New Head

My new friend Doug helped me install a new Head on Sea Bear. It was my fantacy that we would just remove the old Groco head and install the new West Marine head.

I knew from the start that we would need to drill new holes, but that was all I hoped would be needed for installation.

I was in dreamland. First, the hose from the waste tank to the toilet was too short. We thought, well just reverse the pump to the left side. The problem with that is then the tube would not be straight. We also took the hose off completely in order to get the right fit. We went to Home Depot to get a 45 or 90 degree elbow, none fit. If one had fit we would have introduced more problems. Next stop was West Marine. They told us that we were smart not to get an elbow, we got a longer hose and an extra clamp. Great!!

With longer hose in hand we went back to the boat. We returned the pump location to the right side. Decided that with the bowl off it would be easier to set the base and mark the holes. Done, put the bowl back on the base and installed the toilet. I can't keep count of the problem numbers, so we learn we have two more issues. One, we can't get the hose back onto the waste tank and two, when we put the toilet to close the hatch where the seacocks are located, can't open it to get them.

To solve the hose problem we boiled a pot of water to soften the hose so it would fit around the fitting to the waste tank. Next we reset the toilet to ensure that the hatch door to the seacocks would open. I also made sure that seat and seat cover would open fully. Finally, with everything in place, the head from two of the four screws that hold the toilet to the deck brake off.

This is where I am now. The toilet is set in Sea Bear being held by two screws. I went to the hardware store and have four new stainless steel screws to intsall. Then yahoo, finished with the head.

Update 10/13/14

Added the two screws needed to complete the intallation.