Comfort on board, what are the essential equipment?

How to optimize your boat to enjoy maximum comfort at bord?? Here are the essential equipment to have on board to sail or anchor with everything you need under main?!

A sound system

At anchor, and even when sailing, it's great to be able to listen to music. Opt for a sound package integrated directly into your boat or, failing that, take your own Bluetooth speaker on board - some are even waterproof.

From the cold

While some people like to cook at sea, not all boats are equipped with a galley. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a meal or an aperitif at sea. You can either opt for a built-in fridge (often optional on smaller models) or a freezer to store your cold drinks and a few perishables. Alternatively, a good old-fashioned cooler will do the trick, provided it can be stored in a way that won't interfere with navigation or movement around the boat.

A cooler that stows under the front seat

A table

While a snack in the cockpit is not unpleasant, a table will be particularly appreciated for a real meal or even a picnic. Either you already have a table on board, which you can fix either in the forward or aft cockpit, or choose a folding table, easy to unfold and stow away, but which you can only use at anchor.

A table and enough benches for a good time with friends

A stove

Some people like to cook on board their boat and entertain their friends, but not everyone has the necessary equipment to prepare tasty meals. Today, there are a number of cooking appliances available on board, such as barbecues and portable planchas. Admittedly, the latter are not always lightweight and require a little time to set up (connection to the gas bottle, for example) and a little space to store them, but here too, there are increasingly practical models available. And, failing that, the good old stove will always do the trick when it comes to eating hot.

A bathing platform

Clearly, it's a real comfort feature, since access to the water requires a dive from the cockpit. But we must admit that it's rather pleasant to be able to sit at the stern of your boat, with your feet in the water. And for children, this proximity to the sea can be reassuring.

Sunbathing

Yes, you can stretch out on the benches to bask in the sun or enjoy a siesta in the shade, but why not push comfort to the max by taking advantage of a beautiful relaxation surface. On some models, all you have to do is transform the square by lowering the table and adding a cushion; on others, you can enjoy a sunbathing station.

A deck shower

After a good dip in the sea, you'll appreciate being able to rinse off with clear water to remove the salt that can pull on the skin. Most boats are equipped with this facility.

Toilets

I don't think any more details are needed. There's nothing nicer than being able to go and relieve yourself without having to dive into the big bathâeuros! A bucket can also do the trick, as long as you enjoy a little privacy.

A small cabin

The ultimate in comfort, the small cabin allows you to store your belongings in a dry place, but above all to change clothes in complete privacy, and why not consider taking a siesta on board (practical for children), and why not go as far as an overnight stay. You don't need a big, bright cabin with plenty of headroom, as long as you have a mattress to rest on.

More articles on the theme