I have two Lavac's - one manual, one
electric. I also love it but head technology has come a long way. Especially
electric. Not sure what I'd do now if I was
buying new. Not a big problem because, as others have mentioned, it's just about impossible for a Lavac to wear out.
The biggest problem I've had is that guests (or at least my guests) can not figure out the Lavac. Even after careful instruction they still get confused. I now have them do a "dry run" (so to speak) while I watch, but even then 50%+ forget how to do it later. Now, I may have particularly inept guests but that's a topic for another thread.
I'm also a fan of the electric unit. While I find the manual easier, all
women - to date - much prefer the electric. Since my goal is to sail with
women, the sissy image of the electric seems a small
price. (again, maybe this has something to do with the women who come on my
boat - certainly off topic).
The
electric pump motor packed up a couple of years ago. It's a pretty unique piece of British engineering that is very expensive. St. Brendans Isle (one of the main US dealers and great service),
sold me a
Jabsco waste pump as a replacement that is just fantastic. Quiet, full 1 1/2 inch, no filter, easy to disasemble if it clogs (never has) and plenty powerful. Much cheaper than the old Lavac elecrtric pump. I like the pump so much that I'm going to buy another to replace the black
water macerator pump. It's
Jabsco 50890-1000
Carl