Put a Hot Tub in your CD 22 for Under $100

R

RichardW

New member
Recently, my bride said that she wanted a tub to take a hot bath when aboard C Eagle. Naturally, I always do what Im told, so I evaluated several design alternatives (most of them expensive ). In keeping with Bill and El’s KISS principle, I finally came up with a solution that needed no AC power, no new fuel sources and no additional burner.

NO RUBE GOLDBERG or WHISKEY STILL COMMENTS, PLS……That Means you, Byrdman..........

Here the cockpit is ready to cruise
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Below is a Poor Man’s Hot Tub Water Heater: Wallas single burner flameless stove/heater with cookpot / copper coil water heating system. Simple heat exchanger is made with 10 coils of 3/8 copper tubing heated by a pot full of water. Water is recirculated between the tub and the heated coils using an inexpensive bilge pump. Hoses are connected to the coil with quick connect fittings and are hidden behind the seat cushion when not in use.
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Hot tub deployed in the starboard side of the cockpit and ready to hold water. I will add photos later with fun lights on and ready to use, complete with rose petals, fake background with palm trees, cocktail table with martinis/ tiny umbrellas, candles, etc. So Far, the bride has not agreed to pose for demo photos.........

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This view shows the bilge pump and return hose in the tub. The return hose can be terminated with either a hose nozzle or a shower head. The small bilge pump is positioned at the lowest part of the tub for better pickup.
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HOT TUB stowed in a compact 36”x 2.5". We stow it either against the starboard gunnel behind a chair or stood up in the motor well. The tub is a light spring frame, 14 inches high and is stabilized by 4 fiberglass rods which deploy quickly.
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Tub empties into the mid bilge and the bilge pump removes water overboard. The tub has a capped outlet (weird size); I attached a hose fitting to the cap using 3M4200 and attached a cutoff valve and short length of hose to empty the tub into the narrow slot.

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I took some preliminary test data to determine how well the setup works. With cold water at 56 degrees F, it took about 20 to 25 minutes to get to a reasonable temperature. The ambient in the cockpit was 56 degrees. I started with a 1+ gallons which heated to 117 degrees in about 25 minutes and then when I added another gallon of cold water, reached 107 degrees about 10 minutes later and continued to climb.
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A link to project album: http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_ ... _album.php

A 24 inch diameter tub is available which would make a perfect shower floor for those not needing a tub.

:lol: :lol:
 
The one thing I really miss when we are away from home is the jacuzzi tub. 8) How many gallons do you figure you'll need to get to a comfortable level in that portable tub? Did your calculations take into account the entire amount of water being heated to a comfortable temp? Where will that water be coming from? Got something figured out to add jets? :D

I once used a Zodi portable water heater (similar premise to yours, except it uses propane) to heat water for a tub (instead of a shower)... it took a couple hours. I've seen the ads in the big boat magazines for a floating hot tub... in the paraphrased words of the Taco Bell dog, "I think I need a bigger boat." :mrgreen:

Let us know how the Mrs. likes her new tub.

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
That tub idea is so cool :thup I'm not going to show the wife though. :smileo She would want one and we only boat in salt water. :smilep ......
:smiled Jack
 
OK Richard..... I will not say a word other than..... just think what any local AL State Trooper is going to ask you if you get pulled over and ask you to explain what that rig is.... I hope you really do not mind taking a bath in front of the Trooper....or you will get to ride in the back seat.

Have you ordered a shirt with no sleeve holes yet my friend?

I like you coming up with these things.....suddenly, my rig looks normal.

Good Luck...and do not forget the rubber ducks!!.

Byrdman
 
Richard-

Very ingenious, simple, straight forward, and well done!

Great example of the KISS Principle at work!

I'm amazed that you get such a quick rise in water temperature: 56 to 108 degrees F in 20 minutes! (I assume you're not going to let the temperature go up to 117 degrees with the Admiral in the pot!?! Maybe crabs, though?)

How many gallons does the tub hold?

Can a 6 foot person sit in the tub comfortably with knees under water? How deep is the tub water when filled?

You're operating in fresh water, no?

How about naming the tub manufacturer and providing a LINK to a source for those interested?

How about a project budget analysis?

Here in Northern California, it would work just fine on an inland lake, and in the summer, a black plastic solar heating coil (or bag) on the cabin roof would heat it up well past the 106 or so degree F limit during the day and stay warm into the night, although cooling off is the real issue here, not warming your chilly bones, as in the PNW!

Great idea overall!

Thanks for the report! (Including the great photos, data table, and graph.)

