Turn 70's wooden shower (head) into modern waterproof cove?

[Ibetitsthisway]

Hi everybody,

I'm in the market for a nauticat (44). Due to budget it will be an 80's boat. It seems to me - although I could not find any hards facts on this so far - that between 1982 and 1986 the layout (not only at Nauticats) changed from all wood toilets and showers to the more modern all waterproof complete top to bottom plastic versions we still see today.

As we want to use the ship in the north (Netherlands, Germany, Scandinavia) I would greatly welcome a warm shower from time to time.

Does anyone here know, if those compartments, which seem to me as "all plastic" are really all plastic, or have there been versions of epoxy or gelcoat covered wooden heads? And is it possible to turn an all wood head into an "everyday shower" by coating the wood?

thanks for all your highly appreciated input!

regards
ralph / cologne

[Scubaseas]

The surface can be water proofed with varnish or epoxy or paint. The joints and seems are what you need to worry about. Caulking would seal them. Or you could make a shower stall with Formica , Starboard or FRP sheet goods.

A shower curtain works fine too.

[Benz]

You could sand down the surface of a wood shower, fill any seams with fairing putty, and cover with several layers of fiberglass cloth in epoxy. After fairing it smooth, a high-gloss PLU paint will be easiest to clean.
Fairing will be the most time-consuming portion, especially all the inside corners.

[SailingHarmonie]

There are whole boats built out of wood that are waterproof without covering in fiberglass. A shower is easy if it is constructed properly and has been cared for so it has not rotted.