Would it be a crime....?

[JesseLoynes]

To replace our non working Baby Blake, with something new?

I've taken the loo out to service it, and I'm going to need a set of replacement seals and bits. So there goes £180 and a bit of work, and judging by most comments, it will need tweaking fairly often for ever onwards.

The alternative would probably be a Lavac, £30 cheaper for an entirely new loo, and the comments and experiences all seem very good indeed.

Based on that, it is an easy decision to go for the Lavac, but I'm not sure if it won't upset me every time I look in the boat... to see that bit of plastic sat there amongst the timber that's been in place for more than 70 years.

Then again, I'll be even more upset if I see that the BB is leaking again! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Is it that much of a crime to fit something clean, efficient and easy to maintain, not to mention much cheaper, into a traditional boat.

Or am I being silly to be so worried about something that firstly is the one thing I really don't want to worry about reliability issues, and secondly is always behind a closed door?

I know there's a jury here... there always is! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

What's the verdict?

Jess.

 

[Kukri]

May I suggest a half way house?

I assume its leaking at the top of the soil pump and the top of the inlet pump, because they always do.

Don't just repack the glands; replace the rods, not with new bronze ones from Blakes but with 316 stainless ones - get your local workshop to turn them to fit. The problem is that they wear more in the middle than at the ends - a problem with all piston rods but one that Blakes have never got their mind around.

This is not a new idea - I owe it to a long dead eminent cruising yachtsman.

Oh, and don't replace the parts that don't need it - hang on to them!

 

[JesseLoynes]

To be honest, it's not really leaking because it's locked solid!

It was out of use for 4 years, and all the seals I've had a look at so far are cracked and shot.

Certainly if any parts are reusable they'll be refitted and the new bits kept, but you are now also talking about buying stainless rod, and getting it turned to my specs, as well as buying the spares pack. That's now heading to twice the price of a new loo, and it could still cause hassle...

I'd love to keep it, but it needs a new seat as well, and I'm just not sure I can afford it to be honest. Not for something that might not be 100% efficient.

 

[JesseLoynes]

Just been playing with it a litte more, actually, it's not that bad, just a little seized inside.

I bet it's worth getting it working, even if it's just to sell it. But actually, it has to go in again, I've had another look, and it's too nice to let go.

By the way, is there a significance in the shape of the bowl? Round or Oval?

Any advice or helpful hints would be very welcome too!

 

[Casey]

When I refurbished the Blakes in Kala Sona I was on the final stage of refitting the bowl and managed to crack the pedestal - the last turn of the last screw! I bought a second hand replacement from the barge on the Hamble at about half the price I would have had to pay for a new one.

If you are down that way it is worth a browse around the barge - you may even get the bits you need.

 

[ccscott49]

Keep the BB, you know you'd miss it!

 

[Sequoiah1]

I replaced the last surving Blake in our 12 tonner this winter with a brand new jabsco of the 'locking valve type', I am a firm believer in recycling but with spares costs for Blakes it just did not seem viable. I now have a wonderful chrome blake and a recently acquired replacemt shut off valve on the back which was why I replaced it in the first place. Can I sell it? Nope! So i dont think they have a lot of sh value but am going to'sit on it for while' until I get fed up with it taking up space. The Jabsco is just more user friendly for onboard visitors.

 

[pyrojames]

I have a BB in the shed, and a working Jabsco on board, soon to be joined by a Lavac. I think the BB has had its day.

 

[old_salt]

[ QUOTE ]

By the way, is there a significance in the shape of the bowl? Round or Oval?

Any advice or helpful hints would be very welcome too!

[/ QUOTE ]

"Oval" every time those Little round things are oribal in anything thing of a seaway at 45* you shuffle back wards and for wards pee all over your trousers and the place.
Its an oval one for me every time.
As for refurbishing the BB all the bits are available from Blake's and they do the piston rods in SS now also an uprated gland for the pump.
Keep the BB you know it makes sense.
It may be 60 to 80 years old and fully refurbished it will last another 60/80 years.
The last bit theres nothing like a really "comfortable Bog".

 

[Scarboroughsloop]

Is there a company that will do a refurb on the BB? I'd use them if there is....

The round bowls are I beleive older than the newer oval bowl.

 

[dur]

Any suggestions on the best place for spares? When I ordered some packing for our old round model I spoke to someone at Blakes for the part number and then had to order it from the local "chandlery" and it took weeks to come. I couldn't figure out which model we have from the manual.

 

[dur]

[ QUOTE ]
I assume its leaking at the top of the soil pump and the top of the inlet pump, because they always do

[/ QUOTE ]

Ours has a litle greaser cap on the top of the inlet pump - don't know if it is original but I wondered whether it would be possible to fit one to the outlet to reduce splash. I need to take it apart and inspect...

 

[Kilter]

I'm a great fan of the Lavac and it is a classic in its own right so I'd go for it!

Lavac was fitted to kilter when the original broke and it's been fine ever since. Might need a new seat seal in about 15 years or so i suppose!

 

[Scarboroughsloop]

I used these.

http://www.solentmarine.co.uk/

They are friendly and seem to know what they are doing......

 

[tobble]

Lee Sanitation seem to serve all the swindleries, and you can go direct to them. very knowledgeable and helpful, sold me a spares kit for a pretty obscure Canadian sea toilet a few years ago.

http://www.leesan.co.uk/

 

[Roach1948]

Well I have to admit I went for an entirely new loo; A lavac like you have been considering.

As my old BB was in a box in the forepeak, I never really appreciated it's beauty - so that is what swung it the Lavac way - and it has been a brilliant decision as it is the best sea toilet I have ever used (apart from when crew is seasick, as the lid takes around 3 minutes to unseal, and this might be three miuntes too long.......)

 

[Seanick]

Small bowl for small boats and small arses, large bowl for..........

Minn has hit the nail on thge head. Its the rods that wear in the middle. The stainless replacement is a good idea. I had not thiought of that one. I usually stick the rod in my lathe and skim a bit off. Gives another ten years.

My handy Blakes tip is.......slip an o ring between the gland packing. Stops pooh flavored weeps.

Next tip. Pour strong hot kettle descaler down the bowl before dismantling. It may free up and makes dismantling a doddle.


I have two Blakes. On for spares, another in the shed, and a Jabsco fitted in the boat, just like pyro!!

 

[dur]

Thanks for that website - looks useful. It says that the round bowl version - which we have - is really called the Baby Minor so I learn something new again.

 

[dur]

Going to have to try the O-ring tip. I'm getting bored of effluent in the eye.

Small bowl = small arses btw. Its the original bog I suppose.

 

[old_salt]

If you can find an oval bowl may be one on ebay or have a chat with PyroJames get one they are so much more comfortable and all the pumping bits will fit so I am told.