Vacuum Heads

[timentide]

Has anyone had experience of this type of heads? How do they compare with those with macerators? Any better than standard manual pump types?
Seems a reasonable type of heads if they work.

 

[ArthurWood]

Been using VacuFlush for over 8 yrs with only one minor prob some years back - vac switch failed. Ex IMO, but suction is noisy for 3 sec when flushing and vac pump clunks away for about 15 sec after flush. However, no smell, uses little fresh water. Tend not to use it at night if others in our mid-cabin as vac pump is beneath. Is the head of choice on upmarket US boats (if that's anything to go by!)

 

[webcraft]

A frieind has a manual vacuum heads in his Moody 33S, and it works really well - requires approx. the same amount of pumping as a manual pump type, but is probably less likely to choke - it generates a hell of a vacuum, making it almost impossible to lift the seat for several minutes after use. (So I suppose it might be a hassle if there was a queue of desperate people . . .)

- Nick

 

[Strathglass]

Lavac heads use the vacuum principle for operation. They are very reliable, use little water and are generally simple to clear a blockage without stripping. Many hire fleets use only them because of their relibility and simplicity.
Iain.

 

[chippie]

Re: Lavac

I agree with Iain , I have quite an old one on my boat and have never had trouble with it.

 

[DanTribe]

I have had a manual Lavac on a previous boat for 20 years with no problems.Been unable to block it despite my best efforts! Very simple to maintain and the pump could double as emergency bilge pump.If using the electric version, make sure that the switch cannot be operated whilst seated.

 

[webcraft]

Doesn't bear thinking about . . .