Much of this whole head/shower/porta-potty situation is perception. If SawmillDon's wife doesn't think she will be happy with a porta-potty, the only thing that will change her mind is actual use. Same with a shower. It doesn't look or act like your bathroom at home, and the uninitiated will think that may mean inconvenience, improper sanitation, or possible hardship. And if you want your significant other to participate in this activity, you have to eliminate that perception.
Not to be graphic, but this head question comes up frequently here and deserves to be addressed. From my perspective, it really comes down to usable, functional space... and we all have different requirements for that. For me, the difference between the various size boats is more about the space than the length. The 25s have room for a separate head, the others don't. Except for one case documented here (where the owner took out the dinette and put an enclosed head in his 22), if you are going to spend time aboard, you will find that you need: a place to drive the boat (helm), a place to cook (galley), a place to eat and sit (dinette), and a place to sleep (v-berth)... and with the smaller boats, you are now out of space, but you still need to deal with bathroom functions. Everyone has a different need for privacy, as well. Again, just my opinion, the enclosed head is a real convenience... we have had other boats with and without, so we've had the opportunity to see it both ways. If you have the room and the budget, an enclosed head is the way to go. We still use a solar shower as often as the water heater and pressure pump, but that's because we are frequently trying to conserve water.
Not many of us would be happy with a house that doesn't have a bathroom. When was the last time you stayed in a motel/hotel that didn't have a bathroom? Most people wouldn't consider an overnight in a place like that, but we can camp in a tent. Yep, perception.
It's that same perception that makes a boat with an interior liner and fuzzy fabrics on the walls more appealing to many at a boat show. "Look, Ma, it's got a built in coffee maker!" And a bathroom.
Spend some time onboard, and you will soon find what is important for your personal comfort level. In most homes, the bathroom is the smallest room in the house, but you still wouldn't do without it. Why is that different on a boat? "But, Jim," you're saying, "we don't have a head in our land vehicles." Ah, remember that "boaterhome" analogy that is often applied to the C-Dorys? I don't recall seeing a motorhome without a place to potty. :wink: But in our RVing, we've come across people who don't use the bathroom facilities in their RVs (???). Perception.
What all this verbage comes down to: you may need a head to convince the significant other that boating is something pleasant to participate in. Whether it's enclosed or a portable situation could be negotiable... maybe. :wink:
When we cruise, we want to be clean. It doesn't mean we will take a long hot shower like you do at home, but I like to wash my hair and shave every day. And I'm going to poop and pee. Daily. If you have guests onboard for more than a couple hours, they are likely going to need a potty, as well. It's something that needs to be addressed. Comfort zone.
So, Don, I'd recommend you bring your wife to a C-Brat gathering. Let her visit with others who spend lots of time onboard. Hear the excitement in their voices. See how they've set up their boats. I doubt you'll find any who are shy in sharing their experiences, including how they deal with the potty and shower situation. When you learn that it can be a fun adventure and not an ordeal, it's much easier to work together to select the right boat.
Good luck with the search.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
