - no regrets.
It was the height that guided my decision - I like to have my feet planted firmly when in anything of a seaway - see colmce's diagrams.

 

[samwise]

I tried both before buying and found the slighly bigger bowl of the Zenith more comfortable for those of us more generously endowed in the botty department. When space in the head is an issue this may also dictate the choice. Lavac told me that the Zen was more expensive because it is British made and although the ceramic bit seems to be a bit more substantial on the Zen, I have not carried out a back to back ( should it be bottom to bottom?) comparison to see if there is a significant difference in quality. The spares issue is more important. In my experience, Popular spares, such as seals are generally found more frequently on the chandlery shelves. I always carry a spare set of seals on board.