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Head faucet

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EARL ETTER
Replaced the shower had to put an inspection plate under it. Those of you that have replaced the head sink faucet how did you get to it and what did you use to get the nuts off the bottom of the faucet. Had to cut them off on the shower faucet and there is no room to do that with the sink. Myne is I am sure the original faucet.
382 1985.
Thank you in advance for the help.
 
Hi Earl - Ha! I just went through this process with both the sink faucet and the shower fitting.

With the shower fitting, I had to cut an access hole like you did. Although you can almost reach it from the access hole behind the head, it was so corroded and hard to get the nuts off, I don't think it would be possible without cutting the access hole. I'm covering the hole with King Starboard (Seafoam color), which looks pretty good.

The head sink faucet was quite an endeavor too. When I lay on the floor and reach up through the hatch opening, the tip of my finger could barely touch the nut on the sink. But I couldn't see it at the same time, and other pipes and walls kept me from being able to swing a wrench. I ended up cutting the supply lines very close to the nut. So that I could slide a long socket over the nut. I needed a 1/2" ratchet with a 10" or longer extension to get the ratchet down where I could turn it.

As I recall, it was 1-1/8" socket to get the polybutylene nut off the supply line. Then it was a different size socket (I happened to have a 29mm socket) to get the nut off which fastens the faucet to the counter.

I felt very victorious when I finally got that bugger off. And I dropped several marine-grade curse words as I was contorting to get those nuts off.

I think that little hatch door under the head sink is quite silly, and it is also important because it is the access to 3 thru-hull valves. The door swings open in a way that blocks easy access and the whole thing was too darned small.

So I sawed a maximum sized hole where that hatch was, and I had a custom hatch made a boatoutfitters.com. It doesn't have a hinge, and just lifts out of the way for excellent access. I'm really happy with it. It is also made out of King Starboard (seafoam color).
 
mpearson said:
Hi Earl - Ha! I just went through this process with both the sink faucet and the shower fitting.

With the shower fitting, I had to cut an access hole like you did. Although you can almost reach it from the access hole behind the head, it was so corroded and hard to get the nuts off, I don't think it would be possible without cutting the access hole. I'm covering the hole with King Starboard (Seafoam color), which looks pretty good.

The head sink faucet was quite an endeavor too. When I lay on the floor and reach up through the hatch opening, the tip of my finger could barely touch the nut on the sink. But I couldn't see it at the same time, and other pipes and walls kept me from being able to swing a wrench. I ended up cutting the supply lines very close to the nut. So that I could slide a long socket over the nut. I needed a 1/2" ratchet with a 10" or longer extension to get the ratchet down where I could turn it.

As I recall, it was 1-1/8" socket to get the polybutylene nut off the supply line. Then it was a different size socket (I happened to have a 29mm socket) to get the nut off which fastens the faucet to the counter.

I felt very victorious when I finally got that bugger off. And I dropped several marine-grade curse words as I was contorting to get those nuts off.

I think that little hatch door under the head sink is quite silly, and it is also important because it is the access to 3 thru-hull valves. The door swings open in a way that blocks easy access and the whole thing was too darned small.

So I sawed a maximum sized hole where that hatch was, and I had a custom hatch made a boatoutfitters.com. It doesn't have a hinge, and just lifts out of the way for excellent access. I'm really happy with it. It is also made out of King Starboard (seafoam color).
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Tks Lots of help. It works just looks bad, think I will just let it look bad.
 
Yeah, I think if mine still worked well, I probably would have left it alone. It barely worked though.

Here is a shot of some progress. Hatches and sink are not really installed yet, just set in place to test fit. It's going to have super good access under the sink, to the thru-hull valves, sink fittings, etc. I've got a similar hatch to go in that hole behind the head, and there will be a storage shelf within. I hope to get more done this weekend. I'm very happy I'm doing this in the winter, and not wasting prime sailing days.

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Very impressive conversion Mark. Did you cut the whole vanity top off? My sink is a little thing molded into the head liner/module.
 
Hi Terry - no, I kept the vanity top (an impressive 1/2" fiberglass!), and just cut bigger holes in it. I was going to replace the top with some spare Corian I have, but decided at the last minute not to.

