Life is Like Sailing - Head Systems - Part 1

[@edwardwerthner7717]

Thx the response , by the way your boat is beautiful . C & C did a classic design on these boats. I must travel quite far to re inspect. I saw the one tank on the port side an the the forward tank as I mentioned. On the port deck,walk there are 2 fill opening but the corrosive salt has warn away info. I wish I had the Manuel for the boat. So I should put the waste up front n put a second water tank on the starboard side. The head also has to replaced. The old stand Jabsco usually makes life a little easier . I’m going to put the Windless on a shelf inside the anchor well even if the base plate to hold the windless in place must be raised up in the anchor locker , and a hole,has to be cut for the proper feed in n out . The auto pilot video was great, and it was helpful with reversing the wheel for a proper fit. I saw you a hatch placed to the rear of the mast. Well needed for sure. Expensive project for sure. I think some of the winches can be removed n proper feed to the cockpit is an easy project. Keep sailing n do the you tube thing. Ed

[@lifeislikesailing]

Good luck with all those projects Ed! It takes time and thought for each one for sure. Alfy

[@donjvalley]

Clean video!!! You show that everything is possible if we just plan, take our time and work methodically. I thinking talking to others, before hand, is often helpful, too......

[@lifeislikesailing]

Yes for sure! With a little research and a little patients most things are possible!! :)

[@MrLightning1200]

Hey, super nice work Alfie! ..I like how you take the opportunity to spruce everything up as you go, i.e. no more stains, upgraded hardware, valves oriented perfectly etc.. that boat is going to be better than new someday in your ownership!

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thanks so much! Yes it is fun making the upgrades as I go and I do really love this boat so it is very rewarding and feels great to take care of her the best I can! If I could just get that list to be a little shorter, but every time I cross something off the top I end up adding something new to the bottom! haha

[@nikolaychekan9861]

Well done! How it's a proper live aboard vessel ;) I admire you putting the lables on the hoses - nice touch indeed. Also, those Y-valves do look much better than the original ones. Thank you for your video and the instructions on fitting the hoses.

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thanks Nikolay! I figured the labels would help me for those moments of stupidity that I have now and then. haha I also looked at a a few different Y-valves and this one seems to have the best reviews for functionality and longevity. :)

[@javacup912]

Great video, indeed. This is the "not so glamorous" stuff some people stay away from, but a necessary evil. This is also an area that cutting corners on cheap parts will come back to bite. Those Y-valves are certainly better designed than the older ones, and look smaller too, so works good I guess in tight spots. One thing I noticed on your video, the access area to the Y-valves is square with 90 degree corners, and the ever-typical over cuts. I wish some manufacturers drill a hole at each corner and cutting the access to terminate at the holes drilled. But it's a good idea to use a round file and round those corners to avoid stress cracks traveling pass the 90°. With the rounded corner, any stress will be "shared" by the rounded area. You don't have to use a large file either, just enough to get rid of the 90° cut. When I do this, I place a medium C-clamp at the outer corner edge of the 90° to keep the fiber and gelcoat from fraying on the down stroke of the file. Just a tip for longevity of the fiberglass. Love your videos, man. Good work!

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thanks for the tip javacup912. The y-valves I have now are definitely much better than what was in there before and ya, cutting corners just asks for problems in the long run! Glad you are enjoying the videos! :)

[@AA828]

I just found your channel and really enjoy it! Keep up the great videos...Boat owner myself.

[@USMCCGAGNG]

I would heat that hose up from the macerator pump so you can put on all the way and get a second clamp on it. The macerator can put out some PSI and you don't want that joint to fail. I took ALL my forward head/holding tank/hoses/venting etc. out and replaced with a "Natures Head toilet. There is quite a bit of "how to" videos on YT for this head. I have it mounted, having to alter the floor in the head for more flatness to mount to. I am still working on the venting but can't finish until the temperatures rise a bit for the sealant to work but it is almost done and I like it a lot.

[@lifeislikesailing]

I actually heated that hose with a heat gun just a couple days after making the video and got it on all the way with two clamps. Sounds like you have a good set up for your composting toilet. :)

[@LEWBASSETT1]

Looking forward to part 1...thanks.

