25 Hacks for the Boat Head (Bathroom)

[@larryb5914]

I was initially thinking this will be boring, instead you lit up my Saturday chores, I just gotta have these hacks, thank you

[@Allen-by6ci]

Welcome back Emily

[@gking5522]

I have always loved your KISS philosophy living on your boat. Been doing the same for 43 years. Other boat owners look at me funny. Like I'm eccentric or something. 😂

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yeah but if it's worked for decades it works!

[@robhow7962]

Great video. I would be too bashful to ask another owner about the head. I have learned so much from Clark and Emily.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks. We are here to demystify the mysterious.

[@jeffdieringer1]

Great ideas all the way round!

[@williambunting803]

Toilets and showers are a passion of mine. I have a Dometic Electric head which I discovered early if you run the pump backwards it does and extremely fine “Blend” which is de-aerated and when is pumped out it sinks quickly to the bottom. The second part of that is a sterilizer which will kill all bacteria and viruses with hyperchlorus acid to the US standard so it can be discharged into inland waterways. Performance not yet proven. I also have a hand pump inline with the electric pump which is a backup for the electric pump and I also use it to pump the toilet hose dry to minimize scale build up. I’ve been living in fresh water for the past 6 years, but starting next year will be heading for tropical and salt sea waters, so have not yet experienced the damp towel problem. For water conservation I have a design for a recirculating shower which will allow for a half hour shower with just 9 litres of water. The key thing with recirculating showers is that you have to be able to open the pipes to clean them out, while also being able to heat the water on each pass. The water drops about 15C on each pass from the rose to the floor. This requires 3 water changes for a comfortable shower. The water should be circulated with a magnetically coupled motor such as in the Fisher and Parker dish drawer. I haven’t made that yet mainly because there was no pressure to. The shower rose for me must have a wide spread. I found and use one that is mostly OK but am on the lookout for one with a wide and uniform spray. My water heating is with an Eberspacher Hydronic Diesel which can also work from the engine cooling system when motoring. The first one of those I had installed overheated and melted som of its part. I have the unit mounted high up in a void near the center of the boat, and it was trapped hot air that destroyed the first heater. Second time around I draw the combustion air from the space above the heater to keep it cool, and the current unit has done 3 years service so far. I don’t flush toilet paper for various reasons so that goes into a container and into the trash. Dead keen to have a bidet unit installed.

[@therokenman2594]

Great video! Thank you for all that you do!

[@brockallentaylor]

I almost pulled the trigger on a bidet before I left this season, and I wish I would have. My only “hack” was to switch to fresh water flush, I use an extra gallon per day of fresh water for one person but IMO its worth it to get rid of the buildup in the bowl and pipes, and that sour head smell is gone. Im going to put in a 3 way valve so I can run salt water flush if I’m low on fresh water.

[@chhindz]

Have heard of head manufacturers recommending adding salt to holding tank, in freshwater to expedite decomposition.

[@markpeter1968]

Hi, has freshwater mitigated or got rid of the unpleasant head smells?? Was it worth it??

[@brockallentaylor]

@@markpeter1968 Yes it completely eliminates it, you may have to change your discharge hoses at the same time if some smell is emanating from them. I wouldn’t go back, its a lot easier on the seals and pumps also.

[@mvintrigue-trawlerdiy1101]

Fantastic! Thanks for the great info

[@Clarks-Adventure]

You're welcome

[@larryb5914]

That hot water diverter valve hack is money for us without water makers!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yep. Shame it took me about 20 years to do it.

[@larryb5914]

Could you do a video on how you did the plumbing for this hot water diverter?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

From hot water under the sink through valve to tanks

[@yannkitson116]

Show us that circulation hack for the water heater, please :)

[@Clarks-Adventure]

It's in the video. Just a hose back to the tank select manifold area.

[@yannkitson116]

@@Clarks-Adventure Ah I misunderstood I thought you had hot water circulation, now it makes sense. Thank you for pointing it out to me.

