Measure once, cut twice

Well, the cockpit shower is installed. More or less. After weeks of thinking, measuring, discussing, figuring, and determining where the shower should go we finally got down to business. We picked our spot, double checked that I wouldn’t be cutting into any hoses or cables, crawled into the bilge to make double-sure there would be no surprises when I drilled that enormous hole in our beautiful boat. And then I did it.

I know, I should be wearing eye protection. I’ll be better about that in the future.

PEX is so incredibly easy, it is amazing it works so well.

We got the shower holder/fitting in place, and crimped the PEX water fittings onto the water lines. (Nordic Tug thoughtfully installed water lines in the bilge so putting in a cockpit shower would be a piece of cake. They also ran lines in the bilge for a washing machine. Both are factory options.) Then we attached the shower’s water lines to the boat’s and tested the system. No leaks! Great water pressure. Hot and cold!

But I neglected to think about how wide the space I was installing the shower is, and it’s not wide enough. Choice words, self-recrimination, and depression ensued. Then I rallied, installed the shower fitting on the top of the cockpit side like I should have in the first place because it is much easier to install and tidier looking. Then I put up the blue-tape-of-shame until I can make a blanking plate to cover my mistake. Oh the humanity!

But it’ll be super to have an outdoor shower. We love us an outdoor shower.