New head for 28 Mid-cabin

[ewdysar]

I have been told that my highest WAR priority for the new boat is an operational head. I’ve read that a number of folks have installed Sealand/Dometic 711-M28 self contained units, including GlasHawk’s detailed post.

First question(s): GlasHawk recessed his unit into the bathroom floor. Did others do the same? Or were some installed directly on the floor “shelf”? If on the “shelf”, did the seat end up unusually high, compared to a regular home toilet?

Second part: The 711-M28 is no longer being produced for sale, although there are still a few in random store’s inventory. The replacement M65-700/5000 are slightly lower overall, but have only 6.5gal vs 9gal holding capacity. What does anyone think about the reduced holding capacity? Is the older 9gal version just barely enough, or does everyone pump or dump long before full?

Thanks in advance for your help…
Eric

[Glashawk]

Having used the head referenced for a number of years now, it is very possible to fill the 9 gallons in a day with about 7-8 aboard(especially at Seafair)! It’s perfect for the family of 3-4 for a weekend but I always pump out if I’m near a station when doing the boat camping thing even if it’s only been a day of use. I’d say the 6.5 isn’t enough. Just my opinion.

[weigh2go]

The seat height seems perfect for our family. I'm tall, wife is shorter, kids are teens, seems to fit us fine. I agree with Glashawk, 6.5 gallons wouldn't be enough and I would look at different options, 9.5 is barely enough. If you want to go to the work of install, a vacuflush with a holding tank under the floor directly under the steps into the cabin. On our Long Cabin, there's a perfect spot for one there with lots of room. Only an opinion..

[Bill V]

With just the wife and I aboard, the 9 gallon was enough but I usually dumped overboard daily when cruising northern waters. I would not want a 6.5 gallon version. Mine was mounted on the raised section of the deck and seat height was fine. One of the first mods I did and was still going strong after almost 19 years.

[ewdysar]

So the bad news is that all of the NOS 711-M28 heads listed online are not really there. Now I get to contemplate whether to get the newer 6.5gal version, or sign up for more complicated system and installation. Maybe I should go with a portable unit for now while I get other things straightened out. 😕

[Glashawk]

So the bad news is that all of the NOS 711-M28 heads listed online are not really there. Now I get to contemplate whether to get the newer 6.5gal version, or sign up for more complicated system and installation. Maybe I should go with a portable unit for now while I get other things straightened out. 😕

Have you tried Marine Sanitation in Seattle next to Fisheries Supply?

[ewdysar]

For lack of a better, quick option, I am going to put in a Thetford Curve portable unit (see below). It has 5.5gal capacity and a lockdown plate to secure it in place. This should give me an idea of how much the head gets used this summer and how much of a "real" system that I need to install later. And I'll keep my eyes open for the unicorn 711-M28 head, and grab that if one shows up...

[Water Baby]

i have that unit, battery flush and it works just fine.

[ewdysar]

Thanks for the encouragement, Water Baby.

Funny thing is that while looking for a good price, I saw at least one site that says that the Thetford Curve has been discontinued. Man, everything that seems to be a little different and better than the stuff that is made the same by everyone becomes unavailable. In my opinion, a taller, higher capacity portable that can be locked in is way better than the standard "cube" portables that so many companies make and sell. The fact that it looks better just gets it WAR points at my house.

Eric

[nova7163]

Thanks for the encouragement, Water Baby.

Funny thing is that while looking for a good price, I saw at least one site that says that the Thetford Curve has been discontinued. Man, everything that seems to be a little different and better than the stuff that is made the same by everyone becomes unavailable. In my opinion, a taller, higher capacity portable that can be locked in is way better than the standard "cube" portables that so many companies make and sell. The fact that it looks better just gets it WAR points at my house.

Eric

That model was replace with model number 565E aka 92306. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...KBZX1YS7Q&th=1

[BigOrangeFilter]

Hi Eric,

I'm glad to hear that you're looking into getting a new head for your boat. The Sealand/Dometic 711-M28 is a popular option, and I think it's a great choice.

To answer your questions:

• Some people have recessed their 711-M28 units into the bathroom floor, while others have installed them directly on the floor "shelf." If you install it directly on the shelf, the seat will end up being slightly higher than a regular home toilet, but it's not a big deal.
• The 711-M28 is no longer being produced, but the M65-700/5000 is a good replacement. It's slightly lower overall and has a smaller holding capacity (6.5 gallons vs. 9 gallons), but I think the reduced holding capacity is still enough for most people. I usually pump or dump my holding tank before it's full, so I don't think the smaller capacity would be a problem for me.

In the meantime, you might also want to check out Big Orange holding tanks. Here are some of their features:

• Ready to use: Big Orange holding tanks come pre-filled with activated carbon, so you can start using them right away.
• Easy to install: Big Orange holding tanks are designed to be easy to install, even for DIYers.
• Tension free for the next 1 year: Big Orange holding tanks come with a 1-year warranty against leaks.

I hope this helps!

Best,
BigOrangeFilter