{"id":52315,"date":"2024-03-27T15:52:49","date_gmt":"2024-03-27T19:52:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/?p=52315"},"modified":"2024-03-27T16:11:08","modified_gmt":"2024-03-27T20:11:08","slug":"forward-head-makeover","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/how-to\/forward-head-makeover\/","title":{"rendered":"Sailing Totem Refit Series: The Forward Head Makeover"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"New <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Totem<\/i>\u2019s new forward head at left, with the classic interior preserved on sistership Meraviglia<\/i><\/a> at right.<\/span>\n Behan Gifford<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

This month, we\u2019re rolling out a new Sailing Totem<\/em> series featuring hindsight intelligence from our massive refit, beginning with the forward head. Totem<\/em>\u2019s smallest cabin underwent very big changes and was a showcase for many of the decisions that would shape the refit overall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When we bought Totem<\/em> in 2007, the forward head retained the traditional look of a white finish with varnished wood trim. We destroyed that early on for practical reasons: chainplate replacement, better storage and then holding tank migration. They were the right moves, but it was never an appealing space\u2014until now, which goes to show how significantly a boat\u2019s interior can be changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This started as a simple repair (this is a theme\u2014the domino effect of a small project). The original sole was a fiberglass shower pan with teak grating, intended as a wet head. In early Totem <\/em>days we removed the shower, but in its wet head lifespan, the seam between the pan and a bulkhead opened up. Water found its way through and rotted the lower portion of the bulkhead. The area was not visible nor accessible, but Jamie noticed small bits of rotted plywood in the bilge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He cut a small access hole through the shower pan to assess, and, well, throughout the day it became a large<\/em> access hole, followed by the decision to rip out the entire pan. A two-foot-wide section at the bottom of the bulkhead was dry rot. (Every boat has it, boss.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As he cut out the bad section of bulkhead to begin repairs, other possibilities rolled around his head: We could get rid of the 40-year-old cracked Formica.<\/em> We wanted to decommission the old VacuFlush toilet and upgrade to a newer type, but it would need a new base.<\/em> Why not move it from the awkwardly narrow location as well? The washing machine sat inside a locker; that placement could be better. Why not rebuild the adjacent vanity while updating that storage? Why not relocate the holding tank seacock that was barely reachable? Heck, why not just rebuild the whole cabin?<\/em> In the end, only the holding tank (which we installed in Australia in 2011) remained in the same place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Stripped <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n The forward head in progress, having been taken nearly down to the hull. Yes, it\u2019s the same cabin. Holding tank, upper left of frame.<\/span>\n Behan Gifford<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

Form and Function<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s nice to have an appealing cabin after years of strict utilitarianism. It\u2019s also more functional and more comfortable. The bulkhead was rebuilt in a way that no water can ever reach again. Stating the obvious, we made a conscious choice to move away from the wood-paneled interior look of a classic bluewater boat. I expect this will garner some hand-wringing from the traditionalists, and I don\u2019t care. We love the clean, fresh feel and tones of the new finishes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To counterbalance the loss of warm tones (still not missing the sterile white Formica), we looked for natural materials to bring back an organic feeling of warmth. A bamboo vanity counter and river rock sole fit the bill nicely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Behan <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Cutting into bamboo plywood sheets with friends Windy Robertson and Alison Gabel.<\/span>\n Behan Gifford<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

As for function, the new toilet location and orientation allows easier use while sailing. The washing machine is out of obvious sight and fits the small space perfectly. The existing vanity area storage is more accessible. The vessel style of sink\u2014not normally a favorite\u2014has the subtle benefit of less small counter space. And, it just looks cool!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Material Selection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bamboo, for the vanity, was honestly a bit of an experiment. It had to be perfectly sealed, as any moisture will wick, stain and damage. Our fingers are crossed for now. We purchased it in plywood sheets from Cali Bamboo<\/a>, saturated them in multiple coats of epoxy, then used a matte two-part polyurethane finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

