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goldiphlox · 21-07-2012, 12:57

So, I have this idea and would like some input. My sailboats head only has a porta potti. No shower....I want to be able to take weekend trips and I NEED a shower. My idea was to get one of those Eccotemp instant hot water heater/ showers that i can have in the cockpit....hook it up to a watermaker....and have a long curtain closure that i could snap on all around my bimini (yes guys....i know this is the dissappointing part...)

Has anyone done this....it should work? Yay or nay....it certainly would be a nice big roomy shower

belizesailor · 21-07-2012, 13:13

"Solar Showers" work great (basically just a big plastic bag clear on one side black on the the other -- heated by the sun). I used to carry one back-packing and know a few friends who carry them on their boats.

Lathering up and rinsing off first in salt water saves a lot of water. Then just fresh water rinse with the solar shower.

nitpik · 21-07-2012, 13:15

You could always come over and shower on MY boat!

Sorry ........ couldn't resist it!

I have used several versions of solar showers for camping and on boats, and have found them very successful. A simple tank on the coach roof, painted flat black, with a hose and shower head attached works well in the Florida sun.
The hot water on demand idea also sounds good - I assume you would use propane? Shower curtain optional (we live in a cosmopolitan world, don't we?)
It would be more cramped, but it might also be possible to rig a "sit-down" shower on your porta-potti, with or without a small shower sump.
All in all, I would go for a solar bag on the roof, hoisted into the rigging whenever your feel dirty. The cockpit is a great place to take a shower!

goldiphlox · 21-07-2012, 13:31

Although very beautiful....Canada is quite a long ways to go for a shower! But thanks for the offer...

The eccotemp does use propane, which i have onboard for my grill...but i guess the solar shower would be a simpler way to go....

LJH · 21-07-2012, 13:35

We use a camp solar shower that we hang from the end of our boom. Lay it on the deck in the sun and it heats up quite well. Have a look for something like this
Solar Camp Shower: Hygiene | Free Shipping at L.L.Bean

**Therapy** · 21-07-2012, 13:37

I have taken a "shower" with a dish pan and wash rag sitting on the cockpit sole. Amazing what you can do with a gallon. But I don't have all that hair (if that is you).

Mexdon · 21-07-2012, 13:49

+1 for the solar shower,

used them for years in NZ where it ain't all that sunny. In more tropical zones the water would get so hot it was perfect for around 2030 2100 when I could shower on the fore deck in darkness and complete anonymity. I'm not bashfull just didn't want to scare the neighbours.

goldiphlox · 21-07-2012, 13:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Therapy

I have taken a "shower" with a dish pan and wash rag sitting on the cockpit sole. Amazing what you can do with a gallon. But I don't have all that hair (if that is you).

Well see...thats just it...all this hair...i need good water pressure

....yes its me...lol

**Therapy** · 21-07-2012, 13:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by goldiphlox

Well see...thats just it...all this hair...i need good water pressure

....yes its me...lol

Solar showers don't provide much water pressure either. Just pours, like a rag being squeezed. The little nozzle helps though.

goldiphlox · 21-07-2012, 14:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Therapy

Solar showers don't provide much water pressure either. Just pours, like a rag being squeezed. The little nozzle helps though.

Ahhh...see, that's what i was thinking....

rover88 · 21-07-2012, 14:13

Go to the hardware store and buy a two gallon weed / insecticide pump spray bottle. Black is preferable. Cut the nozzle down and re-fix it for a more manageable handle.

Instant pressurized shower! Works a charm and the black plastic left outside will warm the water.

goldiphlox · 21-07-2012, 14:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by rover88

Go to the hardware store and buy a two gallon weed / insecticide pump spray bottle. Black is preferable. Cut the nozzle down and re-fix it for a more manageable handle.

Instant pressurized shower! Works a charm and the black plastic left outside will warm the water.

Hey now that is a fantastic idea! Thanks! I love this forum

Nemo55 · 21-07-2012, 14:35

You will have no trouble finding volunteers

to pump the`water, hold the curtain, and wash your back,,,speaking for myself,,i am a mean cook as well....

seriously though...the solar showers work great,,combine that with a weed pump sprayer and a "Pet Tunnel" and you'll have an awesome shower.

goldiphlox · 21-07-2012, 14:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nemo55

You will have no trouble finding volunteers

to pump the`water, hold the curtain, and wash your back,,,speaking for myself,,i am a mean cook as well....

seriously though...the solar showers work great,,combine that with a weed pump sprayer and a "Pet Tunnel" and you'll have an awesome shower.

Lol.....are you volunteering?

I just found one of those sprayers in a 4 gallon at home depot....i think thats what i will do....

Who was that masked genius?!?

rover88 · 21-07-2012, 15:08

Goldiphlox,
Just noticed you are in Ft. Myers and I was there just a few weeks ago and love the mooring field at Ft. Myer's Beach!! Best facilities for under $14/day anywhere! Great folks too.