By heads we mean toilet. The head on a boat is not like your toilet at home, or even in an RV (although RV living helps).
Things going wrong with the head have been the core of some ruined trips.
Most heads now do not have a manual pump handle to literally suck the waste up and through a hose (yes, up) but instead have electric motors that pump the nasty to the holding tanks. The reason the heads can be such an issue with a group is that if not properly used or maintained then a stinky head can affect the entire boat. This is not to mention wasted time and extra fees to fix any clogs caused by the guests. When something goes wrong with the heads, it doesn’t matter whose fault it is, the toilet and everything bad that comes from it does not care. If you are standing in raw sewage and smelling it when you sleep, you’ll find it doesn’t matter much if it is the fault of the charter company, you, or another guest. Those facts don’t change the horrible situation.
Here are 10 considerations for the head on a charter boat:
- Never flush anything down the head/toilet that doesn’t naturally come out of your body. No toilet paper, no tampons, no napkins, no tissues.
- Nothing hard or solid. As it should go without saying, nothing hard or completely solid! This can clog the impeller. If this does happen because a shell accidentally falls in, is to switch the wires to make it run backward.
- Place used toilet paper in a zip-lock baggy, which lives in the trash can.
- It is best to wrap up your used toilet paper in a tight package of fresh toilet paper. You’ll see little packets in the zip-lock baggy if everyone is doing it correctly.
- Flush generously if you have a saltwater toilet. Again, you have to pump UP a tube. If you don’t get all of it, it likes to come back down and fill the bowl. The seawater mixing with urine and feces is what can give the head and boat a sour smell, all the time.
- If you have fresh water toilets this greatly helps with the smell, but, you are using fresh water, which is limited. In this case, flush only the bare minimum. Freshwater doesn’t create the order as saltwater does, but again, it is at the price of fresh water. You’ll likely have to fill up someone where again. The exception to this is if your boat has a freshwater maker in which case you can likely flush away.
- If anyone has an issue with their head let’s face it. It is embarrassing. Be kind to your embarrassed boat mate.
- Understand the procedure of emptying your holding tanks at sea.
- Be sure to empty often and don’t come back to the marina with full tanks. If you do you’ll likely get charged a cleaning fee.
- If you come back without empty tanks and you accept the cleaning fee, make sure they are not 100% full! When they are they can spill out through the vent valve which can cause the nasty to smear down the side of the boat. This not only looks horrible but also will equal a disgusting experience for the dock hands who have to touch lines that rubbed up against the shitty walls!
Finally, something else to think about and be aware of is depending on the size of the boat, a head (bathroom) may have a very thin door that separates you and your business from everyone having breakfast right outside that door. Yes, this means people may hear you going to the bathroom. If you are having an intestinal blowout due to drinking the night before, just know this is something the whole boat may have to listen to. Again, we don’t bring this up to discourage anything or anyone, but we do want you to be prepared. On catamarans and other large boats where each cabin may have its own head, this isn’t really an issue.
The main thing to bring with you on this point is to make sure you understand how the heads work and what it will take to keep them happy, unclogged, and holding tanks empty. A messed-up head can quickly lead to a messed-up trip.
More Articles On What To Expect In The British Virgin Islands
These articles aim to help control customer expectations when chartering on the British Virgin Islands. The pretty pictures of light blue water and tan attractive people don't always tell the full story. Here are some of the other things to expect. These are written from first-hand accounts. We've tried to identify the major things that have led to people having a negative experience. These articles are not meant to dissuade you from enjoying the British Virgin Islands. On the contrary. Instead, they are intended to arm you with the right information to maximize your excellent vacation time! They are organized by title, not by priority.
10 Things To Always Be Mindful Of When On Charter
Have you ever wondered how to make your bare boat charter experience as smooth and memorable as an expertly steered sailboat? Or perhaps you’re like a first-time sailor, trying to navigate the vast sea of charter tips and tricks with little more than a compass of curiosity. Either way, you’re in the right place. In…
Attitude
Have you ever noticed that your mindset can often determine your experience? This is as true on land as it is on the high seas. Just as a skilled sailor adjusts their sails to catch the wind, so too must we adjust our attitudes to fully embrace the bare boat charter experience. Imagine your attitude…
Barracuda while Snorkeling
Have you ever glanced at the mirror-like surface of an azure ocean and wondered what enigmatic wonders lie beneath? Have you been magnetized by the allure of the underwater world, waiting to explore the spectrum of life that makes the sea its home? As you prepare for your bare boat charter voyage, we invite you…
Be Prepared For “Island Time”
Island time is a term used to describe the relaxed and laid-back pace of life found on many tropical islands. It is characterized by a slower sense of time, where deadlines are not as pressing and people tend to take things at a more leisurely pace. This philosophy of island time is about not forcing…
BVI Charter Costs
When planning a charter vacation, it’s important to understand that costs can vary greatly depending on a number of factors such as the season, demand, boat, and amenities. While some charter companies may offer packaged deals, it’s best to be prepared for all types of additional costs to avoid any surprises. When considering a charter,…
Chores
Chores are a big one. Who does what, who wants to do what, and how they get done are all things that can cause issues between people on a boat. Here are the common chores that need to be done on a boat. Deck cleaning Dishes Trash Cooking Dinghy cleaning (birds like to sit and…
Cleanliness
