Let’s Talk About Albin Pump Marine Toilet Silent Premium
The Albin Pump Marine Toilet Silent Premium aims to bring the comfort and convenience of a home toilet to the sometimes cramped and utilitarian world of boating. Manufactured by Albin Pump Marine, this electric toilet promises silent operation, ease of use, and a premium feel. It boasts features like a separated flushing and waste disposal cycle, a soft-close seat, and a user-friendly control panel.
My own boat, a 32-foot sailboat, has always presented a challenge in the head. The old manual pump toilet was noisy, inefficient, and frankly, unpleasant to use, especially at night. I was searching for a marine toilet that offered a more civilized experience.
Upon unboxing the Albin Pump Marine Toilet Silent Premium, I was immediately impressed with the quality of the ceramic bowl and the solid feel of the seat. The unit has a substantial weight to it, suggesting robust construction, although I did note the potential challenge of installation given the unit’s dimensions. It was far more refined in appearance than the old manual toilet I was replacing.
I considered other premium electric marine toilets from Jabsco and Dometic. However, the advertised “silent” operation and the integrated control panel of the Albin Pump Marine Toilet Silent Premium swayed me. The price point also felt reasonable compared to competitors offering similar feature sets.
Initially, I was optimistic about the potential upgrade to my boat’s head. The promise of a quieter, more comfortable, and easier-to-use marine toilet was genuinely exciting. I hoped this would alleviate one of the less enjoyable aspects of life on the water.
Real-World Testing: Putting Albin Pump Marine Toilet Silent Premium to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Albin Pump Marine Toilet Silent Premium took place during a weekend sailing trip along the Chesapeake Bay. Installation, while not overly complicated, did require some careful planning and adaptation of existing plumbing. The included instructions were clear.
The toilet performed admirably in various conditions, including choppy waters and a slight list. The flushing action was indeed noticeably quieter than my old manual toilet. This was a relief during early morning hours.
Using the control panel was intuitive; the “before use,” “after use,” and “short use” options made operation simple for guests unfamiliar with marine toilets. However, I did notice that the flushing power seemed slightly dependent on the boat’s water pressure, which varied during the trip. This required adjusting the flow rate trimmer.
Extended Use & Reliability
After three months of regular use, the Albin Pump Marine Toilet Silent Premium has proven to be a worthwhile upgrade. The ceramic bowl remains easy to clean, and the soft-close seat is a welcome touch, preventing noisy slams in rough seas. I have experienced no issues with the pump or the control panel.
Durability seems excellent. There are no signs of wear and tear beyond normal usage. I wipe down the bowl and seat regularly with a mild cleaner.
Compared to my old manual toilet, the Albin Pump Marine Toilet Silent Premium is a revelation. It offers a level of convenience and hygiene that significantly enhances the onboard living experience. The quieter operation is a major plus, especially when sharing the boat with others.
Breaking Down the Features of Albin Pump Marine Toilet Silent Premium
Specifications
- The Albin Pump Marine Toilet Silent Premium operates on 12 volts. This makes it compatible with most boat electrical systems.
- It weighs 18.7 kg/46 lbs. This weight contributes to its stable, robust feel, but it’s important to consider this during installation.
- Its dimensions are 455/17.9L x 455/17.9H x 365/14.4W mm/in. Ensure adequate space is available in the head before purchasing.
- It’s a Premium Dual Operation Electric toilet. This allows for separate flushing and waste disposal cycles, optimizing water usage and waste management.
- It carries CE marked 94/25/ECC ISO8846 Small Craft Electromagnetic compatibility 89/336/EEC EN51014 1993/radio disturbance certifications. These certifications indicate compliance with various safety and environmental standards.
These specifications translate into a marine toilet that is relatively easy to integrate into a boat’s existing systems. It provides a comfortable, and environmentally conscious user experience. The certifications offer peace of mind regarding safety and regulatory compliance.
Performance & Functionality
The Albin Pump Marine Toilet Silent Premium performs its primary function exceptionally well. Waste is efficiently macerated and flushed, minimizing the risk of clogs. The separate flushing and waste disposal cycles contribute to both hygiene and water conservation.
The main strength is its quiet operation. The “silent” designation is mostly accurate, although there is some pump noise, it’s significantly less than other marine toilets I’ve experienced. One area for potential improvement is water pressure sensitivity.
Overall, the Albin Pump Marine Toilet Silent Premium meets and often exceeds expectations. It is well designed for marine environments.
Design & Ergonomics
The Albin Pump Marine Toilet Silent Premium is built with a premium white ceramic bowl and a white rigid thermoset soft-close seat with stainless steel hinges. The materials used contribute to a clean, modern aesthetic and feel durable. The weight ensures stability even in choppy water.
The toilet is remarkably user-friendly. The three-button control panel simplifies operation for all users.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care and maintenance, the Albin Pump Marine Toilet Silent Premium should last for many years. The ceramic bowl is resistant to staining and corrosion.
Maintenance primarily involves regular cleaning of the bowl and seat and occasional inspection of the pump and hoses. The components appear easily accessible for repair or replacement.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Albin Pump Marine Toilet Silent Premium does not include a water supply solenoid valve or flush pump, requiring separate purchase and installation. The product is designed to integrate with existing pressurized water systems.
Hose connections are standard sizes (19mm (3/4) inlet outlet 25mm or 38mm (1 or 15)). They are compatible with most marine plumbing fittings, allowing for easy integration with existing plumbing. There aren’t many other customization options.
Pros and Cons of Albin Pump Marine Toilet Silent Premium
Pros
- Silent operation: A significant upgrade over noisy manual or standard electric marine toilets.
- Premium ceramic bowl and soft-close seat: Provides comfort and a high-quality feel similar to a home toilet.
- Easy-to-use control panel: Simplifies operation for all users with pre-set flushing options.
- Durable construction: Built with high-quality materials for long-lasting performance in marine environments.
- Efficient flushing and waste disposal system: Minimizes the risk of clogs and conserves water.
Cons
- Requires separate purchase of water supply solenoid valve or flush pump: Adds to the overall cost and installation complexity.
- Water pressure sensitivity: Performance may vary depending on the boat’s water pressure.
Who Should Buy Albin Pump Marine Toilet Silent Premium?
The Albin Pump Marine Toilet Silent Premium is perfect for boat owners who prioritize comfort, convenience, and quiet operation. It is especially well-suited for those who frequently have guests onboard. It would be beneficial for anyone upgrading from a manual toilet or replacing an older, noisier electric model.
Anyone on a very tight budget or those who are comfortable with a more basic, manual marine toilet should skip this product. Also, those with very limited space in the head should carefully consider the dimensions before purchasing.
A must-have accessory is a reliable pressure regulator to ensure consistent water flow to the toilet.
Conclusion on Albin Pump Marine Toilet Silent Premium
The Albin Pump Marine Toilet Silent Premium is a premium product that delivers on its promise of silent operation and enhanced comfort. While the need to purchase a separate water supply valve or pump adds to the initial cost, the overall value proposition is compelling. The high-quality construction, user-friendly design, and efficient performance make it a worthwhile investment for boat owners seeking a superior marine toilet experience.
The price is justified given the features and benefits it offers compared to standard marine toilets. The Albin Pump Marine Toilet Silent Premium makes boat life more comfortable and pleasant.
I would personally recommend the Albin Pump Marine Toilet Silent Premium to any boat owner looking to upgrade their head. The silent operation alone is worth the investment. Consider the Albin Pump Marine Toilet Silent Premium – your guests (and your sleep) will thank you.