Head shower...worth it?

[ESPERANZA]

Outstanding idea kmclemore. I've looked at these water heaters before and I'm trying to figure out a way to plumb it in to my existing water system. Place it on the stove, connect to plumbing lines via some type of quick connect fitting. fill and heat it, then run to a mixing valve in the head or cockpit for a shower? Wha da ya think?
Dik...

[kmclemore]

Outstanding idea kmclemore. I've looked at these water heaters before and I'm trying to figure out a way to plumb it in to my existing water system. Place it on the stove, connect to plumbing lines via some type of quick connect fitting. fill and heat it, then run to a mixing valve in the head or cockpit for a shower? Wha da ya think?

Hmm... well, Dik, I'm not sure I'd plumb it in... one of the best features is that it's so portable - take it to the beach, on deck, cockpit, wherever... even use it to wash off feet when getting on board from the sandy shores. Besides, you have to heat it with the pump out of the tank or else you risk having this puppy explode from the expanding steam!

If you've got your heart set on a plumbed heater, there's lots out there, both gas and 110v electric. Here's a gas one, for example.

Now, there is one additional option that some of you who are wedded to more 'modest' ladies might like to consider... I can see hanging this from the boom or something.

[Randy Smith]

Harry, I actually lived on my boat for a winter.....5:00 every morning I would light the stove, boil the water and I had a little brown tub which fit perfectly at the base of the companionway step. I called it my "Hemmingway" existence. Built character and toughness, I guess. The only problem was when I was running late and had the darned water too hot!

Dave, I read that you were thinking of a head remodel. I had forgotten that in my last response. Yes, if you are going to go through all of the work for a remodel, definately running water, hot and cold with a sump and drain are a must. I always tend to think simple...I am one of those guys who would like to change things on the boat but shudder, sweat and get nausiated at the thought of drilling holes.......done it, Zanex required. My friend, Bob, always want to change my boat(he seems to sell his before he sails it and I have known him for 15 years and many boats!), he gets this gleam in his eye as he reaches for a drill or hack saw........One of the things we talked of with the head....can it be extened more towards the stern?....we have considered the space just aft of the head to be a space we dont use....it wouldn't take much to put in a new bulkhead, this would eleviate many constraints of the head and allow more creativity in your design........we have talked of that space becoming the "house" for water pumps, water heater, even heat and air mechanics..........we have only dreamed...but have considered.........weight is an issue.... Randy

[Sloop John B]

Holy Gees.

Just stay away from each other on a long cruise if it gets that bad and maybe do a marine shower. That is, a little Old Spice under the armpit. Plunk sweat soaked shirts and shorts into a plastic kitchen bag and give it a twist for a better day.

For those who have traveled a bit should understand that North Americans are a little loppy on this shower a day thing.

It's bound to rain. Shed down, and if there are people looking, keep your colorful underwear on. If it's really coming down, good time to goose out some Head and Shoulders for a shampoo.

If it's lightening like hull, go below and use the Old Spice.

And snuggle up with your mate, even if it makes your eyes water.

And if you are living on your boat, join the YMCA or some kind of work out center.

And what we do, if it don't rain too good, is take a little dip in the warm sea. Use Ivory, it comes back up when you lose it.

[Jack O'Brien]

We have a pressure water system for the galley and a shower head mounted on the stern with a 5-ft hose. We sit on the motor as a handy seat. Haven't needed hot water yet as our overnights have been in warm weather. Before installing the water system I used a sun shower bag suspended by the jib halyard and sat on the foredeck - too slippery to stand.

Coleman also has a portable water heater.

http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemanc ... ryid=26000

[kmclemore]

For those who have traveled a bit should understand that North Americans are a little loppy on this shower a day thing.

Actually, SJB, I'm not sure anyone mentioned daily showering at all here.... and besides, my wife is of Czech heritage anyay, not North American... but she still likes to stay nice and sweet and pretty for her hubby... and I can't say I mind.

I've travelled all over the world, to communist states and free ones, and I agree that many other countries are less concerned about bathing... indeed, in one of Napoleon's notes to his darling Josephine he said "I return in three days; don't bathe"... however, perhaps I am indeed a fat and wasteful ugly American, but when I'm living close on a boat I much prefer a gal that smells fresh and clean, and I know she likes me that way too. Silly, I know, but what can I say, call me loopy.

(Edit: But for God's sake please just don't call me 'Looper')

[Moe]

To conserve water, RVers who are "boondocking" (camping without electrical, water, and sewer hookups), take "Navy showers." Turn on water, wet down quickly, turn off water, soap up and scrub, turn on water, rinse quickly, turn off water. One problem with this is that while soaping and scrubbing, you and the wash cloth tend to dry out.