Mine, too, is molded into the head module. I reckon probably with the same mold as yours.
 
Mark, That looks really nice. I am going to tackle this area someday soon. Other things first though. This is all good info. Our sink has a crack in it and a stain that will not leave! So, I am planning the same type retrofit.
Mitchell
 
Yeah, our head sink was cracked and (somehow) melted/burned in a spot. And the faucet barely worked, and was seriously corroded.

I’m going to do separate threads on the head remodel, re-plumbing, composting toilet, etc. After I get the projects finished in the next few weeks. I’ve been taking lots of video too, and think I’m going to throw them up on YouTube, also. I think it might help folks with older boats and RVs who are considering the same types of work.
 
Nice job--and I wonder which marine grade curse words you used. I think I'm going to have to do too. I'm wondering if the alternative method of being a bit more "crass" and destructive might be easier in the long run. I am thinking about some serious hole saw, coping saw, bayonette saw type of get in there dirty and yank and pull and bang...and then do major cosmetic finish.
 
Mark, it will really be a help to see what you've done with the videos!

pmf44, I am planning a similar approach. Besides the problem with our sink, someone hacked a big hole in the counter for the "hamper". Now there is a HUGE waste basket sitting in that hole. The hole is larger than needed and the cuts show. My plan is to cut the sink out and do a replacement stainless steel sink. Surprisingly the faucet is great. But will get replaced with something nicer. I haven't decided if the counter/backsplash will be tile or something else yet. But the hole will de dealt with at the same time., along with new plumbing, etc.
Mitchell

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Mitchell S Allen said:
Mark, it will really be a help to see what you've done with the videos!

pff44, I am planning a similar approach. Besides the problem with our sink, someone hacked a big hole in the counter for the "hamper". Now there is a HUGE waste basket sitting in that hole. The hole is larger than needed and the cuts show. My plan is to cut the sink out and do a replacement stainless steel sink. Surprisingly the faucet is great. But will get replaced with something nicer. I haven't decided if the counter/backsplash will be tile or something else yet. But the hole will de dealt with at the same time., along with new plumbing, etc.
Mitchell

​

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Thanks there is a lot of wasted space in the head but I like the idea of that "hamper hole. Of course there are many options there. My other concern s simply not enough ventilation without having the porthole open. Anyone else corrected that lack of ventilation?
 
pmf44, I agree that ventilation is lacking in the head. I have been thinking of either a small deck hatch or some kind of vent, mushroom, etc. Nothing definitive yet. I am open to suggestions as well.
Mitchell
 
Well on Sonata, a 383, ('81 or '82 can't recall right now) the Dorades are just aft of the main bulkhead in the main salon area. While I have considered two more aft, just forward of the dodger, it would be cluttered to add one on the head area. I am really thinking of an opening hatch over the head. Maybe 12"x12"? Perhaps with an exhaust fan, just something low profile.
Mitchell
 
Thanks Bert - I didn't realize it was only 384s.
Yes, Mitchell - low profile seems like a good idea. We need to remove our forward cowl vents when we sail. The jib sheet can get wrapped around them when you tack. We inadvertently "float tested" a cowl vent in this manner the 1st time we took Zia out sailing. They don't float ;). And the big ones cost $200.
 
Yes, at the price of these things I can't afford to lose any! Ours, being further aft don't seem to suffer the jibsheets. But I have always been concerned. I think I will follow your lead and remove them. I have also thought of "granny bars" to surround them, but really don't want those.
Mitchell
 
mpearson said:
Yeah, I think if mine still worked well, I probably would have left it alone. It barely worked though.

Here is a shot of some progress. Hatches and sink are not really installed yet, just set in place to test fit. It's going to have super good access under the sink, to the thru-hull valves, sink fittings, etc. I've got a similar hatch to go in that hole behind the head, and there will be a storage shelf within. I hope to get more done this weekend. I'm very happy I'm doing this in the winter, and not wasting prime sailing days.

View attachment 8742
Click to expand...
Where did you find the sink?
 
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