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thanks Lew!

[@RobFomenko]

Goiod job.Having done that before plus switching out the holding tank and adding extra vent through hull ( which I recommend cuts down odors ) next time I would just get rid of it all, plus a through hull, and a deck fitting, capture all that space, and put in a composting toilet. No clogs, no odor, a little work for sure, but not messing with changing joker valves or hoses. And you get all that space for other stuff.

[@SailLife]

You did a great job, Alfy :) Awesome video! I appreciate you pointing out that discoloration was only rust ;) Looking forward to part 2 later in the spring :)

[@lifeislikesailing]

Funny story about that rust was that a boat surveyor put in his final report that the holding tank systems was leaking at that spot....the surveyor didn't even check to actually see that it was only rust!?! Well that along with a few other things that were totally incorrect on the survey made realize that not all surveyors are created equally! haha

[@SailLife]

LifeisLikeSailing - Vancouver, BC Haha, on the other hand I'm not sure there is enough money in the world for me to diagnose if that discoloration was one or the other ;) Not putting too much faith in a surveyor might be a good idea. It's not normal to use a surveyor here in Denmark as far as I know.

[@lifeislikesailing]

With all the errors in the last survey I had I wonder the qualifications some of these guys have!?! haha

[@SailLife]

LifeisLikeSailing - Vancouver, BC Is "surveyor" in any way a protected title or can anybody use it? :)

[@lifeislikesailing]

I'm curious as to what the 'qualifications' are to become a boat surveyor?

[@CaptMortifyd]

Thank you! I am about to do the same job on my Newport 28 and your video made it much clearer on how to tackle it.

[@lifeislikesailing]

+CaptMortifyd Glad you found the video and I hope it all goes well for you! I tried the hot water method in this video, but then I tried a heat gun in part 2. I would recommend the heat gun over the hot water. Of course if you are out cruising and don't have AC power, the hot water will still do the trick! :)

[@CaptMortifyd]

+LifeisLikeSailing - Vancouver, BC We're on shore power at the moment, so I think I will take your advice and use a heating gun. We'll be on the hard in the spring and will be checking out our through hulls then as well. Your videos were much more what I needed in terms of "how to" for a job I was dreading. I like the labels as well.

[@lifeislikesailing]

CaptMortifyd Nice you have shore power and it will be nice to have that job behind you! :)

[@lesterburnham6174]

Excellent demonstration !!

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thanks Lester! Glad you enjoyed the video! :)

[@telemetryz]

Alfy... Thanks for your efforts, learning a lot from you. Hope to meet you in Van up the road.

[@lifeislikesailing]

Glad you are enjoying the videos telemetryz! Yes Vancouver is not so big! lol

[@bigglestheflyboy]

I think that there's lots of interest in these instructional videos Alfy. I mean, we all want to go out and buy a sailing boat and either live on it or cruise it and when we do we will have to start working on it. These vids give us all a heads up on what we can expect. Also, as one or two people have said, the costs are an important addition if you can include that too? Great video and I'm looking forward to the others I have yet to watch.

[@lifeislikesailing]

+Starboard Mater Thanks and glad you enjoyed the video! Yes I always tell people it is not all 'romance and sunsets' when you own a sailboat and even more so when you live full time on one! haha Hope you enjoy more of the videos!

[@MrHorsenaround]

Really appreciate this video. I am tackling the same project and you really helped me in understanding how all of this works. cheers!

[@lifeislikesailing]

Glad you enjoyed this video! Not a fun project, but satisfying once it is done!! Good luck!!

[@jchase5408]

I've been working on the same project on my boat recently, one thing I've found that makes getting the hoses WAAAY easier to get on/off the barbed fittings: carefully warm up the end of the hose with a heat gun instead of the hot water method. Same idea though, makes the hoses nice and pliable.

[@lifeislikesailing]

If you noticed on the video I had a hard time getting that 1 inch hose from the macerator onto the thru hull fitting. After the video I ended up trying a heat gun to see if I would have better luck and it went on much easier and it fit all the way. So yes I learned that although the hot water method worked pretty good, next time I would probably stick to just the heat gun. :)

[@k9togger]

great videos mate. Giving me some great insight as i look to purchase my fist sail around the world and live aboard, Keep up the good work!