[@barbarianlife]

I would never not change the toilet roll. Just ask my wife. 😊

[@multinaute]

thanks It's smart and very useful

[@svdellajean253]

Lots of good tips. Adding an inline filter to the head supply line is a great idea. Now I have a use for my spare😂. Different topic- do you have a line cutter on your prop shaft? Thanks for the help.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

No . In my 20,000 miles of ocean work I only caught one line. Quick dive where I could tie the ends together got me free and saved the fisherman's gear

[@kevbjork1]

A little mineral oil through the head occasionally helps keep things working smoothly. I'll definitely use the strainer on the raw water inlet trick though. I might even have one in my spares box somewhere.

[@MiQBohlin]

An inlet filter is a good suggestion ☝🏽

[@MarcelaR-dh1ok]

I bet you even have special names for the front and back of the boat....you mariner...you

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Pointy end???

[@kennethwilliams3778]

P r o m o S M

[@larryb5914]

Wow, some awesome organizations, and helpful hacks, especially like the bilge paint item, as I have been struggling with painting the bottom half of the interior of my door to fend off the shower water, ...I was disappointed that Clark had not come up with a floor grate different than wood, as I don't like how nasty it gets underneath over time, but maybe this is just a permanent regular clean chore item...but keep em coming, very helpful

[@ffsf4209]

Hack #26: Replace that ugly yellow pump handle.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

To each his own The new handles are telescoping and I feel they kinda suck. That's a very old handle

[@murrayhill9000]

I think your "5 Point Shower" might be what the Navy calls "A Navy Shower" where you wet down, turn water off, lather up, then rinse off. Also, do you use a macerator for the toilet effluent? Have you considered a de-humidifier for the Head? For the saltwater hose with filter going into the toilet couldn't your use a filter that unscrews to clean it rather than taking off the entire hose and filter? Great video. Very resourceful esp. with the home-made vanity sink.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

It does unscrew. Dehumidifier uses a lot more power than the fan does. Better to just push the humidity out

[@YEMinThant-gv1my]

✍✍✍✍✍✍

[@yarpenzigrin1893]

Have you thought about installing an electric water heater with a tank? Many camper van builds use that method. The electric heater can be set to activate only when the batteries are full and will heat a small tank of water to a set temperature automatically with the excess electricity.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Takes more space and has only a limited amount of water. On demand propane is king.

[@trevorcronin9249]

A cheap Asian style "bum washer" hose also works well using salt or fresh water. Handy to clean the bowl too. Dry off with just a little toilet paper. Do you flush your toilet paper?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yep

[@toddtavares7386]

If you are in or near a marina or other public accommodation, etc do you try to use their bathroom facilities?? My businees is fairly regular, right after morning coffee. Is a daily morning jaunt to a land based cafe feasible?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Whatever works for you. When I lived in a marina back in Seattle I had a pump out boat come by every week.

[@maewest68]

Sure it is... sure it is....

[@camsail]

Out of curiosity, what pump are you using for the shower sump pump?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Just a bilge pump.

[@Sailing_Victoria]

How did you solve the issue with insurance using on demand propane water heater? I heard that non marine types of such things are not in favor of insurance companies.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I think insurance is a dumb idea.

[@OMIF1]

Total boat rocks. 😊 How about a solar shower test for us who cannot fit instant hot water?

[@paulpozboater]

Clark is the man!! I think he might be my hero!! lol Making your own sink. Very cool.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thanks, I just couldn't find one the size I needed when I was building the vanity.

[@jeremyhemphill3525]

I just love y’all’s videos and all the wealth of knowledge you share. In particular the bathroom paint y’all have chosen. I may actually use this in the bathroom in my house if possible. Thank you!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I'd go for it! It seems to be a really good product. Takes a while to cure and harden up, but when it does, it's fantastic. You might never have to paint again.

[@tracyoliver550]

Interesting. After being told so by several others, we don’t use bar soap due to it having binding ingredients that can cause clogging. Perhaps an urban myth. Your thoughts?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I've lived aboard for over 30 years. Bar soap all that time. Well maybe it happens after 50 years???

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Lots of boating theories developed and transmitted from atop bar stools.

[@Roskellan]

I do a lot of home DIY, ummm.... have I done x25 separate jobs on my bathroom? Shower, Light, Mirrors, Shaver point, Shelf, Paint, Toothbush holder, Heater, Cistern repair, Roll holder, Towel rail, Extractor fan, Door Repair, Hot water Thermostat (had to replace) - nope not even close 🙂 My bathroom is over 9ftx9ft - something tells me I couldn't buy a big enough boat 🙂 The water table in my area is about 6ft down, tide hasn't come in yet 🙂 Kidding apart I do like sailing.

