What piece of equipment on a boat gets a great deal of respect, receives more attention and pampering then the first mate? Do not know? Well more hints...it is a shinny white object that is approached with respect for its care and needs, and is coddled to assure it has a long life.

A working marine toilet!!

Yes, unlike a toilet in a house the head is very temperamental, and will stop functioning over the smallest of reasons. Heads have been known to choke, clog up, over a small hair. I know personally I do not comb my hair with the lid open. Head have been known to sink boats because of the valve systems.

The head can become the most hated piece of equipment, when it is not working. And a repair is the most avoided job, often dreaded because of the the stink and mess that a rebuild involves. Why take a photo and write up the details... it was how I spent my week end and I am joyous that the task is over.

The attached picture is a photo of the head on the deck, where a whole day was spent cleaning, repairing and replacing the numerous seals. In fact seven, yes seven seals were replaced. And true to the life on a boat the kit cost over $100.00, for small rubber parts that must of cost $10.00 to manufacture. Not to mention the smell and nasty fluids that come out of the head when you are disassembling. How long will it last... depends on the number of uses...usually two to three years. Now you know why boaters escort their land lubber friends to the shore side bathrooms when at a marina. Yes, boaters really mean it when NOTHING goes in the head unless you have eaten it first. No T.P...unless you happen to eat paper.

Another lesson to remember is that a marine head can sink a boat if it is not operated correctly. If not sure please ask or another reason to use the shore side facilities.

I have a model HF series marine toilet. Groco. Just thought I would add that for future reference... when the darn old head needs to be rebuilt again.