Fresh water head and davits

[DougDavis]

We just purchased a 1999 Albin 28 and now having her restored. Does anyone have any information describing the "FreshWater" head?
And, does any have any information describing the Weaver Davits? We ordered the smallest aluminum bottom inflatable weighing in at 75 lbs. and now need davits to take our Border Terrier to land.
We will be sailing Casco Bay, ME this summer, assuming our new transmission arrives. Please look for "Cabernet" a red hull Albin 28 as we would enjoy learning more about our boat.
Doug and Carolyn
douglasdavis009@gmail.com

[catalina_mike]

Our 99 28TE had a Jabsco marine head. The head used overboard water not fresh to flush. We just used the hand wand for the shower to flush with. Davits you should be able to find online.

[Nancy]

Welcome aboard, Doug and Carolyn! Where are you seeing a reference to "FreshWater" head?

As for Weaver davits, see https://www.weaverindustries.com. Item RBD100 is commonly used as a swim platform mount. Defender's price is a little lower than Weaver's. Read the instructions closely . . . I've always found it wise to have the mounting pads glued to the inflatable by someone who's done it many times.

[Jkraft]

The fresh water head simply refers to using plumbing from your fresh water system instead of sea water. Keeps the toilet cleaner and always smells fresh. At the cost of using some of your on board fresh water of course. I’ve got the dometic Vacuflush on my boat

[Norseman]

We got a head using fresh OR salt water, a switch will move an electric valve somewhere and change from one to another.
Raritan Elegance head, had it for less than a year, seems to work good.
Heads up: The freshwater tank is only 26 gallons usable, not 36 as advertised by Albin back in the day.


The smaller tank makes a big difference using a fresh water head, we carry an extra 7 gallons and still get additional fresh water when we cruise for a week.

[Jkraft]

We got a head using fresh OR salt water, a switch will move an electric valve somewhere and change from one to another.
Raritan Elegance head, had it for less than a year, seems to work good.
Heads up: The freshwater tank is only 26 gallons usable, not 36 as advertised by Albin back in the day.


The smaller tank makes a big difference using a fresh water head, we carry an extra 7 gallons and still get additional fresh water when we cruise for a week.

A week!? I think I’m almost through my fresh water in a day!

[Norseman]

We got a head using fresh OR salt water, a switch will move an electric valve somewhere and change from one to another.
Raritan Elegance head, had it for less than a year, seems to work good.
Heads up: The freshwater tank is only 26 gallons usable, not 36 as advertised by Albin back in the day.


The smaller tank makes a big difference using a fresh water head, we carry an extra 7 gallons and still get additional fresh water when we cruise for a week.

A week!? I think I’m almost through my fresh water in a day!

We typically top off the tank every few days when we cruise the Keys and use the stern shower several times each, after snorkeling, and after using the fresh water flush on the head all day.
I considered adding a pump so as to be able to empty the 6 gallon hot water tank, but still in the planning stages on that project..

[DownEast2]

My first Albin came with a second fresh water tank, but I never seemed to need it. I was always limited by the 8 gallon holding tank, that used to really put a crimp on a weekend.
On my present Albin, I am trying to figure out how to connect my present head, that draws in sea water to the fresh water system. I would assume it would have to tie in to the water line before the water pump so that it is not sending pressure water to the head. I need to think about that a little more so that there is never a chance of a back flow into the water tank.

[catalina_mike]

For me it wasn’t worth the hassle the shower wand was great when I had water and when not the regular salt water was a back up.

[jms02050]

I installed a Raritan Fresh Head. Big fan of it. The bolt pattern matches the Jabsco manual head. Just need to tee into the fresh water system. The head was designed to prevent back flow and possible contamination. No odor whatsoever.
https://www.raritaneng.com/en_US/products/fresh-head

[kenyoung]

We purchased our 1997 Albin 28 this December. She's in So. Bristol, Me. The PO said the head was plumbed for fresh water flush. We are transitioning from 19 years of sailing with a sea water flushed head. With a smallish fresh water tank on the Albin, I'm concerned that a fresh water flush will cramp our supply for drinking and cooking. BTW we always carried at least 3 gallons of supplementary fresh water. We managed with sea water flushing with out difficulty. In the spring, I will investigate going back to a sea water flush. In my experience a stinky head was caused mainly by a clogged vent and letting waste sit in the lines. Take a hot wet rag and wrap it around the lowest line. If it picks up stink, it's time for a replacement..

[kenyoung]

Welcome aboard, Doug and Carolyn! Where are you seeing a reference to "FreshWater" head?

As for Weaver davits, see https://www.weaverindustries.com. Item RBD100 is commonly used as a swim platform mount. Defender's price is a little lower than Weaver's. Read the instructions closely . . . I've always found it wise to have the mounting pads glued to the inflatable by someone who's done it many times.

Nancy, I notice that Forespar and Weaver make very similar swim platform inflatable dinghy davits with Forespar being less expensive than Weaver at Defender. Do you have a preference and why would you select one over the other? Thanks.

[Nancy]

Hi Ken -- I'm not familiar with Forespar davits.

[Pitou]

I notice that Forespar and Weaver make very similar swim platform inflatable dinghy davits with Forespar being less expensive than Weaver at Defender. Do you have a preference and why would you select one over the other?

Similar, but different .. just like each Albin produced ..

Check out my post in your follow-up thread:

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=13635

[DougDavis]

Welcome aboard, Doug and Carolyn! Where are you seeing a reference to "FreshWater" head?

As for Weaver davits, see https://www.weaverindustries.com. Item RBD100 is commonly used as a swim platform mount. Defender's price is a little lower than Weaver's. Read the instructions closely . . . I've always found it wise to have the mounting pads glued to the inflatable by someone who's done it many times.

Thank you
Doug