[@timferguson7498]

Awesome vid's,,,,,,, loved the idea with the toilet paper holder.

[@TheGreenBoater]

great hacks! kudos on those that we (humbly) credit towards our 'change one thing' campaign to help stop ocean pollution. Those that grabbed me were the soap sleeve, on demand hot water, manual toilet. thanks for these practical and proven hacks!!! #onemillionboaterpledge

[@rafaelsantana5330]

Really nice informations! Thanks

[@johnq.public2621]

😃👍👏👏👏 Many thanks, very practical!

[@SailingEssieMae]

I learn something new from every video! Thank you!

[@podocrypto6072]

Yeah, who's that creepy guy in the background? 😹

[@Sommers234]

Clever, efficient way to get hot water! I'm always surprised when I see people running a modest sailboat without any.🎉😂

[@seonewport363]

I don't think you left anything out. That was great. I never thought of having on demand hot water. I always had the storage tank off of the motor. it was always entirely satisfactory, however I love your idea. now I want to try it.

[@ny1t]

One "grate" improvement was a spring loaded toilet seat. You never drop the seat on your boat again. You do have to be careful in a marina because you forget they are low tech and the seat slams down. This boat didn't have a shower curtain track and water would go through the doors to the hall carpet. I found a curtain rack at walliworld with a hinge so it blocks that water and slides easily to each end.

[@keithdubose2150]

Excellent and practical.. thanks .. not much to add !

[@KenGreenlaw]

The easiest way to install a floor grate in a head is to cut up the thick rubber anti-fatigue mats you see in commercial kitchens, which sit above the floor on rubber studs. Nothing in the two heads in my boat can't be cleaned with a pressure washer and that's the easiest way to clean a bathroom by far, but rather than carry one around I've made a super-long kitchen faucet sprayer hose that can reach both ends of the boat from the galley, making it possible to use hot water to clean anything in the boat.

[@larryb5914]

Oh, and you are right on about a respirator when applying ANY bilge paint, but Total Boat bilge paint disapates it's smell and vapors gaster than any other brand, and that toilet paper and paper towel storage hack is awesome and uses an available inside locker space, just genius!

[@SoItGoesCAL34]

Thanks! Always enjoy hints & tips.

[@lukedenbleyker5091]

That's great you did this video.

[@kbbarton1]

5-point shower! 🤣

[@GuyIncognito764]

I do not believe installing the camping-style on-demand water heater inside is worth the risk. I get the logic with ventilating the room, CO monitor, etc. However, the failure modes (portlight is shut, CO monitor batteries fail, room door is left open to rest of boat, etc.) is asking for trouble. We simply heat water on the stove and use a 2 gallon camping sprayer with a kitchen sprayer handle attached ($30 shower) and it works fine for us. Yes, kitchen stove is propane as well and that's also a risk we assume. No offense meant, to each their own risk judgement, but I wanted to put this counter-point out there for your viewers. I enjoy your content.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Everyone has their own idea of safety and should follow it. This is well tested by us for us. Over 30 years! 0 rise in co level (back when I had a sensor with a readout) Also consider to raise the temperature of your water on the stove uses almost exactly the same amount of propane burnt in a possibly more enclosed of a space.

[@Channelterror117]

Are you guys is till in Luperon? I wonder if you know someone that could give me some sailing lessons. I'm getting a 37footer soon and would like to get some experience. Maybe even passage if schedule aligns. I went to a regatta once, but just trimmed some sheets for a day, some actual experience would be lovely haha. Thank you!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Hey! Yes, we are in Luperon. Send us a message on Patreon. We can talk more about what you need and who might be able to help. -E

[@marcoslusso2163]

Thanks for the video. Very interesting suggestions. I will definitely implement the sea water strainer for the toilet. How is Luperon as an hurricane hole?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Best in the northern Caribbean

[@Mafiakitty]

Ugh, an in-line filter, a good idea! We've had so many little fish stuck in our toilet!

[@Clarks-Adventure]

... And getting that stink out is the worst.

