I have joined onto threads to spontaneously extoll the ME head several times.
Since you do sell them so I would expect you to be very positive about them. I don’t sell any marine equipment but I do love the ME, as much as anyone can love a head, because it is a simple system that just works.
I absolutely would not want to give up the 21”x10”x15” in my engine room, even if there was that much room to give up.
Since you say that most threads on VF are troubleshooting threads, how many threads do you see on troubleshooting a ME?
Actually how do you know that “most people love their Vac Flush”? Is that even knowable? I do know that some people love them from this forum, there are some who have posted that. But how can you say most people do? Have you done a poll of all VF owners?
I paid about $700 for the ME in our aft head, what does a VF system cost? I was able to easily install my ME, how many owners are able to install a VF system properly on their own? And if they are not able to do their own install, what does a typical install cost to have done? I gave up zero extra space for my ME head, VF requires extra room tor the vacuum generator. Space that I do not have to give up and if there was that extra space I would not want to give it up. So what are the advantages of a VF over a ME?
My experience with VF is regional and my statements pertain to the PNW
Here in the PNW, Vacu Flush is very popular. Many boatbuilders offered them as standard equipment and Marine Sanitation in Seattle has been very successful at marketing them.
The Vacu Flush has been around a long time. Longer than the ME. I'm sure there are more VF's out there than the ME so more issues are experienced. The majority of VF installations are approaching 15 - 20 years and issues are popping up due to the age of the system.
Most issues with newer VF's are improper installation or improper operation.
I've worked shows and conducted VF seminars. A huge number of boaters come up and tell us how much they love their VF. 5 to 10 percent have minor issues which we can solve with a few operational tips. A few where a service call or parts purchase solved the issue.
I sell Rariton, Tecma, MasterFlush, Jabsco etc in addition to VF. We've had no requests to remove a VF and replace with something else. A used VF is rare on CL.
I sell many VF to DIY'ers and offer design and installation support. They are willing to spend the money and time to have a VF. All were successful with the complex installation.
I belong to two Yacht Clubs and for years DJ'ed at YC's. I know a lot of boaters. The theory is you get several boaters together and invariably the conversation will turn to marine heads. And most of these boaters I know can not stop bragging about how well their VF works and how much they like their VF's.
It always amazes me that some of these older systems are still working without any maintenance. People buy used boats and have no idea when and if maintenance was conducted and never question it as long as it works. I've seen 15 to 20 year old systems still working.
I'm not going to compare a VF to a ME. It's like asking which anchor?
I've never disparaged a ME or any other toilet in someone's thread as you do unsolicited.