Have you ever wished for the convenience and luxury of an electric toilet on your boat? If this thought has crossed your mind, you might be interested in the Raritan Sea Era Electric Toilet – Household Style – Integral Pump – Straight & 90° Discharge – 12v. This electric toilet promises to bring the comfort of a home toilet to marine environments, making life on the water that much more enjoyable. This review will walk through its key features, installation process, maintenance tips, and our personal experience with the product.
Key Features and Specifications
When investing in a marine toilet, understanding its features and specifications is crucial. The Raritan Sea Era offers several notable characteristics that make it a prime contender for those looking to upgrade.
Great Product
This product claims to be a great addition to any marine setting. While this might sound broad, we’ll break it down to see if it lives up to this lofty statement.
Household Style
Many of us prefer a more traditional, household-style toilet, and the Sea Era meets this preference perfectly. The familiar design helps to make the marine toilet experience more akin to what we are used to on land.
Integral Pump
The integral pump is an essential feature that simplifies the installation process. By having the pump built into the unit, we eliminate the need for a separately mounted pump, saving both time and space.
Straight & 90° Discharge
The flexibility of the straight and 90° discharge options means this toilet can fit into various marine setups. This adaptiveness ensures that we can install it in the least invasive way possible, regardless of our boat’s configuration.
12v Power Supply
The Raritan Sea Era runs on 12 volts, which is standard for most marine applications. Ensuring it is compatible with the existing power supply on our boat is vital for seamless functioning.
Installation Process
Installing the Raritan Sea Era Electric Toilet is relatively straightforward, especially with the integral pump included. Still, it does require some plumbing and electrical know-how.
Preparing the Installation Site
Before we begin installation, we need to identify the best location on our boat. Ideally, it should be close to a freshwater supply and blackwater tank connection to minimize plumbing distances.
Plumbing Connections
We should start with the plumbing connections. The toilet requires both an inlet for freshwater and an outlet for waste. The straightforward discharge option will typically align with the boat’s existing plumbing, whereas the 90° discharge offers flexibility for tighter spaces.
Electrical Connections
Next, we connect the toilet to the boat’s electrical system. Given that the unit operates on 12 volts, it should seamlessly integrate with any standard marine power supply. Ensure we use appropriate gauge wires and secure all connections to prevent short circuits or voltage drops.
Mounting the Toilet
Finally, we secure the toilet to the boat’s floor. Use marine-grade fasteners to ensure the unit remains stable even in rough seas. It’s crucial to double-check all connections before testing the system.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Location | Identify the best location close to water supply and tank |
| 2. Plumbing | Connect freshwater inlet and waste outlet |
| 3. Electrical | Wire to the boat’s 12v electrical system |
| 4. Mounting | Secure the toilet using marine-grade fasteners |
Maintenance and Care
Like any marine equipment, the Raritan Sea Era toilet requires regular maintenance to remain in optimal condition. Let’s walk through some practical tips for maintaining and caring for this marine toilet.
Regular Cleaning
It’s essential to clean the toilet frequently. Using marine-safe cleaning agents helps maintain hygiene without causing damage to the toilet’s components or the boat’s plumbing system.
Checking the Pump
Since the integral pump is a critical element, we need to inspect it regularly. Look for any signs of wear or damage, ensuring it functions correctly. It’s also a good idea to keep a spare pump on board in case of a malfunction.
Inspecting Seals and Joints
The seals and joints are prone to wear and tear. Regularly inspect these parts to prevent leaks. Replacing them at the first sign of wear can save us from dealing with more significant issues later.
Winterization
If we store our boat in cold climates, winterizing the toilet is necessary. Properly drain water from the system and use antifreeze suitable for marine toilets to prevent freezing and potential damage.
Our Experience with the Raritan Sea Era
After installing and using the Raritan Sea Era Electric Toilet, we can share our insights into its performance. The installation process, as promised, was straightforward and relatively quick. We particularly appreciate the flexibility offered by the discharge options, which made integrating the unit into our existing setup a breeze.
Comfort and Convenience
The most noticeable improvement is the comfort and convenience. The household-style seat and powerful flush make the experience much more pleasant than many marine toilets we’ve encountered. It truly feels like a home toilet, which is a significant upgrade for days spent on the water.
Performance and Reliability
In terms of performance, the toilet has proven reliable. The integral pump efficiently clears waste, and we haven’t faced any clogs or backflows. Operating quietly, it won’t disturb the peace on a tranquil evening aboard.
Durability
The materials used in the Sea Era toilet appear robust, and after a few months of use, there’s minimal wear. This durability promises long-term service, making it a worthy investment for anyone looking for a lasting solution.
Pros and Cons
While the Raritan Sea Era Electric Toilet has many advantages, it’s essential to consider any potential drawbacks. Here’s our balanced take after using the product.
Pros
- Household Style: The traditional design makes it comfortable and easy to use.
- Integral Pump: Simplifies installation and saves space.
- Versatile Discharge Options: Adapts to various boat layouts.
- 12v Compatibility: Works with standard marine electrical systems.
- Reliable Performance: Effective waste removal without issues.
- Durable Construction: Promises long-term use.
Cons
- Initial Cost: The investment might be steep for some, though justified by its advantages.
- Installation Skills Required: Some plumbing and electrical knowledge needed for DIY installations.
Final Thoughts
The Raritan Sea Era Electric Toilet – Household Style – Integral Pump – Straight & 90° Discharge – 12v brings significant comfort and reliability to marine sanitation needs. While it might require some initial investment and installation skills, the long-term benefits outweigh these considerations. From its household-style design to the ease of installation and durable performance, it is a solid addition to any boat looking to enhance its onboard facilities.
Whether we are seasoned sailors or new boaters, having a dependable and comfortable toilet on board makes a world of difference. The Raritan Sea Era certainly lives up to the statement of being a great product, enhancing our boating experience immensely.
