As a recreational boater, one of the most fun experiences is sleeping overnight on a vessel. Boats with cabins allow a personal space to get a full night’s sleep at your own marina or if you’re vacationing on the water. As a former captain, I slept on vessels ranging from 32 feet to 172 feet for over 120 days per year. For this reason, I can tell you exactly what you need to be comfortable when sleeping on a boat.
Sleeping On A Boat Is Noisy
No matter the size of the vessel, if your bunk is positioned near the waterline, it is going to be noisy when you lie down to sleep.
Undoubtedly, anything from big waves to small ripples will resonate through the vessel when they hit the hull. Unfortunately, boats are not well insulated. With that said, the sound carries through fiberglass, aluminum, or other materials.
Some find the sound to be soothing, while others will become irritated and fail to fall asleep. If you’re bothered by the sound, I suggest bringing along earplugs. Ear plugs will eliminate or muffle the noise so that you can get a better night’s sleep.
Pack Accordingly Based On The Weather
The temperatures will vary based on the season; therefore, you should closely monitor the weather before spending a night on the water.
For the most part, the air will be hot and still through the summer months and breezy and cool in the winter. The vast majority of recreational boats with a cabin will not have an air conditioning or heating unit aboard.
With that said, you’ll want to bring the appropriate bedding and clothing to sleep more comfortably.
Sleeping On A Boat In The Winter
In the winter, when the temperatures fall, it is important to pack warm clothing and heavy bedding materials. Remember, shivering through the night will leave you restless. I suggest overpacking by including extra layers. You can always add or shed a layer during the night based on how you feel.
Sleeping On A Boat In The Summer
In the summer, the heat can be stifling. Additionally, it is hard to get a cross breeze within a boat cabin based on the limited number of hatches.
During the summer months, I suggest using a light sheet as opposed to a heavy blanket when sleeping. Additionally, a thin cotton shirt and lightweight shorts are perfect when the air temperatures climb.
Expect A Confined Space
Unquestionably, the size of the cabin coincides with the size of the boat. Boat cabins can be very confined, making it challenging to get comfortable as a result of a low ceiling or tight quarters.
With that said, make sure that you’re not going to feel uncomfortable when you lie down to go to bed. Remember, claustrophobia is a real thing. You don’t want to find out after you’re ready to get to sleep that you suffer from claustrophobia. I recommend lying in bed before you plan a night on the boat.
Locate A Bathroom Nearby
Often, the head is located within steps from the bed inside of the cabin. As far as bathrooms and holding tanks on boats have come along, they are still subject to giving off a foul odor.
It is unlikely that you’re going to want to snuggle up in bed if the cabin stinks. For this reason, I suggest utilizing a marina bathroom as compared to one on the vessel. Fortunately, a public bathroom is most often positioned just steps away.
Crack A Hatch
In the summer, when the temperatures are high, you’re going to want to crack a hatch, especially if you don’t have air conditioning.
Hatches are most often positioned on the overhead of the cabin. Because the hatch is on the top, the heat will escape, allowing cooler air to flow in. Take it from me: you’re going to want any type of airflow that you can come by on hot summer nights when you’re trying to get to bed.
Plan For A Rocking Motion
One of the best parts of sleeping on a boat, in my opinion, is feeling the rocking motion as a result of waves or boat wakes.
However, not everyone will share the same feelings. For some, the rocking motion within a cabin will cause sickness. Others will find the motion irritating because it does not compare to sleeping in a bed at home.
Understand that the boat is likely to rock through the night, especially if you’re anchored out or secured to a dock near a high-traffic channel.
Use These 6 Tips To Sleep More Comfortably
If you have a boat with a cabin, I recommend taking advantage of the opportunity to sleep aboard it overnight. Navigating and docking at a marina in a different location is a fun experience. You can secure the vessel and explore new areas. At the end of the day, utilize your cabin to get a good night’s sleep. Remember to use these 6 tips for sleeping on a boat.
