Electric Head for IP 350

I recently replaced the sanitation hoses on our IP 350 (with lots of help on this forum). The Admiral has now told me she would like to upgrade our Raritan PHII to an electric toilet. Unfortunately, there are severe space restrictions that are limiting my options for a new head. Are there any IP 350 owners out there that have done this project and if so what product did you select and were any special modifications required?

Thanks in advance.

Art
s/v Gypsy
IP 350 #3

Hi Art, we replaced our electric head with the Raritan manual head because you can not flush with fresh water using an electric head. You will have to flush with salt water and it can be very stinky. There may be a way to flush using fresh water but we never could figure it out. I think I would check around before you make the change.

Hi Art,
We had a 350 #7 – Island Star– and we converted the Raritan PHII to an electric head with the Raritan Sea Era Conversion Kit - Remote Seawater Pump - 90 Discharge - 12v, about $489 now from amazon and others. We had first converted the 350 to a Vac-U-Flush head. The Vac-u-flush is a great head but more complicated to install and more expensive. It worked well and gave about 90 flushes in the holding tank. A big deal in the great lakes.
When we left Lake Erie in 2005 and started cruising we used it for about 2 years – and it worked well. The problem is that a full set of spares costs about $1000. That’s for everything that moves, motor, pump, duck valves, electric solenoid, etc. I wanted a full set spares on a cruising boat with one head (the Admiral isn’t pleased with a Lowes bucket and a seat). So…When it came time to rebuild it and replace the spares we sold it. Hence the Sea Era.
We have had a Sea Era on the 350 and now have two on the IP 40 – Delicia. They are bullet proof. Very simple robust units.
I modified the standard installation so I could control flush water volume and flush water source supplied to the head. I removed the integral raw water pump attached to the aft end of the pump unit on the head. This is easy – it just unbolts. (It makes the head a bit shorter which is helpful for the 350 installation) The other end of the unit which does the dirty work of grinding and pumping out the head is un- changed. To supply raw flush water to the head I use Shruflo fresh water pumps. Something like the Shurflo Aqua King Junior Fresh Water Pump (2.0Gpm), about $100. The Shurflo is plumbed to raw water. There are two separate control buttons – One for the Shurflo – water in, and one for the SeaEra – water & waste out. When discharging over board you can use lots of raw water and clean the lines well. Raw water heads don’t sink if you pump lots of water. When using the holding tank you can use the bare minimum of water and get more flushes in the holding tank.
I completely agree with Anglefish’s comments – raw heads water sink if you don’t run lots of raw water thru them, which limits the flushes you can get in the holding tank. Fresh water flushing reduces odor. So…. with this installation we use the shower sprayer to supply fresh water when necessary i.e. when using the holding tanks and we are worried about capacity. This saves lots of fresh water because you can use only what you need and direct the spray where you need it to wash the toilet. Also it is a failure proof way to maintain the air gap between your potable water and your toilet. Raritan makes a fresh water flushing conversion but I worry about contamination and it always uses my valuable fresh water.
Other comments: You can mount the shruflo pump anywhere that is covientent; because it is a macerating head you can use 1” hose which is way easier install and takes less water to clear than 1.5” hose; the head can easily handle large volumes of any kind of toilet paper.
Our experience for what it’s worth.
George
S/V Delicia

George, thanks for your quick and detailed response...very helpful. A follow up question. You mentioned two separate control buttons. Are they programable, meaning that the raw water pump pumps in a predetermined amount of water while you are simultaneously pressing the macerator/discharge pump? Or do you simply press both until all contents have been discharged?

I agree with you that with sufficient pumping of raw water, one can greatly reduce if not eliminate odor.

Again, thanks for your detailed response.

Art

Hi Art,
You can press one, the other or both. The toilet will evacuate faster than the raw water comes in even if you hold both buttons down. You are trying to limit the input water, this is the whole purpose of using a separate supply. This gives you the ability to put water in the bowl first if the situation dictates. It makes the toilet flush cleaner just like at home.
Not programmable, These are simple monetary on/off buttons. Push the out button and the macerator part runs, you can tell when the bad stuff is gone by the change in sound. Push the in button and the Surflo water pump puts raw water in the head, you can watch it fill, Really simple. I did a cut and paste on Defender catalog for a switch that does the job, ( you only need one because you get one with the SeaEra conversion),
Below is a Defender Catalog cut paste for a pump, and an Amazon cut paste for the SeaEra conversion.
Also, Here is a link to the exploded parts view for the Raritan Sea Era conversion. www.raritaneng.com/wp-content/uploads/20...215SeaEraExpview.pdf Take a look, you remove assembly #162000W on the last page of the drawing – easy, 4 long machine screws. Then when the motor turns only the extraction and macerator part because the raw water fill pump is gone.
The IP 350 toilet output plumbing stays the same it can be directed into the tank or overboard depending on how the valve is set. Do you have a Macerator installed?
DEFENDER CUT AND PASTEPUSH BUTTON SWITCH:
Cole Hersee Heavy Duty Push-Button Switch with Momentary On
Cole Hersee Heavy Duty Push-Button Switch with Momentary On
Item # : 204591 Pole / Throw: SPST, Action: OFF - (ON)
Max. Operating Amperage: 10 Amps @ 12 Volt DC, (2) Brass Screw Terminals
Fits Panels up to 3/4" Thick, Gasket-Sealed Case
Model Number: M-485 BP $12.99
RAW WATER SUPPLY PUMP: SHURflo®'s 4128 fresh water pump design was created with a unique over-molded single-piece diaphragm, assuring long life and top performance in all plumbing systems
Designed as the next legendary pump to exceed the expectations of our customers, the 4128 pump is constructed for smooth flow
Multi-fixture Marine fresh water pump installation
This pump may be used for general fresh water transfer
The 4128 fresh water automatic demand pump is quiet, thermally protected and can run dry without damage
Specifications:
Voltage 12 Volts DC
Draw: (Max.) 3.5 Amps
Flow Rate GPM/LPM 2.0 GPM (7.6 LPM)
Shut-Off Pressure 30 PSI (2.0 BAR)
Type: (4) Chamber Diaphragm pump
Ports: 1/2"-14 NPSM-Male
Liquid: 130° F (54° C) Max
Dry-Prime: 6 feet (1.82 M) Run Dry: Yes
Replaces 2901 Pump
Sealed Switch
Sealed Motor
Corrosion Resistant Electro Coated Motor
(4) Independent Chambers
Built-In Check Valve
Co-Molded Diaphragm
Adjustable Switch
Self-Priming up to 6 Feet
Dry Run Capability
Thermally Protected
Ignition Protected, CE
Dimensions: 8.2" x 4.9" x 4.1" (208 x 124 x 104 mm)
$81.99
CUT AND PASTE FROM AMAZON
Sea Era Conversion Kit12vRemote Seawater Intake90° DischargeAn inexpensive way to replace your electric or manual toilet. Save the toilet bowl and seat and replace the lower base.Benefits:Economical electric macerating marine toilet. Sea Water models can be run dry without damaging the pump. Low power consumption and quieter operation for on-board pressurized freshwater models. Heavy-duty marine push button switch is included. Product : RARITAN SEA ERA CONVERSION KIT REMOTE PUMP 0 & 90 DEG 12VDC Manufacturer : RARITAN ENGINEERING Manufacturer Part No : 160LR012 UPC : 085462014390 $489
If you wish to discuss more, give me a call – 937-478-7189
George

George, thanks again for your assistance, I have parts on order and ready to tackle this project next week. The answers and support I have received on this forum have been really helpful. Again, thanks! Art