[@lifeislikesailing]

Awesome to hear! I hope you get a boat and follow that dream! Maybe we will cross paths one day in some tropical destination!

[@k9togger]

I hope so. Off to Gibraltar to do some qualifications in a few weeks :)

[@lifeislikesailing]

Steve Winn Great and have fun!

[@requin13]

very nice video, it helps me a lot !!!!!! thank you so much, cheers from France

[@lifeislikesailing]

You are very welcome! :)

[@melbellwood]

Very well done, video and work. I would still go with composting toilet anyways. Increased resale value and more storage! Not limited by your pump outs.

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thanks Mels VW! Yes if I end up keeping this boat for the long term then I will for sure be putting a composting toilet in I would think....but I don't make big decisions like upgrading to a larger boat too quickly so that is still a couple years away...until then I hope this system will work well now that I have given it facelift.. lol

[@Dougyelnats]

excellent job, great video

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thanks Dougyelnats! :)

[@sailingspokojny7014]

If your at the dock and have shore power, you can use a heat gun or a hair dryer to warm the tubing.

[@normanboyes4983]

Nice job Alfie (as usual) - I missed this first time around and went hunting for it when I saw Part 2 posted (which I have not viewed yet). Just one comment from me - maybe a fine paint brush and some white enamel paint to highlight the arrows on the valves?😀 Now onto Part 2......

[@lifeislikesailing]

Norman Boyes Good idea Norman! Thanks for that! :) Glad you found the first video! :)

[@andrewballantine]

Excellent video. Can you pump out your holding tank if you are at sea rather than going to a pump out?

[@lifeislikesailing]

Yes I can do that.

[@jonssailing]

Not sure if anyone else brought up costs, but it would be helpful if you could mention your expenses involved and time expended for each phase. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@lifeislikesailing]

Glad you enjoyed the video Jonathan, that is a great idea and something I have thought of mentioning before and I forgot all about that for this one. I can tell you that I bought 8feet of 1 1/2 inch and 3 feet of 1 inch sanitation hose and I will have to find my bill for that to get exact cost...the 3 feet of Tiger Flex sanitation hose was just under $5 per foot and I am sure the other white stiffer hose was cheaper. All good quality sanitation hose though. The macerator pump was $170, but that is a little cheaper that going into a store to buy it because I have an account which gives me a bit of a discount on some items. :) So overall the first part of the upgrade was fairly inexpensive. :)

[@sailingchloe2330]

Great Stuff!! Did you notice less smell after you did this?

[@sailingspokojny7014]

Sorry, I didn't look thru all of the comments before I made my comment. I see someone has already made that suggestion. I will try to read all the other posts before I comment in the future. I look forward to your next video. Fair Winds and Full Sails.

[@lifeislikesailing]

No problem Dennis! Glad you are enjoying the videos and I appreciate the comments. :)

[@bosserman1964]

As far as seacocks and 3 way valve. You have to exercise them at least 3 time per year or thay will freeze in place.

[@tamasgal01]

Hello, how do you like the Forespar Y valve? How much reviewing you put in the selection? I'm replacing mine and trying to pick the best. Thanks, great video!

[@lifeislikesailing]

I am really happy with them! Glad you enjoyed the video, it is nicer to watch it on the computer than actually doing the job tho. haha

[@jackneff179]

KY Jelly is an excellent lubricant also for such problems.

[@lifeislikesailing]

That makes sense. lol

[@MaverickSailing]

Great video Alfy, even though I'm planning on removing my holding tank/bag and toilet, I was wondering about your holding tank, it looks like it is a hard built in tank?

