Going Below

Here is where we transition from what makes a vessel seakindly to what makes it cruiser friendly.

If going below feels like going downstairs into the basement of a house, the boat is not going to get a very good rating.

Open, bright and well ventilated are essential characteristics of a cruiser friendly vessel. There is more to it than that, but if she is dark and dingy, you can forget about anyone wanting to be there.

People who can afford today’s large cruising vessels have likely become accustomed to a fairly high standard of living.  A great cruising vessel still won’t let you take everything with you, but it has to meet your personal standards for quality and comfort.

Simply put, clutter does not cut it. Abundant, well organized storage is essential. Specific design elements make a real difference to tidiness.

Abundant fuel and water tanks located on the center line, below the floor boards in the main salon will free-up tremendous storage space for provisions and other equipment.

Their location on the centerline helps to keep the center of gravity lower and reduces heel as liquids are consumed at different rates.

Although you would expect the engine to be located on the centerline of the boat, it also helps if provision has been made in the design layout for a generator on the center line as well.

Cruisers typically want to be able to fold-up the dining table in the main salon and stow it up against the bulkhead. This also frees up space to expand the salon settee into a double sea berth with an appropriate lee cloth.

Combination plywood/laminate floorboards tend to squeak. Real wood floors are both more attractive and quiet!