River rock was an unconventional choice for a boat. It feels incredible underfoot. Every time I set foot into the head now feels like a bit of reflexology therapy. To make the install easier, we purchased it in tiles designed to nest together from Pebble Tile Mosaics<\/a>. They were set in epoxy, sealed, and a boat-friendly grout was applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Flooring\" <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n \u201cEasier\u201d doesn\u2019t necessarily mean easy. The flooring was still a jigsaw puzzle to fit when mocking up tile placement.<\/span>\n Behan Gifford<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n
\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Tile <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n The puzzle is lining up nicely. Bonus points if you can find the drain hole, retained from wet-bilge days to futureproof.<\/span>\n Behan Gifford<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

We use AlexSeal for Totem<\/em>\u2019s hull, and we used the same for the interior. The goal was a durable finish that would feel almost like gelcoat for easy cleaning and permanence. What we didn\u2019t want was the shiny look of a hull, though, which meant adding a lot of flattener. Warmer whites (the cloudlike Fleet White for the headliner, and the warmer toned Lunar White for the walls\/bulkheads) give the space a homey glow. The folks at AlexSeal and San Diego Marine Exchange, where we purchased the paint, answered our many questions to achieve the look we wanted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Product Selections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Toilet. Out goes the VacuFlush, in goes the Tecma Nano<\/a>. We\u2019ve used Tecma for several years in the aft head, and are impressed. Fresh water (and it doesn\u2019t use much) means no smell. A composting head was never part of our consideration set, since the lone benefit for us is storage space by getting rid of a holding tank. Not compelling, especially when weighed against the tradeoffs. The head\u2019s location changed in the refit. It\u2019s now oriented so when seated you face across the beam instead of fore\/aft. Much easier underway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sink. The Vitreous China Sink<\/a> was an affordable (about $60) Wayfair purchase. With a 16-inch by 13-inch oval, opting for a vessel style instead of inset, the counter space was effectively increased, which makes a big difference such a compact space. The faucet is a household Delta model<\/a>, and while it felt too expensive at nearly triple the cost of the sink, we had been frustrated by faucets and taps that failed quickly and we appreciated that the \u201cguts\u201d of these ones are better made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Washer. Nothing new here. This is the same Giantex<\/a> we\u2019ve had since 2018, after finally graduating from the five-gallon bucket. We\u2019ve considered upgrades, but this simple, affordable (we paid around $200) machine has been great. Check out our washing machine discussion<\/a> for ideas here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Refit <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Refit versus at-purchase. Now for some artwork and maybe a shelf behind the head.<\/span>\n Behan Gifford<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

Favorites<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I posted a list of reasons I love the new head on our social media<\/a>, and the response inspired a more detailed summary. So here goes. A few things stand out: First, how clean this looks, even with the open cubbies. Okay, don\u2019t laugh about the peanuts on that top cubby. That container is actually holding kibble for our ship\u2019s cat, Panchita. Her toys, treats and first-aid kit occupy part of the storage locker behind the head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I finally embraced a feeling of settling into our home again while rolling up a new set of Marmara\u2019s Turkish towels. We treated ourselves to a new set when we moved back abaord, saying goodbye to the prior towels we\u2019ve had for eight years. Fringe-less, this time<\/a>. For me, hanging a bath-sized towel by the door and a hand towel by the sink was<\/em> that moment. If you\u2019d like to support small businesses like Marmara, and their yummy, soft organic towels, we highly recommend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"towels <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Love these towels. Don\u2019t love the gaping spaces still begging for art, however.<\/span>\n Behan Gifford<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