An old, experienced RVer once told me of the many uses of a pint-sized spray bottle, like people use for misting plants, etc, filled with soapy water.

You can use it to wet/re-wet yourself and the wash cloth in the shower.

A few squirts of it in the toilet bowl before a BM reduces "skid marks," eliminating the need for longer flushes and use of the higher flow toilet spray head. A couple of hard squirts usually takes care of any skid marks that do happen.

It dramatically reduces the amount of water used for washing dishes. Only rinse water is needed.

We'll definitely have one of these aboard.

--
Moe

[kmclemore]

Moe, all of those were useful tips, but one was just a wee bit more information than I needed during lunch.

[Tony D-26X_SusieQ]

A good skill to develop while cruising in a mac is to be able to bathe with one cup of water. It won't matter much weather it is hot or cold.

[dclark]

I do like the idea of the Zodi and for <$100, I can see having one on board regardless...just to have an easy way to poor hot water over my head.

I did occur to me that adding a shower in the head really isn't a whole lot of money, time, or work. So if I did it but never really used it, it's not like I wasted much.

I do like the idea (stated cautiously) of cutting out the entire sink along with the aft head wall and essentially extending it back into the aft berth area. Of course I need to think this thru a little as we are talking about a lot of work. I can see building in some sort or storage (drawers or something) and then a shower type curtain to slide across the front when the shower is on.

[kmclemore]

I do like the idea of the Zodi and for <$100, I can see having one on board regardless...

Yeah, it stows nicely under the aft galley seat on the port side, and we can easily grab it whenever we need to (our batteries have been moved forward beneath the V-berth).

The Zodi has lots of other uses in addtion to reducing the crew's (ahem) 'fragrance'... you can also use it to wash down the foredeck, rinse out the anchor locker, wash up the grill, clean up after fishing, etc. But as I say, if you do get one, don't forget to insert one of those little gas filters in the spray hose - it vastly reduces maintenance if you're using non-potable water. I used one of those glass ones that you can take apart and clean, but your mileage may vary.

[Chip Hindes]

A suggestion I heard some time ago but haven't yet tried, is to use one of those garden sprayers. You obviously can't heat the water in the plastic container like you can with the Zodi, but since you probably already have a pot anyway, no big deal.

The best part is, under $20. I recently bought one from Home Depot which I use to spray on the oxalic acid based heavy duty hull cleaner which I must use regularly to clean off all the locally generated organic crap which gloms onto my non-bottom-painted hull and topsides, and it works like a charm. I'm not sure that one can't do double duty as long as I clean out the acid really well after each use; otherwise I could also use it as a depilatory or for chemical peels

[Ralf]

Shower:
maybe this?

http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemanc ... ryid=26000

That looks like an interesting water-heater. Used to be around $150 at Sams in spring with accesories (bag and showerhead). Our local Sams store sold the last ones off at $50 around August. Don't know how well it works or how long it will last.


Location:
If in the head or elsewhere in the cabin make sure you have good ventilation and no hidden spots (moisture --- mold).
If improvised in the cockpit, the moisture seems a lesser issue..., but privacy may be ...

[Tahoe Jack]

I chose the Coleman 2300-700 hot water shower unit. About 18"x18"x10" and likely less than 15#. Has rechargeable batt and powered with the standard small green propane bottles. Carrying case, lots of adapter, hose etc. Think I paid about $150 at Sams Club a few months ago. Fired it up...seems to work well...very portable..use it wherever on the boat. Haven't had chance to play with it on the boat yet. Jack

Oops...looks like Ralf has the same info...and a link. Jack

[Sloop John B]

I cant hold back anymore, and just as an aside:

I sawed away not only the head sink but the forward portion of the head and chopped out the aft dinette seat and pitched the dinette table into sea and installed a cast iron porcelain Howard Taft 7x3 bath tub. I dont like spending too much time outside because of the sun, and when in doubt, take a bath.

After buying this tub, I didnt have too much money left, but managed to get a couple small barrels for the water with kerosine heaters. These are mounted in the cockpit for safety purposes and the ungodly smell.

I have only tried to use this new system once, but it rained and I decided let it be and save on kerosine.

This mod has caused a discernable list to starboard. I have thought of sawing out the galley for a matching tub that might get my stick pointing up straight. But, in the morning I know it is not provident and completely duplicitous.

I do not seek any recommendations on how to get my boat upright and only ask that you punch down to the next post to see what cockamamy suggestion might appear on getting sweet and pure for your precious mate.

Gees, I wish Id seen Moes post about the sprinkler can before getting this Taft thing.