Yank out the head? Opinions Needed!

[Rick K]

Hi All -

I am in need of your opinions regarding a major change I want to make to the inside of our boat - '81 245. The head in this boat is useless, in my opinion. It's a porta potti, with the usual storage vanity with a sink. I want to remove all that, custom-build a nice cabinet, install a larger fridge, etc. The porta-pottie that's in there, can go down in the space by the V birth, just like every other cuddy cabin I've seen.

I want to do this for the simple reason that the admiral LOVES to cook, prepare meals, and all that. I figured with the extra room, larger fridge, etc., she'd have what she wants. Believe me, it's not beyond her to prepare a full meal for 10 people down in that cabin.

Now as far as the head goes, we're at a yacht club, and the bathrooms there are about 50 yards away. No problem there. Get up off your butt and walk to the head. Besides, you can always grab a fresh cold 6 pack from the bar on your way back!

There's no shower in the boat, so that's not an issue either. And when we're not there, we're on the canal wall, with plenty of heads around.

So, what do you guys think? Am I outta my mind for wanting to do this? Admiral doesn't like the idea as it'll decrease the value of the boat. Yeah, OK, I have the Queen Mary at my dock, with people lining up to buy it... It's a 31 year old boat, and while in excellent condition, I don't see it being worth that much anyway. And I have no inkling to sell it either. So, might as well make it the way I want it, right?

If you tell me I'm a moron for coming up with this idea, I won't be offended. Just thinking that why have a dedicated head, with all that room wasted, when all you do is go in there to pee? And whataya need a sink in the head for, when the main one is 3 feet away? Why not have a nice area, with a bigger fridge (more beer), room for a microwave, storage for other stuff, etc. I'd even be inclined to install a nice new flat-top stove in there if she wanted it. Plus, the cabin wouldn't be so restricted with those walls gone.

So, whataya think?

 

[tdschafer]

At first thought I am opposed to it. It will definitely affect your resale but how I'm not sure. If there is another cook looking for that model it may help but, for the masses it will probably hurt. I am a big fan of having a bathroom on board. I sleep on my boat alot and even though the marina head may not be too far away, I don't want to venture out late or early to use it. I also have 3 small children that use the head at all hours. If you ever anchor out with friends they may want a little more privacy than the v-berth allows. Those are just thoughts off of the top of my head but, do what you think will make you enjoy your boat more or be more conducive to your boating needs and worry about the other stuff later!
Or, you could just step up now too!!!

 

[Gofirstclass]

Before I took on a job like that one which is likely to cost you many boat bucks (as in THOUSANDS!!!), I'd start looking for a different boat that offers the things you're looking for. Like Todd said, you could destroy whatever sales value your boat has, and you still end up with an older boat that might not have the things you want in it.

IMO, better to start shopping. Sell your boat when you can and take that money to use for a down payment on a newer/bigger/more desireable boat.

 

[moparlvr4406]

Do what works for you
The head in mine is nearly useless as I am 6'6" sitting or standing is at best a challenge
It makes a great closet for towels and toys but I leave it in there for the Admiral
As for the fridge I have no opinion really but all of our cooking happens outside the cabin
I tend to agree with GFC about the expense but as for hurting the value...who knows
Do what you need to do to improve your boating experience :wink:

 

[mistercomputerman]

If you are going to junk the boat after you get finished using it yourself, then go for it.

If you ever plan to resell the vessel, then my suggestion would be for you not to hack it apart.

Would you buy this truck? If the answer is yes, then you have answered your own question.

 

[tdschafer]

If you are going to junk the boat after you get finished using it yourself, then go for it.

If you ever plan to resell the vessel, then my suggestion would be for you not to hack it apart.

Would you buy this truck? If the answer is yes, then you have answered your own question.

View attachment 24457

Excuse me but that is not a "truck". It is a mobile home! :lol:

 

[Rick K]

For sure I'd buy that truck! It already has a load of firewood on it!!! Can't tell the year, but looks like mid-late 90s. I'LL TAKE IT!!! Seriously, I don't disagree with anyone here. Just floating the idea to the "professionals". I honestly think we'll be the last owners of this boat, unless something comes along that me and the admiral can agree on (it takes her a year to make a decision on what coupon to use in the grocery store. Imagine her buying something like a boat???).

Our ideas of boating are miles apart. She wants a 420AC, and I'll take anything that floats! I keep trying to instill upon her, that yes, you might be able to afford to buy it, but can you afford to RUN IT??? I also say, the boat can be 25 feet, or 125 feet, the bed is still 7 feet long. And after a nite of Jeiger Meister, that's all I care about!

Thanks guys...

 

[Sundancer]

What about removing the head, but leaving everything intact, so you can restore the head down the road? You could still install some shelves and such with the head out of there. Removing the walls would be a huge concern because structurally they might be holding up the deck too!

 

[Rick K]

What about removing the head, but leaving everything intact, so you can restore the head down the road? You could still install some shelves and such with the head out of there. Removing the walls would be a huge concern because structurally they might be holding up the deck too!

Thought about that... The way the walls are put together would make everything come out pretty easily. The locker that's directly in front would have to stay, as that goes right to the ceiling. The rest could be pulled tho. A 30 foot dancer just went up for sale at the club, and now the admiral wants to run right down there. I seriously gotta figure out how to rivet my wallet to my butt :grin:

 

[IanBat]

I need to ask this question. From what I understand the U.S. boat market is far more depressed than the Australian boat market, hence why we have so many imported 2nd hand boats coming in.
From your first post the boat is a 1981 hull.? How much are you going to devalue it by anyway.? Over here. It would be at the stage of being very hard to sell anyway.
And as you said its your boat, why not set it up how you want it.



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[Studman]

I say rip that puppy out and make it your own!
No offense but how much could the boat be worth anyway, I mean to sell it.
Are you going to enjoy the boat more and use it more? Is the wife going to be happier? because we all know that is what really matters.
I know that I enjoy working on the boat and tinkering around with it, so go for it and have a blast.

 

[Big Island Lifer]

Upgrade!

If the admiral is happy everybody is happy!




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[alwhite00]

I try not to use the head in my boat unless absolutley necessary - I built a removeable shelf and use it to store towels, Clothes, PFD's - Works great to hide all that crap.

LK

 

[Rick K]

I say rip that puppy out and make it your own!
No offense but how much could the boat be worth anyway, I mean to sell it.
Are you going to enjoy the boat more and use it more? Is the wife going to be happier? because we all know that is what really matters.
I know that I enjoy working on the boat and tinkering around with it, so go for it and have a blast.

No offense taken studman... The boat's worth $5, and that's what I've been offered for it. It's in exceptional shape, but I hate the design! It's a 25' boat. Why in hell would they put a full head in a boat that small? Just my opinion though. The admiral would be happy, but she's be complaining, p*ssing and moaning all the way thru the process. I'll probly end up doing it - when she goes on vacation in May... Very nice pic of your boat by the way. Me Likey!!!