Whats the Point of a Head when Single Handed in the Solent?

[Nicholas123]

I have to service my Jabasco but was wondering when just sailing around the Solent is there really any point in a loo. It will take me a few months to work out the self steering but I wouldn't fancy going down below in the Solent anyway just in case you find a ferry bearing down on you. You can't **** in it when in harbour so maybe my Porta loo would be better.

How far out do you need to go before you can use one without a holding tank?

I liked the way Peter Tangvald (from 'Sea Gypsy') who lived and sailed his boat for years eventually just ripped his heads out saying that it took up space and one less hole in the hull is a sound idea! Very good book by the way, unfortunately after many close shaves where others died sailing he and his daughter were lost at sea... He had a pretty good alternative life though by the sounds of it.

Two fantastic books & an incredible life but not sure he was'nt a very lonely bloke in the end.I can't help thinking that there was a lot more to the way he lost his life in the end than meets the eye!Anyway,I've sailed around the Solent for years & have never really had any problem though sometimes you do have to be pretty deft in the handling of that bucket or bottle.

 

[Lakesailor]

With moderate cockpit coamings you could go about your business while sitting to windward on either tack with no one closer than a 100 yards any the wiser.

Could give a new meaning to holding on too long on one tack though!

Or sailing on a run.

 

[alahol2]

In 30+ years of sailing round the Solent I've never yet not been able to use the heads. If no self steering then either just stop with sails flapping or heave-to.
The only thing that ever worried me was the (very remote) possibility of the heads door getting jammed. That could be highly embarassing. I tend to clip it open when singlehanded.

 

[Blueboatman]

I have removed from two boats now, the galley sink, the inboard engine, the heads, bulkheads ( partitions really, structure dealt with separately as part of a stronger n lighter refit), leaky portapotti, hold-it tank, without noticeable detriment.
Why not try a season without?