Yacht Interiors!Keep in mind that if you are mainly going to sail around the harbor with friends a big cockpit is desirable, and if you intend to take longer cruises there are other considerations to look at with comfortable accommodation. Cockpit Comfort!
Most of your time whether you are out for a day sail or on an extended cruise will be spent in the cockpit so thought should go into the climate you sail in and how to make your cockpit a comfortable entertaining area, and even for some in the tropics outdoor sleeping area. I found in Queensland Australia it was essential to have a Bimini that covered the whole cockpit to shelter your self from the sun. A lot of Biminis have the added advantage of roll down curtains at all sides. Big cushions made from tough canvas or out door furniture material with polyester filling that doesn’t hold water, can also add to your comfort. If there is room a small table for out door dining can be an asset, some thing that folds out of the way or can be slotted on when at anchor.
Berths!
If you're planning any offshore cruises, the forward bunk in the cabin can have the motion of a washing machine and is impossible to sleep in as the bow rises and falls in even moderate weather and will inhibit a good rest.
At anchor it’s a different story and the motion can gently rock you to sleep. The best of the offshore berths is the berth center to the yacht where you can have lee cloths to keep you snugly in place regardless of the tack. In most smaller yachts this is the central seating by the table. Some tables will fold down to make for extra bunk room even a double berth. Quarter berths, tucked under the cockpit seats, are equally secure on most yachts, although being next to the engine the fumes of diesel and heat from the engine can be very uncomfortable. If you are likely to have to get on deck quick it’s a good place to be but unprotected from the occasional wave, winches in action, flapping sails, and chatter of others on deck. Check out lengths and widths of berths to fit in with your size and height for your comfort needs. Galleys!
The design of
galleys
in yacht interiors have improved with the modern U-shaped galley and galleys where you can wedge your self in nicely if cooking while sailing to free your hands.
You should be able to reach the sink, stove and freezer from one position. A deep sink is great not only for washing dishes while healed over but also for putting cups in while pouring boiling liquid into them, or putting the pressure cooker in when taken off the gas. Just like the yacht you choice stoves are a matter of personal preference. LPG (gas) seems to be the leader with gas detector alarms fitted; alcohol and kerosene are still being used. Two or four elements, a grill and even an oven are used in modern day yacht interiors.
Refrigeration some have it some don’t, you can have a freezer with out a fridge and some are happy to just have an ice chest. With modern technology you can get very compact generators that provide household power so you can enjoy blended Margarita’s for sundowners and a microwave dinner after. Storage and Ventilation!Most yacht interiors have a lot of hidden areas for storage, places like the bilge; hopefully it’s dry, under berths, at the back of quarter berths. This is important for long off shore voyages.
You can never have too much ventilation, you need fresh dry air in the cabin to prevent seasickness and improve crew morale. The forward hatch is sealed when sailing so the main areas for ventilation are the Dorado vents and any deck hatches are fine for fair weather but need to be shut most times when sailing to keep the cabin dry. That only leaves the cockpit hatch as the main place to receive good ventilation. The head compartment is often neglected, in space and ventilation a Dorado vent is usually all it has. Make it Home!Yacht interiors can reflect your taste in comfort and décor, this is your holiday home even if it’s just for day sailing. You entertain on board so lots of cushions and especially in the cockpit things you won’t be concerned about if people climb aboard from a swim dripping water.Acrylic wine and drink ‘glasses’ look great as do dip plates for the nibbles. There’s something really special about entertaining on board and in anchorages and marinas there’s lots of it.
|
