Raritan Marine Elegance Review

Let’s Dive into Raritan Marine Elegance

The Raritan Marine Elegance isn’t just another toilet; it’s a statement. It’s a compact, low-water-use toilet designed specifically for the unique constraints of marine environments, brought to you by Raritan, a name synonymous with quality in the boating world. Its elegant one-piece vitreous china bowl and angled back aim to blend seamlessly into your boat’s interior while providing a comfortable and efficient user experience.

I’ve spent years retrofitting boats, and the biggest challenge is always the head. Finding a reliable toilet that doesn’t guzzle water, fits in a tight space, and looks good is like finding a unicorn. The Raritan Marine Elegance promised to solve those problems, specifically the water consumption and footprint concerns I had.

My first impression upon unboxing was positive. The china bowl felt solid and well-made, and the compact design was a relief compared to some of the bulky units I’ve dealt with. The angled back was a thoughtful touch, suggesting it would indeed fit snugly against a curved hull.

I considered the Jabsco Quiet Flush and the Dometic MasterFlush before settling on the Raritan Marine Elegance. The Jabsco, while popular, has a reputation for being noisy, and the Dometic, although powerful, seemed unnecessarily large for the space I was working with. The Raritan appeared to strike a better balance between size, water usage, and quiet operation.

My initial excitement was high. If it performed as well as it looked, the Raritan Marine Elegance would be a game-changer for small to medium-sized boats.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Raritan Marine Elegance to the Test

First Use Experience

I installed the Raritan Marine Elegance in a 30-foot sailboat I was refitting for a client. The installation process itself was relatively straightforward, owing in part to the toilet’s compact footprint. The boat was located in the Puget Sound, so it was subjected to daily temperature swings and seasonal dampness.

The first flush was surprisingly quiet. It used a minimal amount of water, as advertised, and the macerating action seemed efficient. My client commented on how much quieter it was compared to the old manual pump toilet that had been previously installed.

There were no significant issues after the initial use. A slight adjustment to the water intake valve was necessary to fine-tune the flush volume, but that was a minor detail.

Extended Use & Reliability

After six months of near-daily use, the Raritan Marine Elegance has held up admirably. There are no signs of leaks, cracks, or corrosion. The china bowl remains pristine, and the flushing mechanism continues to operate smoothly.

Cleaning is a breeze; the smooth china surface wipes down easily. The client uses a marine-specific toilet cleaner periodically to prevent mineral buildup, which is standard practice in saltwater environments. I’ve been impressed with its resistance to staining and odor retention.

Compared to previous marine toilets I’ve installed, the Raritan Marine Elegance stands out for its reliability and ease of use. It offers a more refined and user-friendly experience.

Breaking Down the Features of Raritan Marine Elegance

Specifications

• The Raritan Marine Elegance features a one-piece vitreous china bowl for a clean and modern look. The compact design with an angled back is ideal for tight spaces on boats.
• It operates on 12 volts, making it compatible with most boat electrical systems. Its low water usage is a crucial feature for conserving fresh water on board.
• The specifications matter because they directly address the common challenges faced by boat owners. A compact toilet saves space, low water usage extends time between refills, and the 12V operation ensures easy integration into existing boat systems.

Performance & Functionality

• The Raritan Marine Elegance excels in its primary function: efficient waste disposal with minimal water usage. The macerating action effectively breaks down waste, preventing clogs and ensuring smooth discharge.
• The quiet operation is a significant advantage, enhancing onboard comfort. However, the relatively high price point might be a deterrent for some boat owners.
• It has exceeded expectations, providing a level of performance and reliability rarely found in marine toilets.

Design & Ergonomics

• The build quality is excellent, with a solid and durable china bowl. The overall design is aesthetically pleasing, fitting seamlessly into the boat’s head compartment.
• The toilet is remarkably user-friendly. It is easy to operate with intuitive controls and requires minimal instruction.

Durability & Maintenance

• Given its robust construction and quality materials, the Raritan Marine Elegance is expected to last for many years with proper care. Regular cleaning and preventative maintenance, such as descaling the plumbing, will prolong its lifespan.
• The design allows for relatively easy access to key components for maintenance and repairs. This minimizes downtime and simplifies troubleshooting.

Accessories and Customization Options

• The Raritan Marine Elegance is primarily a self-contained unit, with minimal external accessories included. Users might consider adding a dedicated water filter to protect the flushing mechanism from debris and scale buildup.
• While the toilet itself doesn’t offer extensive customization, it is compatible with standard marine plumbing fittings. This allows for flexible installation and integration with existing onboard systems.
• Upgrades that add functionality may include electronic control panels to enable push button operation.

Pros and Cons of Raritan Marine Elegance

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Who Should Buy Raritan Marine Elegance?

• Perfect for boat owners who value water conservation, space efficiency, and quiet operation. Ideal for those upgrading or refitting smaller to medium-sized boats.
• Those on a tight budget or seeking extensive customization options should probably explore alternative options.
• A dedicated water filter is a must-have accessory to prolong the life of the flushing mechanism.

Conclusion on Raritan Marine Elegance

The Raritan Marine Elegance delivers on its promise of providing a compact, efficient, and elegant toilet solution for marine environments. While the price point is higher than some competing models, the superior performance, durability, and quiet operation justify the investment.

In my experience, the Raritan Marine Elegance stands out as a premium product that enhances the overall boating experience. The price reflects the quality, features, and reliability of this unit.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Raritan Marine Elegance to boat owners who prioritize quality and performance. If you’re tired of noisy, water-guzzling toilets that take up too much space, consider upgrading to the Raritan Marine Elegance.