2006-12-19 15:42:34 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Boats & Boating
The original location of the bathroom for the crew was at the head of the ship, or the bow. It was a hole through the deck at the bow sprit . Because sailing ships generally went downwind in those days, it carried the smell away, and tried to avoid crap from hitting the ship.
The captains bathroom was on the stern. That is why the stern deck is called the poopdeck. His was there so he could keep track of the track of the ship and not leave the helm for long. It was on an over hanging deck called the stern castle because the captain was above using the crews head. Getting pooped refers to a wave overtaking from the stern and washing that area.
2006-12-20 00:26:51 · answer #1 · answered by science teacher 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
In the days of sail the bathroom in ships was over the water at the bow. The head was made up of 4-6 holes in a plank over the water. the reason it was placed here was simple because the wind came from behind a sailing ship it would blow the stench away from the ship. So if you wanted to go to bathroom on a ship they would point you to the head of the ship thus all naval bathrooms since are know as heads.
2006-12-20 03:53:49 · answer #2 · answered by brian L 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The head is at the "head" of the wind powered ships, because usually the wind is blowing from behind, moving the stench away from the sailors. Early heads were just a hole or slot to squat over, and the waste would sometimes stick to the bow of the ship. I do not know why a "poopdeck" is called a poopdeck, though.
2006-12-19 15:55:27 · answer #3 · answered by bumppo 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Back in the Viking Days, the Vikings would have to go to the bow (front) of the boat to pee. There was normally a carved figure of a human head on the front of the ship. I've heard that this is where the name comes from.
2006-12-20 15:21:22 · answer #4 · answered by Blake S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the respond is going returned to the crusing days or perhaps till now then. yet specifically the crusing days. in case you're a male you will understand. in case you're on a boat and the wind is coming from in the back of you, the place do you go? think of approximately it. there have been buckets for the forged stuff. BTW there have been in basic terms ever men on the early crusing boats. females have been pronounced to be undesirable success.
2016-12-15 04:43:08 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in the olden days of the sailing ships a plank was fitted at the back edge of the ship. called the poop deck. they used a rag usually red, then washed it out in the ocean and put it back in their back pocket. later they put in a hole area in the bow next to the anchor. the bow being the head of the ship and the name stuck.
2006-12-23 15:29:19 · answer #6 · answered by jamesd 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Science Teacher has the best answer/responce and ALL Navy men know the term HEAD. But , did you know that 'Cabin-Boys' became extremely expendible in the 17th-18th century just because they got their butts washed off the BOW and ended up in the'crapper'?? not 'john',not 'lew' lol ;-} &
2006-12-20 17:47:33 · answer #7 · answered by Rich C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because originally, when one relieved oneself, one moved to the bow,or "head" of the ship. Those fancy curved railings on the bows of sailing ships, weren't there just to look at.
2006-12-19 15:44:36 · answer #8 · answered by jim 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I believe it's because you used to have to lower your head in order to sit on the toilet seat. Nowadays, of course, boats are a lot more spacious and luxurious!
2006-12-19 15:47:30 · answer #9 · answered by Adios 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
After a lifetime at sea in the merchant marine
I have never heard this expression.
Do you mean yatchs (playthings) ?
2006-12-19 19:11:07 · answer #10 · answered by swenson0 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