cleaning the bog is the skipper's job

[prv]

Same here but once a week when we are away, best done with a hose through the window (always put our own spray head on the end as I know people fill their water tanks with them !).

Due to work, I haven't yet been away for longer than a week. If we were, I imagine a weekly clean would be about my level too (still wondering what Dylan does that needs thorough cleaning thrice daily! ).

Better than a hose through the window, I use the shower sprayer on "hot". This is so hot that the metal parts of the sprayer can burn (have to be careful how I hold it) and visibility is quickly obscured by steam. But the hot water must be good for cleaning, and the heat means it evaporates quickly so there's no need to manually dry everything afterwards.

Pete

 

[dylanwinter]

Same here but once a week when we are away, best done with a hose through the window (always put our own spray head on the end as I know people fill their water tanks with them !).

the officlal method

flush with enthusiasm

then clean the bowl using bog brush and spray of your choice

now you have a source of clean sterilised water

use that to clean all around the compartment

I often do this while under way

training blokes to use the scoop bailer or off the stern/side decks for sprinkles rather than attempting to use the bowl while standing and splashing it all over is a tremndous help

D

 

[Storyline]

.....
Better than a hose through the window, I use the shower sprayer on "hot".
.....
Pete

Yes it is very nice to be tied up in a marina with the immersion on and water rationing unnecessary. Lashings of hot

 

[Storyline]

Always find that men clean differently to the fairer sex who tend to give everywhere a light clean regularly whereas men do a deep 'proper' clean but not very frequently.

 

[prv]

Yes it is very nice to be tied up in a marina with the immersion on and water rationing unnecessary. Lashings of hot

We don't routinely have power at our home berth, but I will be cleaning straight after getting back so plenty of engine-heated water in the tank from motoring up the river. And yes, no shortage of water.

Pete

 

[Storyline]

We don't routinely have power at our home berth, but I will be cleaning straight after getting back so plenty of engine-heated water in the tank from motoring up the river. And yes, no shortage of water.

Pete

Not sure about your boat (Ariam ?) but on Storyline the engine heated water is always hotter than the immersion.

 

[prv]

Not sure about your boat (Ariam ?) but on Storyline the engine heated water is always hotter than the immersion.

Could well be. We have 420Ah of battery, a big alternator with smart controller, and relatively low draw (LEDs everywhere, efficient fridge, etc). So we rarely bother to plug in, even when visiting a marina with free power available, and consequently the immersion gets little use.

Pete

 

[Steve Clayton]

You pebble-dash; you clean

 

[Salty John]

Sometimes it can be a bit of a challenge:

View attachment 44871

 

[pvb]

Probably a reaction to my childhood, but I simply can't stand dirty loos. So I do them all at home as well as on the boat. A clean and sweet-smelling heads is a delight, and will make your boat much easier to sell when the time comes!

 

[mcframe]

there

said it

Indeed.

I agree with the "you block it, you unblock it" sentiment, but skipper cleaning the heads is good for the soul.

It reminds us that onna boat, even though we are Master under God, we are where the buck stops. You shouldn't delegate jobs you're not prepared to do yourself; lead by example.

It's not mentioned directly in http://www.amazon.co.uk/Command-At-Sea-6th-Edition/dp/1591147980/ , but surely fits the spirit of the idea the "From the smallest landing craft to the largest aircraft carrier, when the **** hits the fan, each vessel has only *one* man on board who can defer to no others and must sort it out himself."

 

[Storyline]

Probably a reaction to my childhood, but I simply can't stand dirty loos. So I do them all at home as well as on the boat. A clean and sweet-smelling heads is a delight, and will make your boat much easier to sell when the time comes!

Same here, even bought the very last two Lavac bowls that were made in the potteries before production was shifted to China and the size reduced as they did not have the expertise to fire such a large object without it sagging. They are sitting in my cellar at home and will be fitted to Storyline when the current ones become too tired looking.

Talking of Lavacs, has anyone found a way to clean the very bottom bit (like a small mini bowl) ? Ours has become stained a dark brown/black colour and I have tried everything, Jif, vinegar etc etc. Have not tried neat bleach as I am not sure if that would be ok for the seals (the rubber ones, not the large blubbery swimming ones). Anyone know if bleach is ok ?

 

[pagoda]

Indeed.

I agree with the "you block it, you unblock it" sentiment, but skipper cleaning the heads is good for the soul.

It reminds us that onna boat, even though we are Master under God, we are where the buck stops. You shouldn't delegate jobs you're not prepared to do yourself; lead by example.

It's not mentioned directly in http://www.amazon.co.uk/Command-At-Sea-6th-Edition/dp/1591147980/ , but surely fits the spirit of the idea the "From the smallest landing craft to the largest aircraft carrier, when the **** hits the fan, each vessel has only *one* man on board who can defer to no others and must sort it out himself."

I've been living aboard for 3 months , so I've been doing it myself. Fair enough. When SWMBO is on board , she operates at a different level and takes over. I've never asked her to do oil changes, clean bilges or similar, or go on the foredeck in proper weather to sort somthing out? A bit of give and take is what is needed.

However if you block the heads I reckon you should sort it yourself...

 

[Storyline]

..... I've never asked her to ..... go on the foredeck in proper weather to sort somthing out .....
.....

You are chivalrous - we often bicker about that subject, particularly if if any frapping is needed/random noises appear when we have just turned in and it is pi$$ing down.

 

[KevB]

Definitely skippers job on our boat and it's by choice. Ours has no choice but go into the holding tank and I'd rather be aware of a potential problem than have to sort out a blocked holding tank thank you.

 

[dylanwinter]

well I hope that those authoritarian types who expect the guests to take their turn at bog cleaning are now re-examining their management methods

good skippers never shout, never get in a flap, never admit to being lost and always clean the bog

as for me, now that this summer is over and managing a boat for five is done, I will be back to solo or two up

my skippering days are over

but I am still in charge of bog cleaning

D

 

[snowleopard]

On my first boat (since having the kids that is) I went away for a weekend with daughter. After berthing we were getting ready to go home and I offered her a choice of cleaning galley or heads. She shuddered and opted for the galley. I did the heads in a minute flat then sat and read for the next half hour while she finished the washing up, stowed everything and scrubbed the sink.

 

[dylanwinter]

On my first boat (since having the kids that is) I went away for a weekend with daughter. After berthing we were getting ready to go home and I offered her a choice of cleaning galley or heads. She shuddered and opted for the galley. I did the heads in a minute flat then sat and read for the next half hour while she finished the washing up, stowed everything and scrubbed the sink.

I would love to know how to clean a bog in a minute flat

D

 

[pmagowan]

I would love to know how to clean a bog in a minute flat

D

Just lower your expectations!

 

[ChiPete]

Having cleaned the bowl and surrounding area before a trip, is it unreasonable to ask the crew to ensure they leave it in the same state before they leave from each visit? A robust loo brush is supplied!