Note: I like Tom's photo. Is that a commercial or home fabricated product? Could be a fun project for an old fiberglass boat hull and a handful of time and a few thousand $$$.

On the Sacramento River, in Walnut Grove, a residence with a large private dock has a great patio deck with a hot tub, and room for several large boats and jet skis. (When ya' got it, flaunt it, WTH!)

There are houseboats on Shasta Lake with room for 10-12 folks in a rooftop hot tub for a mere $6000-$8000 per week (and some private ones too)!

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
Byrdman":1q62tz2s said:
OK Richard..... I will not say a word other than..... just think what any local AL State Trooper is going to ask you if you get pulled over and ask you to explain what that rig is.... I hope you really do not mind taking a bath in front of the Trooper....or you will get to ride in the back seat.
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Simple - If an AL State Trooper pulls him over, all he needs to say is that the contraption is for cooking crawdads. As long as he has a big container of Old Bay spice on board, the story is believable. :lol:
 
Do you have a kicker? That's all you would need for a jacuzzi. The tell-tail stream would help heat the water too! *

* the preceding was meant to be a joke and in no way am I recommending the use of dangerous outboard motor propellers in close proximity to human appendages. DO NOT leave children unattended!
 
That boat tub was a home made job I found on the net. You can buy a floating hot tub that ties behind your boat. I have seen them in action. you blow up the floating tube and then fill a heavy duty bag like tub with fresh water and plug in the heater pump to dock power. Susan has a friend in tahoe that rents folding tubs. You place a order, he show's up and sets it up for you. at the end of your stay he picks it up.
 
Thanks for the information, Tom!

I wonder what commercial opportunities there might be in manufacturing and selling some kind of tube like this (or a complete system) or the one Richard has? (During good times economically, of course).

When we were up in the San Juans a couple of years ago, a stopover night at Rosario Resort and Spa in the Middle Sound of Orcas Island was a wonderful experience :smile because of the hot baths and warm swimming pools, especially because of the cloudy, cold, and rainy PNW weather! :sad

Joe. :teeth :thup

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Rosario Resort and Spa
(Temporarily closed for redevelopment)
 
Tom_

Hmmmmmmmmm....

The Tug Tub doesn't look like it has a heater, at least not in the photo. Not for use in Glacier Bay, I guess?

I see hoses in the second one, so the heats on, presumably. I think the family in the second and third of the photos on the Yacht Tub are about to get arrested for grey water violations. Have you ever heard an on the water patrol officer recite poetry? "Bubble Bath? My A__!" (Violation #1247 B.8 = $500) Cheaper to stay at the waterfront Holiday Inn. Plus you'll gain 50 IQ points overnight and be smarter than your GPS for once!

However, since this hot tub venture area looks already occupied, and times are tight financially, I'll ask B~C Ken if he thinks we need a third partner in our Bridge Bay Bordello operation on my Sea Ray here on Shasta Lake. People always have money for the basics, you know!

We're very convenient to lonesome travelers 1/4 mile down the side road and under the Pit River Bridge. The bridge even has Amtrack traffic, too!

Just like your Real Estate folks, we kinda have the same priorities in selecting a site: "Location, Location, Location"!

Now for the girls, we have another set of criteria, but Tyboo would just edit that part out anyway, and I know you don't need to be told! Currently we're looking for some help in the "Interviewing Department".

We can talk it over when we get together in Seattle for the CBGT and BS (Boat Show, not the other B.S.!) in January.

See you and Susan then!

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
But there is this part of me that wants to put that tub in the water, heat her up, and tube it behind the C-Dory at about 20 MPH. Do you think this is a clinical condition?
 
Have you noticed Tom's fascination with this subject, and his eerie ability to find so many examples of floating hot tubs? I think he's scheming and dreaming here. Tom's Tubs? Starcraft Spas?
 
To tell the truth I just think its a great idea that give's you one more way to enjoy your boat. a clear floating tub at night would be cool in the salt water. just need a light to attract fish. The funny thing is I dont like sitting in hot tubs. I've done it a few times and just dont find it that enjoyable. but it your going to do it then at sea level would be a great way.
 
I think I am going to make one of those coil gizmos and use a small pressure pump and make a hot water shower ......heck why buy a 25' just for the shower feature... I really love a hot shower when cruising and this would do er..... I have a total enclosure in the back deck...and use the bilge pump to drain the water... heck...I will be in hoggie heaven..

Joel
SEA3PO
 
Pat.... I think you are tracking on that one. Maybe Cheryle has changed her beverage of choice from wine?????

Richard, bring that on up here to the Cumberland. I know Mike and B would love that...

Byrdman
 
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