As if dishes and trash weren’t enough, yes, overall cleanliness on a boat is something you will not be able to hide from anyone or anyone from you. This is also a habit-based attitude that is hard to adjust. So while it helps to be mindful to pick up after yourself, many have a different…
Dishes
A close second to trash would be dishes. There is an amazing variety of attitudes when it comes to dishes. Some can not stand to see them. Some feel they need to let their dishes soak. Also, people have different habits with dishes. Some fill up both basins. One with soapy water and one with…
Extra Gear To Bring To The BVIs
When planning a bareboat charter vacation in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), there are some additional gear items that guests may want to consider bringing to enhance their experience and make the most of their time on the water. Here’s a list of some items that you might want to consider: Personal floatation devices (PFDs)…
Food
Before you embark on your adventure you need to know what the food situation is. Before you get into where you might eat, provisioning is a part of the charter, and often a hefty cost. With current prices, food for 5 people for a week may exceed $1500. Who is paying for the provisions? Who…
Gratuity
The islands exist in and within the service industry. That means people live on gratuity or tips. Do not skimp or cut corners on showing your appreciate and gratitude to the locals by not giving them cold hard cash. The reason we bring this up is that many people have different attitudes about gratuity or…
Heat
In the name of knowing what to expect, you can expect heat. You can expect humidity above 70% and you can expect that makes you sweaty and sticky. Yes, with more heat and sweating you’ll break out more, get more zits and find it harder to not stink. Don’t let this be a deterrent to…
Hygiene
Wash your pits and your parts. Nobody likes a stinky boat mate. The Caribbean is hot and humid and sweating is part of the game. There is little you can do to escape this and enjoy the environment. Your clothes also take the brunt of this punishment. Where are you keeping your dirty laundry? Stinky…
Jellyfish
Be sure to bring vinegar and Benedryl on your trip! What the pictures of the beautiful blue waters and luscious reefs don’t show you are the jellyfish you’ll encounter. Jellyfish have no eyes and seem to aimlessly move around. This means there is little consideration for your presence if you are around one. The key…
Mini Moke!
The Caribbean island of Anegada, located in the British Virgin Islands, is known for its beautiful beaches and clear blue waters. But one of the best ways to experience the island is by renting a Mini Moke and exploring the island’s unique landscapes and hidden gems. The Mini Moke is a small, open-air vehicle that…
Safety Considerations
Safety is what allows you to have a great time. A person or the boat suffering damage or injury is one of the quickest ways to ruin a vacation. So look at it like Safety is your best and cheapest insurance policy to preserve your good time. Safety is a game everyone can and should…
Sea sickness
We take for granted our understanding of up and down. Our inner ear has little hairs inside it that react to fluid passing over them when we move. Those hairs then send signals to the brain to interpret your orientation. Sea sickness is when your inner ear becomes confused with all the signals given to…
The Basics To Be Aware Of
Here are some tips to protect yourself from the elements when visiting the British Virgin Islands. Each of these represents a portal to a world of pain, inconvenience and a robbed vacation. Sun Protection: Wear sunscreen with a high SPF and reapply it frequently, especially if you’re sweating or swimming. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and…
The Mornings
The mornings are a critical part of everyone’s day, and everyone has their own morning needs and routine. The mornings also set the pace and attitudes of many on the boat. With hangovers, dehydration, sleeping in a new environment, along with many other things that may cause irritation, the morning can certainly set the tone…
Top 5 Hazards In The Ocean In The British Virgin Islands
Jellyfish and other stinging creatures: Many species of jellyfish and other marine animals, such as sea anemones and coral, can cause painful stings if touched or brushed against. Strong currents: The ocean currents around the British Virgin Islands can be quite strong, especially around inlets and channels. Swimmers and snorkelers should be mindful of these…
Top Questions To Ask Yourself Before Chartering A Bareboat In the BVI
Here are some questions that tourists should ask themselves before chartering a bareboat in the British Virgin Islands: Do I have experience sailing and handling a boat of this size and type? Are all of the people on the charter party comfortable with the idea of sailing a bareboat and aware of the potential risks?…
Trash
Believe it or not trash and how to handle it can be a large friction point. First, it should go without saying, that trash should never be disposed of in the ocean. While there are specific laws around this, this will hold true while on charter in the BVIs. Many people feel it is okay…
Water Usage
Water usage on a boat needs to have everyone’s attention to it. The issue created with no fresh water is that you’ll incur costs to fill your tanks in both time and money. You’ll also have to dock, and depending you may find yourself waiting on others, filling their large tanks. If you lose half…
What if our hired skipper is the Man Over Board?
Any person overboard is a big problem. And while in your imagination it may not seem dangerous, a man overboard situation can be a big deal in calm water in a harbor, especially if the injury is involved. To have your skipper go over is a problem. A big one. While very uncommon, it is…
What to look for in your charter boat captain
Minimum Top Things To Look For Licensing and certification: The captain should be licensed and certified by the appropriate authority, such as the U.S. Coast Guard, to operate the type of vessel being chartered. Experience: The captain should have significant experience operating the type of vessel being chartered, as well as experience navigating the area…
You Are On The Ocean!
First you must be safe. Then you must ensure you remain safe. Then you can have a good time. One of the biggest things overlooked when going to the British Virgin Islands is that you are ON THE OCEAN. Always respect the fact you will be living on a boat on the largest, most powerful…