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thanks Maverick! I am really interested in composting toilets, but because the system I have in place now is not expensive to fix up I want it working well. If I ever decide to sell the boat to get something larger, I think this system will be better for re-sale. Oh, and yes the holding tank is a hard built in tank, but it could be removed easily if I decide to go to the composting toilet! :)

[@MaverickSailing]

Alfy I think the two big reason I want to change Maverick over to a composting head is because 1 the storage space that is lost due to storage container under the port settee and 2 because I don't want to have the hassle of pumping it out every few weeks once I'm onboard full time. Adam

[@lifeislikesailing]

Those are the exact reasons I like a composting toilet as well! Once I am 100% sure this is the boat I will be keeping for many years then I may make that change over! I think I will know if this is the long term boat for me in the next year or two. At that point I will either upgrade this one if I end up deciding to get another boat then I will save the upgrade for that one. :)

[@lifeislikesailing]

Mr K Hey Mr K, I would love to hear the reasons your friend would never get a composting toilet as I have not done very much research on them at this point. Any information/feedback/pros or cons would be great to hear.

[@MaverickSailing]

Mr K I'd also like to hear what the reasons are.

[@andrewwilliams9419]

Why is the macerator going to a throughull?

[@GoofieNewfie69]

Great stuff for soaking up liquid instead of paper towels (they always run out when you need them) is Dollar Store feminine pads, also great for the first aide kit (sterile) It would be funny to see the store clerks face when a guy buys a dozen packs, hehehe

[@lifeislikesailing]

+Mazda rx7 Thanks for the tip!

[@GoofieNewfie69]

It would be really funny to see a bunch of pads hanging on a cloths line on ur boat to dry after soaking up some water. hehehe

[@lifeislikesailing]

Mazda rx7 Yes that would be quite a sight! lol

[@biker-dog-poppy]

good informative vid ...thank you :)

[@lifeislikesailing]

Glad you enjoyed it John! :)

[@bosserman1964]

I'm repair marine heads. you can not have your dockside pump out at top tank fitting. 3 way valve on tank outlet fitting then over board and to dockside pump out. its pvc hose use heat gun.

[@edwardwerthner7717]

I thought the front tank was for water not waste?? What a mess I have . The head runs out direct thru the starboard side

[@lifeislikesailing]

Water tanks are in different locations on different boats. My water tanks are under the main cabin settees which is a better location as they are mid ship and low and they are usually full. The holding tank under the berth is usually empty so less weight up in that area.

[@FirstFlyte]

The thumbnail for this video made me think 'Is he gonna try and cook poo?' :) Thanks for the video Alfie. Very informative as usual.

[@lifeislikesailing]

That is pretty funny! haha I'm glad that's not what the video was about. haha Happy hear you found it informative!

[@erynthegrey]

So far the crappiest video you posted... LOL! I'm being facetious of course! Tight spaces like that call for a heat gun, though it looks like someone else already mentioned it. Can't wait for the next one. ;)

[@lifeislikesailing]

I actually laughed out loud when I read your comment erynthgrey! haha Yes the heat gun sound like a great option and I will try that next time for sure!

[@bosserman1964]

if I can help hit me up. a/c, refg , head systems , a/c d/c power , Ect

[@bosserman1964]

sorry your driving me crazy with this engineering. unless you have a dip tube installed in tank you will not be able to pump out dockside. and I know you do not have it. Has to be install to bottom tank fitting to a 3 way valve to (overboard+ mas-pump ) and (dockside)

[@donaldlynam9352]

BE CAREFUL OF THOSE JABSCO PUMPS. UNLESS ARE THEY HAVE BEEN UPGRADED THEY USE BRASS STUDS ON THE HEAD AND BREAK VERY EASILY. I HAVE BEEN THRU WHAT HAPPENS. IT IS NOT PLEASENT.

[@lifeislikesailing]

I can't imagine why a pump like that would have brass studs!?! The one I had in before and the one I have now look like the studs are stainless. :)

[@donaldlynam9352]

YOU MAY HAVE A UPGRADED PUMP. WENT TO WEST MARINE AND COMMENTS WERE THE SAME AS MINE WITH THE STUD PROBLEM. JABSCO I UNDERSTAND WAS SUPPOSED TO UPGRADE. BEST OF LUCK. ENJOY YOUR VIDEOS.

[@lifeislikesailing]

Thanks Donald! Glad you are enjoying the videos! :)

[@nomadequipment2177]

I'm not looking forward to this shit job🤣

[@lifeislikesailing]

LOL