Washer/Dryer onboard

[reid5009]

How many of you liveaboards actually have one of those washer/dryer combos onboard vs just using a washing facility at a marina or in town? If you do have a combo onboard, do you cruise a lot or do you stay at the marina most? I plan to liveaboard in a few years once I finish my college education and am trying to plan for what I need aboard. I will be at the marina mostly since I will be working.
Thanks,
Reid

[Duderboy]

Hey Reid,
Recently I helped a fellow yachty install one of those onboard combo units in his 48'' ketch. They are much heavier than you might expect when you see the package, so be carefull about displacement of your weight.
I live aboard my 38'' steel ketch (now in Australia) about 1/2 of the year and find most marina''s to be really well stocked with washer/dryers. You''ll find that your cloths will become more and more casual as you settle into the life aboard and thus your laundry days will lighten up. Like the rest of us, you''ll be hanging your "fine washables" along the life lines. Regards,
Duder

[tagster]

I want one...but I can't find room for it. Those things are not only big, they're tall. A bit too tall for me to shove it under my bed in my capitains quarters, a bit tool tall to fit in my closet and leave space for the closet to be useful...

In fact, the only place I found to put it, other than on top of my kitchen sink, is under my beautiful mahogany navigation station...right smack in the middle of the boat, where it would be very unsightly.

So I live without it, and keep using the skanky ass laundr-o-mat.

[Freesail99]

About a year ago, a purchased the wonder wash. It cost about $40.00 and really does clean cloths very well. It will go 5 t shirts and some socks * underwear no problem. It can be stowed in a cockpit locker.

[winterbuoy]

Yes we have one & taking it out. My wife hasn't used it in a year. Easier to go ashore. Takes up a lot of room & very heavy.

[Flipflop]

No- I have one and I don't use it. Too small inside to wash enough to make it worthwhile.

[RickLaPaz]

Fortunately, our boat came with a full-sized version of both washer and dryer. Wouldn't trade 'em for the world and use them every chance we get. No lines, no coins, no walks and no one to pull your load out and toss it on a table. And the best thing is that you can still get crap done on the boat while doing so, and crank the stereo up to 11 at the same time....

If you have the room, go for it. If your space is a bit smaller and can only fit the combo unit, go for the 220 volt version. It'll cut your drying time by 35 percent........

Enjoy