Storage solutions to make the most of available onboard space.
When it comes to fishing, boat designers put a lot of emphasis on creating space in the cockpit so there’s plenty of room to fight and bring in the catch. When it comes to entertaining on board, the exterior and interior spaces matter.
If you want to maximize the space on board specifically for entertaining guests, you’ll need to look at both functional space solutions and aesthetic touches that can enhance the overall experience. Many designers take this challenge very seriously as noted in recent layouts that have come on the market. From Tiara’s 48LE that has a rotating lounge and a fold-out portside terrace to Prestige Yacht’s M8 swim platform that lowers into the water or raises up to the main deck for more deck space, owners seem to be looking for that comfortable, outdoor living area to share with family and friends.
“Typically it’s where owners and guests and their company spend many hours entertaining, dining, sunbathing, and relaxing with the all amazing surroundings, sights and sounds, and beautiful views of sea that yachting has to offer,” says Karen Lynn Poulos of Karen Lynn Interior Design. She adds that the exterior seating should be very comfortable for lounging and functional like an outdoor living room or a beach club.
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Like the Tiara cockpit lounge, many builders are designing the seating so it’s somewhat modular and can slide out of the way or, as in the case of center or dual consoles, flip up into the transom, a setup that works for the fishing angle too. That capability also works to create sunpads in both the cockpit and the bow so family and guests have a variety of entertainment areas during the day that can transform for the evening.
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Beyond buying a new boat that has the design features for entertaining built in, there are ways to maximize your space on board and the best way to start is to declutter and evaluate how you’re using your storage areas.
Organization
Maximizing space onboard a boat is essential for comfort, safety, and functionality, especially on smaller vessels where space is limited. Many charter captains and crew who live aboard have learned how little they actually need to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. A boat is not the place to be a hoarder. When charter guests come and go on a weekly basis, you need to utilize every nook and cranny for food and beverages, dinnerware, linens, toys, safety equipment, and more.
Here are some storage solutions to help make the most of the available space.
- Declutter. The less stuff you have, the less space it needs.
- Invest in cabinets, shelves, and lockers, to keep items organized and out of the way.
- Utilize under-seat storage, under-bed storage, and wall-mounted storage to free up floor space.
- Use clear plastic containers or bins with labels to easily identify and access items.
- Tailor your storage solutions to the boat’s specific dimensions and design. Custom-built cabinets and shelving can use every inch of available space more effectively than generic options.
- Use vertical space to install hanging storage, hooks, and nets to use the overhead and wall space.
- Look for items that can be folded or collapsed when not in use, such as chairs and galley items like collapsible bowls, containers, and nested cookware (pots and pans that fit inside each other).
- Use the in-floor storage boxes. Many boats have storage areas under the flooring or decking, and builders are aware that boaters use these areas for more than just fish, so they are insulated with gaskets to keep them dry and are usually self-draining to use to keep beverages on ice.
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“As a yacht interior designer, I always custom-design all new loose furniture, such as sofas, chairs, tables, and accent seating, to have maximum storage compartments,” says Poulos in her blog. “They are useful for storing everything from wine to exterior towels, life jackets, and even stocking paper towels and bulkier dry goods…. I try to utilize all bed bases on board for storage and oftentimes incorporate a hydraulic lift on the base lid or create drawers in the bed base for easy access. I try to maximize every inch of space.”
Boatbuilders are also keen on keeping things in their place, particularly with TVs. Many are built to hide in a cabinet so when not in use, the cabinet top is available to hold snacks platter and such.
Space has become one of the prime commodities on board, and the world of boat design has seen a transformative shift. Not just reserved for fishing, modern boats are now versatile hubs of entertainment, an extension of home that floats atop the waves. As the demand for on-deck entertainment grows, designers and boat owners are innovating ways to ensure that every inch of the vessel serves a purpose, all while maintaining the luxury and comfort of a floating retreat.
As new materials and technologies emerge, we can expect boats to be more adaptable, eco-friendly, and equipped with smart systems to further enhance the onboard experience. But at the core of these advancements remains a simple truth: The sea has a timeless allure, and as we gather on its waters, we seek spaces that can accommodate our dreams and stories. Whether it’s the thrill of a catch or the joy of an evening under the stars with friends, the goal remains the same—to create lasting memories.
The essence of what makes boat life so enchanting remains untouched, and whether you’re an avid angler, a sun-seeker, or a party host, today’s boats offer an invitation to experience the sea like never before, blending tradition with modernity in a dance that celebrates the very best of both worlds. In the end, as we drift on these vessels of joy, it is clear that the heart of boating isn’t just about the space we’re in, but the memories we make in it. It’s the lifestyle.
-by Steve Davis
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