Sleeping on a boat could become a practical necessity, or it might just be a fun camping experience for you and your family. Either way, it's important to use a combination of strategies to sleep comfortably, safely, and consistently.
The Cabin and the Deck
The biggest question you have to answer is: where are you going to sleep?
Yes, you're going to sleep on the boat, but where on the boat? If you have a cabin, you may have dedicated sleep quarters that will serve you perfectly. If you don't have a cabin, your options will be limited. Either way, you may prefer to sleep directly on the deck of your boat, getting an authentic camping experience and drifting off under the stars.
There are pros and cons to each of these options, and your specific boat may be conducive to only one of them. If you sleep in the cabin, you'll likely be protected from the elements, and you may have more comfortable accommodations, but you may have less available space and you may feel cramped or suffer from minimal ventilation. If you sleep on the deck, you'll have plenty of fresh air and space, but your accommodations will be less comfortable, and you may be more vulnerable to noise and unexpected movements.
Overnight Packing
Planning and packing are crucial for the best possible boat sleeping experience. These are some of the most important things to include when packing for an overnight expedition:
- Basic safety equipment. Boat safety should be your highest priority, so make sure you have all the basic safety equipment you need on board. This includes a VHF radio and multiple backup communication options, including the flare. It also includes lifejackets that fit everyone on board, emergency rations, a fire extinguisher, and tools to help you deal with mechanical issues.
- Sleeping accessories. You'll also want to pack some accessories specifically for sleeping, especially if you're not going to be sleeping in the cabin. Depending on your preferences and the people with you, this could include sleeping bags, pillows, blankets, a tarp, or even a pop-up tent or a canopy to protect you from the elements.
- Extra clothes. Because you're going to be on the vessel for quite some time, it's important to bring some extra clothes; it's hard to tell exactly how much the temperature will drop during the night, and if your clothes get wet, you'll definitely want to change.
- Food, water, and cooking supplies. Bring along more food and water than you think you need, as well as everything you need to cook and prepare that food.
- First aid. A first aid kit should be included in your basic safety supplies, but it's important enough to warrant a separate mention. Being on the water for longer means increasing the risk of a medical issue; first aid kits can't handle everything, but they could potentially save your life or the life of someone on board.
- Toiletries. You'll also need to bring along all the toiletries and bathroom essentials that you need for a comfortable night on the vessel.
- Protection from the elements. You may also need additional forms of protection from the elements. Sunscreen and insect repellent should be staples for any boat journey, and you may want to bring along ponchos and extra weather-related protection as well.
Boat Maintenance and Safety Checks
Before heading out on an overnight journey, practice boat maintenance and run some safety checks to make sure everything is operating as intended. If there are any issues or concerns, now is the time to address them.
When anchoring or securing your boat for the night, double check everything to maximise your safety. A GPS anchor alarm can alert you if your boat starts drifting unexpectedly.
Additionally, you should have multiple emergency contact options in place. If your boat is in danger, or if the weather unexpectedly changes, how would you contact help?
Creating an Environment Conducive to Sleep
Sleeping on a boat can be difficult for some people, but you can make it a more pleasant experience by addressing the following:
- Padding. The deck of your boat is going to be hard and uncomfortable, so you may need additional padding in the form of a sleeping bag or inflatable mattress. A good pillow can also make your sleeping experience much better.
- Ventilation. If you sleep in the cabin, you might be more physically comfortable, but the air can get stale and suffocating if you're not careful. Adjusting ventilation levels can help you breathe easier and relax more.
- Warmth. It can get cold on the water, especially at night. Bringing additional layers and using a blanket can help protect you from the cold.
- Earplugs and noise control. If you don't sleep well in noisy environments, you'll need some kinds of controls in place to help you sleep easier. For example, you could bring ear plugs, noise cancelling headphones, or a white noise machine to drown out the noises around you.
- Motion sickness prevention/treatment. If you or passengers suffer from motion sickness, consider bringing extra medications or natural remedies like ginger. Of course, many people who experience chronic motion sickness avoid staying overnight on boats entirely.
- Hygiene. You'll also need a plan in place to practice good hygiene. If your boat has a bathroom, you'll already have a good option in place. Otherwise, you'll need to think about how you stay fresh and clean during this experience.
- Privacy. If you're hosting multiple people, you may also need elements for privacy. For example, a pop-up tent could keep sleeping parties separate on your deck.
Weather and Routing
Check the weather and verify your routes before leaving. If the weather looks questionable, don't take the unnecessary risk. There will always be more opportunities for overnight outings.
If your boat is small, cramped, or otherwise incapable of supporting a comfortable night of sleep, you may be in the market for a new vessel. And thankfully, we have thousands of new and used vessels to choose from. Ready to find your next overnight yacht? Get started today!