So, what\u2019s missing? Well, the space could use a little more personalization\u2014some artwork, especially. I have a couple of favorite prints that I\u2019m really tempted to put in the head, but I\u2019m afraid I won\u2019t see them often enough. Maybe the right piece will become apparent while wandering a market here in Mexico; something to remind us of this country we\u2019ve come to love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reality Check<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The understated material, which is not visible and yet we couldn\u2019t have done the refit without, was epoxy. Jamie\u2019s preferred brand is West System, and he sure went through a lot of it\u2014around 38 gallons for the entire refit. He used epoxy and fiberglass to rebuild the bottom of the rotten bulkhead: epoxy thickened with colloidal silica to fill holds and filler inside corners; epoxy thickened a little with easy-to-sand fillers to saturate every interior wood surface to make it waterproof, tougher and prepared for paint. Where there is epoxy, there is sanding\u2014so much sanding\u2014which required sandpaper, respirators, and two overworked random orbital sanders for one very tired sailor who would much prefer to be sailing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jamie is very clear about one thing: that he\u2019s not planning to do a refit of this scale ever again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Jamie <\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n
\n Jamie as Rodin\u2019s The Thinker<\/i>.<\/span>\n Behan Gifford<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t <\/figcaption>\n <\/section>\n\t\t\n\n\n

What do you like about our refit and the changes to this cabin? Got ideas for what to add in our sparse head? Let us know in the comments!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t miss our March TOTEM TALKS, with a special guest!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Notice how I dropped that mention of our cat\u2019s first-aid kit above? We\u2019ve recently been lucky to connect in person with Dr Sheddy, the cruising veterinarian of Vet Tails<\/a>. She\u2019s been aboard S\/V Chuffed<\/em> for seven years, bringing free health care to animals along the way. (To be honest, I\u2019d never thought about a first-aid kit for a cat, but, as it turns out, of course we need to.) She\u2019ll join us on Saturday, March 30 at 9am Pacific\/Noon Eastern to tell stories from her cruising adventures as well as share some highly practical information about taking care of a pet aboard. Register here, and feel free to send questions in advance!<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In hindsight of our 40-year refit, we unveil the behind-the-scenes details of the project, starting with the forward head.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":52320,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"BS_author_type":"BS_author_is_guest","BS_guest_author_name":"Behan Gifford","BS_guest_author_url":"","hydra_display_date":"","hydra_display_updated":false,"arc_story_id":"","arc_website_url":"","arc_subtype":"","arc_exclude_from_feeds":true,"sponsored":false,"sponsored_label":"Sponsored Content","sponsored_display_label":false,"post_right_rail":true,"post_right_rail_ad_1":true,"post_right_rail_ad_2":true,"post_right_rail_ad_3":false,"post_right_rail_ad_4":false,"post_right_rail_recirc":true,"fixed_anchor_ad":true,"post_top_ad":true,"post_off_ramp":true,"post_taboola":false,"labels":true,"apple_news_api_created_at":"","apple_news_api_id":"","apple_news_api_modified_at":"","apple_news_api_revision":"","apple_news_api_share_url":"","apple_news_cover_media_provider":"image","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_cover_video_id":0,"apple_news_cover_video_url":"","apple_news_cover_embedwebvideo_url":"","apple_news_is_hidden":"","apple_news_is_paid":"","apple_news_is_preview":"","apple_news_is_sponsored":"","apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":[],"apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"footnotes":"","ad_settings_ads_on_this_page":true,"ad_settings_automatic_ad_injection_into_the_content":true,"ad_targeting":"","alternate_title_newsletter":"","alternate_content_newsletter":"

In hindsight of our 40-year refit, we unveil the behind-the-scenes details of the project, starting with Totem<\/em>‘s smallest cabin, the forward head.<\/p>\n","sponsored_image":false,"sponsored_url":"","social_share":true},"categories":[164],"tags":[398,1225,183,583,182],"class_list":["post-52315","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-how-to","tag-diy-sailboat-projects","tag-hands-on-sailor","tag-how-to","tag-refit","tag-sailing-totem"],"acf":[],"apple_news_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52315","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=52315"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52315\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/52320"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=52315"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=52315"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruisingworld.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=52315"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}