head cramping

A forum for discussing topics relating to MacGregor Powersailor Sailboats
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ALX357
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head cramping

Post by ALX357 »

It's an old problem ... even on the X ....
:arrow: I just about have to strip to "buff" before using the porta-head, as I am 6' tall, and can barely manage to disrobe enough for business within once the door is closed. With my feet crowded off-center to the portside of the space there, in a crouching positon, weight not balanced at all, I have to jam my skull up under the liner protrusion there to maintain a stance long enough to drop trou then sit. Same contortion only worse on the exit end.
:arrow: I am seriously considering cutting or blasting away at the gelcoat under the sink, until there is at least some footroom under the sink ( which will expose bare hull 'glass, and require extensive re-building/re-glassing of the liner to the larger shape. That may allow at least a way to stay balanced on my feet in there.

:arrow: The sink is a good idea to have, and I would leave it and the covering liner from the lip to the bottom of the sink bowl around, but since I have run the water bag from under the settee cooler, there is no real need to have storage space under there at the expense of foot and knee room, and I could manage to hold cleaning stuff etc. with wall storage.

:arrow: If alone in the boat, sometimes I just turn the pot-box sideways and sit facing the galley, feet and legs outside the door, which is not as easy as it could be if the square-shaped fixture could rotate 90 degrees where it sits, but its diagonal is larger than the space allows, and it must be lifted clear of the door sill and turned each time it is turned.
:arrow: To fix this, I could buy a smaller porta-pot, or carve away at the lip of the door sill, so it could be used when turned facing out of the door, but that is only a remedy for sailing without guests.

:arrow: I am also considering just cutting away at the entire side wall of the enclosure, and using a curtain instead of the door, to expand the standing room, somehow.

:?: Any thoughts on this ??

:arrow: I remember seeing one "mod" where some owner completely removed the walls, but that would not be acceptable to me, as at least the transverse bulkhead is essential in supporting the cabin roof / deck above there. I would have to leave the bulkhead behind the settee and a few inches of the vertical curve, but could lose the door frame and most of the step-over, to replace with a curtain - maybe. Maybe not.

* footnote, at the risk of "too much information" -- #1 and #2 functions both are always done sitting, for obvious reasons, at least to me. It's a small boat so hygene and a clean environment are essential.
Last edited by ALX357 on Sat Jun 07, 2008 10:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Trouts Dream
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Post by Trouts Dream »

Check out

Modifications

Zeno's Interior Mods

And take a look at how Mike extended his entrance to the head.
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ALX357
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Post by ALX357 »

'wish I could, but the "Modtracker" is down right now, and has been for a day or so already, I think. What did he do ? - Mike, that is.
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Mac Ziggy
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Post by Mac Ziggy »

This is a link to Mike's photos of Zeno. Includes some of the head mod.

http://s50.photobucket.com/albums/f302/mikderffd
K9Kampers
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Post by K9Kampers »

ALX-
Being 6' tall myself, I have no trouble using the X head standing or sitting, altho at times it may be awkward. On my boat, there is no code of modesty that demands me to shoehorn myself into that space and function with the door closed. Tasks of #1 / #2 are performed accordingly, with the door open & with one foot in & one foot out. #1 standing, includes leaning in with my skull braced against the wall, and especially so on a starboard tack! I have given consideration turning the PP 90 degrees, but have not done so yet.

IMO, the X head is inadequate for use as a fully enclosed head, and forget the idea of the second sink or shower! On my boat - it is a rope / anchor / storage locker / wardrobe - that also has a porta-potty!

Cutting fibreglass is always an option, and modifying the boat to meet your needs is the rule. However, be certain that the mod you desire is the one you want. It is harder to undo some mistakes than it is to find a compromise!

If anyone asks, my aim is perfect. If no-one asks, then it doesn't matter!
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bubba
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Post by bubba »

My wife and I looked at an X before buying our M and we couldn't fit easly in the head or setting at the table with out bumping our heads, shoulders and knees, I am only 6' 1'' tall and 205lbs and my wife is 5'10 and 150 lb. A buddy that is 5' 6'' and 140 lb is right at home in his X.
As far as old time middle class morals about nudity on this size boats forget it.
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Captain Steve
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Post by Captain Steve »

I have a 98X. I build a shelf the same height as the lower door sill and the porta potty sits on that. the increased elevation make the "throne" a comfortable height. The space underneath is sized just right to slide 3 fenders underneath. A layer of that spongy "no sliding" stuff keeps the Thetford in place.
Kelly Hanson East
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Post by Kelly Hanson East »

For Number ones I recommend a 'Little John' and a 'Lady J' on board for anyone who is cruising. This lets you minimise your volume in the PP as well as a much safer way to do number one while maintaining watch. Rinse with seawater after use.
Frank C

Post by Frank C »

FWIW, I wouldn't want to expend the effort to begin modding the head. Nothing would offer the complete privacy that Roger designed-in. Further, such privacy is only occasionally necessary, usually for those of slighter build.

Meanwhile for myself ... I follow k9's strategy. Door stands wide open for most business, which at least blocks views from the cockpit. Good 'nuff.
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bscott
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Post by bscott »

Little John for the guys, PP for the ladies---no peeking allowed 8)

TP goes in a garbage sack.

Bob

Captain Steve's shelf gets installed ASAP :idea:
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Captain Steve
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Post by Captain Steve »

I forgot to mention I built the shelf out of 3/4 inch thick starboard like stuff. I was passing a building demolition and there was sheets of this stuff that were 3 x 4 feet. Used in older restrooms as stall dividers and doors. Easy to shape and cut with saw and sander. Great stuff be on the look out for it. Now they use steel cladded material.
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puggsy
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HEAD CRAMPING

Post by puggsy »

Haven't had the :macm: long enough to do any big trips that would involve no. 2's, and have reserved the head for the ladies. As for the blokes no.1's. I have a plastic hospital jug, the one specifically for that purpose...the one with the funny shape...but Oh! so convenient...Use it, pour overboard, rinse, finished...

Puggsy 06 :macm:
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Chinook
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Post by Chinook »

For my solution to #1, let me introduce Wilson. Instead of the Little John, which is hard to rinse, I use a plastic tennis ball container, with a 1/8" nylon tied at top and bottom. This looped line allows Wilson to be lowered into the water from the cockpit. The container can easily be rinsed, even underway at considerable speed, by manipulating the line marionette fashion.
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kmclemore
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Post by kmclemore »

Chinook wrote:For my solution to #1, let me introduce Wilson. Instead of the Little John, which is hard to rinse, I use a plastic tennis ball container, with a 1/8" nylon tied at top and bottom. This looped line allows Wilson to be lowered into the water from the cockpit. The container can easily be rinsed, even underway at considerable speed, by manipulating the line marionette fashion.
Yes, and that sharp bit of metal left around the rim at the top of the can is really handy for giving any gentile friends of yours a quick circumcision. :|
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tangentair
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Post by tangentair »

kmclemore wrote:Yes, and that sharp bit of metal left around the rim at the top of the can is really handy for giving any gentile friends of yours a quick circumcision. :|
:D :D :D :D
Now that's better than a scrapple sandwich.
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