[@sailingeden9866]

What are your thoughts on composting toilets?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

As Emily says in the video we have one but we don't use it. We have friends who do and like them fine as long as they are well ventilated.

[@sailingeden9866]

How long does a propane bottle usually last with your hot water heater?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

2.5 gallons lasts over a month. Water heater and stove.

[@farvacarramrod3672]

Question about the hot water heater. Can it be mounted in any position or does it have to be vertical?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Vertical.

[@789train]

thanks for the ideas i assume the ' filter ' on the toilet connection is a strainer? also propane is heavier then air, so watch out with that water heater

[@Clarks-Adventure]

And watch out with the galley stove.

[@Isarou1]

Thanks for the in-line water filter tip! Am curious about the bidet function set-up and product you would recommend… could you provide some details please.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Description -> Amazon Store -> there is a head video section.

[@Isarou1]

@@Clarks-Adventure Thank you!

[@bobuncle8704]

Everything is so well thought out.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

It only took 30 years

[@TurnOffYourTV]

🙂 . SV Kota

[@IrregularPineapples]

man i'm only half way in but this is amazing~

[@IrregularPineapples]

loved it~

[@Isarou1]

Also curious to know if you considered setting up a solar water heater system. It would perhaps have to be a custom-made contraption taking into consideration surface available above deck with a tank for storage…

[@Clarks-Adventure]

I have used solar showers. They work fine. I rigged a hook so one can wash dishes with one. Storing hot water inside a hot boat in the tropics isn't a great idea.

[@Isarou1]

@@Clarks-Adventure Thank you for your reply. Am actually in the tropics too, with a rainy / warm nights season and a dry / cool nights season. Hot water has proven a good remedy on numerous occasions despite the tropical location and a major improvement to cleaning chores. A hot water tank running off the engine was set up in my initial boat construction, some 45 years ago, but I am looking at replacing the system by coiling copper exposed to the sun, feeding a tank, and wondering if that might have been one of your considerations.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Sure that can work. Paint it black. Id likely use black plastic hose. Cheaper

[@mymonster156]

I suggest that it is safer to mount the propane heather outside and have your shower in the cockpit or on rear swim grid! It also keeps the humidity down

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Whatever works for you

[@mymonster156]

@@Clarks-Adventure... insurance is an issue as well....an insurance survey might find it a fire hazard?

[@bsm117532]

I would have liked to hear about dealing with smells from the tank and lines.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

If you don't use the tank and pump enough to only leave salt water in the lines, there is no smell. With the tank it's vital to have a vent. And use GREAT hose. Not cheap white sanitation hose. The black stuff from shields

[@bsm117532]

@@Clarks-Adventure I think I need to replace my hoses. But it's a dirty job. 🤣

[@Clarks-Adventure]

One of the first jobs I did on Temptress. Turned her from the stinky boat to the elegant boat in Seattle

[@TheCenterStudio_Pilates]

Do you flush your TP?

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Yes and we use regular grocery store TP. Never a problem

[@TheCenterStudio_Pilates]

@@Clarks-Adventure thanks. And thank you for your content. Always helpful and informative.

[@joeredhawk]

This has some seriously good tips, the biggest being a raw water straining on the inlet of the for a saltwater toilet. The hot water heater and the TP rack. Excellent suggestions.

[@mylifethaidiy7045]

You did an excellent job on the video. Clark is like an engineer. I would swear you two could survive for 1 year, without having to come to the mainland for supplies. You should do a video of how you do laundry on a boat.

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Emily just hopped out of the time machine. She made two of them for you. Here's one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6ipc395Zquaqsk

[@landosharks9669]

Growing up we hung clothes on the line with the wood pins but the line was threaded through the circle of the metal spring so they wouldn't go amiss.😅 Wouldn't help on all your lines, but the one you hung specifically for laundry would work. My dream is an outdoor deck shower. Somehow Imma make this happen. Love your indoor multipurpose sink faucet/showerhead! Gonna give that bilge paint a try too. Very cool finish.

[@crazyredhead6404]

Plumbed my sink drain as an option for water supply to the head. Wash your mitts and clean the bowl with the newly soapy water simultaneously… Pretty good conservation/odor tactic as a third/fourth benefit(s). Fair winds!

[@FatDaddyG]

Very good content

[@Clarks-Adventure]

Thank you