Without doubt I would choose a shower rather than a bath. I can’t think of any good reason for choosing to fit a bath on a narrowboat. When I first got Rambler she had a 4′ bath installed with a shower fitting on the taps – the type you use to wash your hair when sitting in the bath. The hot water tank is average-sized but even in this smaller-than-average bath a full tank of hot water would only provide water to a depth of 5″. This would be less of a problem throughout the summer when the air is warm, but during winter it’s a very uncomfortable position to be in – the phrase, “brass monkeys” springs to mind. There would be no point heating a second tank-full of water because in the time it would take to do so the water in the bath would be cold. Also, when cruising it’s necessary to be economical with the water.
The bath was soon replaced in favour of a fitted shower cubicle. After much searching I found a smaller than average, ceramic, pentagonal base unit. In a small space the pentagon shape is much more suitable than a square. A tank full of hot water will provide for a five minute shower. That’s not much time, especially if a person has lots of hair to wash, in which case it might be a good idea to heat some water in the kettle as a contingency.
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Thanks, always good posts on your blog!
Comment by Desktopjunk — April 22, 2007 @ 6:46 pm |
My narrowboat neighbour, Nick, has just acquired a new 47ft narrowboat complete with a 4′ bath. And it seems that Nick has taken to the bath like a hippo to water (sorry Nick). He says that the stored water heated by the immersion heater provides ample water for bathing (at least twice a day!) So, perhaps 4ft baths are OK but I can’t believe anything bigger is practical.
Comment by ducky — May 30, 2007 @ 10:58 pm |
Just have to add something here……are you all blokes or what??? Guess so
We girls need to wallow guys. Our 58 foot Jy Praat Twak – moored just a mile from Portland Basin (do pop in for a visit!) at Warble Wharf has a 4′ sitz bath, so Paul, the big one in the family can sit and shower, while me, the smaller of the pair, can sits in the “deep end”. We made this decision because we wanted a walk through bathroom, which does not really give you much option for a shower, unless you are under 5 foot tall.
For people who livaboard its really a personal thing, I could not imagine not at least once a week having a Cleopatra type moment (ass’s milk not essential) but the indulgence of a bath is so important to us girls!!
Comment by Bridget Kik — August 9, 2007 @ 9:15 am |
I think that Nick (mentioned in previous comment) would disagree about it being a girl thing. He’s always in the bath. And I’m pretty sure Nick’s a bloke ‘cos his toilet seat’s always left up. Say hi to Mark Antony (I mean, Paul).
It’s a two-to-one majority in favour of baths on boats. Anyone else have a view?
Comment by ducky — August 9, 2007 @ 9:42 am |
Hi all,
I am desperate to find a SITZ bath/shower unit. Once used one in a rented caravan and it was perfect.
Sit on 3 different levels or stand…bath or shower..all plastic unit, no tile grout to go mouldy
Planning to become livaboards but only if I find my sitz !
Any ideas for suppliers please ?
Comment by elljay — January 10, 2009 @ 1:06 pm |