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amiller · 25-09-2015, 19:03

As we work on narrowing down boat choices we're facing the "charter layout" vs "owner's version" decision.

We're looking for a 38-41' cat for us adults and two kids. The owner's versions all have an entire hull occupied by the master cabin, which seems wasteful to me. In my vision 4 bedrooms would allow more flexibility and versatility for personal space, guests, storage, etc.

But.... the 4 cabin boats mostly have 4 bathrooms. 4 bathrooms means bathrooms that are cramped, extra equipment to fail and maintain, etc.

So the question: How practical is it to convert 2 of the cramped heads to shower only stalls, while leaving the other 2 heads as toilet/sink rooms? Is there a reason not to do this?

**StuM** · 25-09-2015, 19:59

If you're going to be living aboard long term, you will find the entire hull for the adults is not wasteful at all. It generally offers lots of advantages including more storage. a decent sized head and separate shower area. To say nothing of somewhere to get away from the kids for a while.

thinwater · 25-09-2015, 20:37

Heck, I'd vote for one head. Our house has three, and two of those are scarcely used. But if you really like maintaining more hose, valves and pumps....

Room is always better.

CrustyChief · 25-09-2015, 21:42

If I could convert both of our heads into one big head, Ye Ha!

I guess with 4 you could become the King of Thrones!

northoceanbeach · 25-09-2015, 22:04

Wasn't there just a thread where the guy wanted a boat with two head and he got torn to shreds?

alansmith · 26-09-2015, 07:27

One head in each hole is more than enough headaches. One for the children one for mom-and-pop. Your idea is a good one.

Tom and Maje · 26-09-2015, 08:28

We love our Leopard 40. Four bedrooms and two bathrooms. We didn't want an owners version because of the storage problem. Our forward starboard cabin is now a pantry.

Maje

**Bulawayo** · 26-09-2015, 08:35

Our boat was 4x cabins and 4x heads when we bought her. We converted the tandem heads into a single head per hull. We ended up with space enough to shower once one wash hand basin and one throne were removed. In one head compartment we installed an Airhead as well whilst the other head discharges directly. We also got rid of both holding tanks. For us this worked a treat.

**Bulawayo** · 26-09-2015, 08:36

You have a good layout on the L40.

Cheechako · 26-09-2015, 08:38

Definitely not 4 heads. 2 is plenty. Unless you like constantly working on crappy heads, hoses, valves, etc.

afriis · 26-09-2015, 09:28

We have a Lagoon 400 and it can be had with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Iwould recommend either that version or the owners version.
The 4 bathroom version is ridiculous.

WildFireAus · 26-09-2015, 10:36

We are in the throes of building a Schionning GForce 17C. And I am pleased to say nearly finished, hoping to launch by december/Jan. When we first looked at multihulls and I saw the 4 bathrooms 4 bedrooms and instantly fell in love and thought how cute and I wanted it. Nevertheless the more research we did we now have an owners cabin with a good size shower and separate head, and laundry in one hull and the other has a bunk room, double berth and kingsize berth and shared head and shower combo.
In all this regardless of the design the most important thing you need to remember is the amount of water you will need to carry. Water is weight! The more showers and heads you have the more water, the more parts and the more cleaning!! Personally every time I walk down into our owners hull I just love the amount of space and there is only going to be 2 of us onboard most of the time.
Other things you need to take into consideration is what are you using your cat for. Weekend sailing with the occasional week away or as a live aboard. For us we will be living aboard so it was super important to have comfort and space.! Best of luck.

Privleoplag · 26-09-2015, 11:01

definitely two, with one of those being in the owner's hull. That's the best way to go. between the owner's cabin and the shower / head there's usually tons of storage.
there's a reason owners versions bring a premium price.

budm303 · 26-09-2015, 16:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Privleoplag

definitely two, with one of those being in the owner's hull. That's the best way to go. between the owner's cabin and the shower / head there's usually tons of storage.
there's a reason owners versions bring a premium price.

Modesty is expensive. Head space is better used. A bucket will do.