30 Nov 23
One of the perks of boating is being able to do overnight boating. If you have a cabin boat (or even just a small cuddy cabin like the Stacer’s Sea Runner), you can sleep safely onboard your boat. Sleeping on a boat is a fun, enjoyable, and relaxing way to spend an evening if you do it the right way. Get a comfortable and safe night’s rest using these tips for sleeping on a boat overnight. This is the best way to increase your enjoyment and maximise the use of your boat:
Plan Your Trip
Overall, you should think of sleeping on your boat as a camping trip and plan as such. If you were to go camping, you would need the right tools, clothing, food, and accessories. For example, you need to make sure your Tohatsu or Mercury outboards are in good condition and have enough fuel to last for your entire trip. To ensure your engine will be running smoothly throughout your trip, have it serviced at least a week before you depart for your adventures.
We, at Thwaites Marine, are experienced marine mechanics and technicians who can proficiently service and repair any inboard and outboard engines regardless of the make and model. Fill out this form if you want to book a service with us. Our team is ready to promptly assist you with any inquiries you may have. You can be assured that your boat is in good hands with us!
You also need to figure out how to get to your destination and the safest and quickest way to get there. Enjoyable camping requires preparation; keep this attitude in mind when planning your boat trip.
Check the Weather
Once you’ve picked your location, don’t forget to check the weather. Even if you’re in a protected area, choose to postpone your boating trip if weather conditions are not favourable.
Find a Cozy Cove
Overnight boating is all about location. You should find a cozy, protected area that provides you with calm waters. A cove or inlet is a great place to sleep in your boat. You should avoid any heavy traffic areas or spots that will be hammered by heavy winds. To find the best spot, you’ll want to do some research to find a good location.
Anchor Properly
You don’t want to lose sleep worrying over the status of your anchors. Will they hold to the bottom? Are the knots tied correctly? Will slack on one side cause drift into nearby rocks? All of these worries can be prevented (or at least reduced) by anchoring properly.
Make sure you use the right anchors for the specific type of bottom (mud, rock, and sand), and give the anchors enough line so they sit at an angle appropriate enough to get a good hold. You don’t want anchor lines going straight up, as they won’t hold nearly as well. Make sure to anchor a safe distance from other boats, rocks, shallow reefs, or underwater wreckage.
Prepare Your Food in Advance
When you’re on the boat, you probably don’t want to spend an entire evening preparing food. Instead, prepare your meals in advance so you can simply enjoy the night without wasting time having to cook onboard.
However, if your idea of a perfect boat trip is the smell of food wafting through the air, well, a boat grill makes it possible to bring the fun of cooking to your adventure. After spending the day fishing, you can easily cook your catch on your boat. Install a portable grill that can be easily mounted on your boat. It’s best to find one that is meant for boats because they are specially made to withstand the harsh marine environment.
Be sure to bring plenty of water and electrolyte-rich drinks such as coconut water, watermelon juice, or cucumber-infused water to prevent dehydration.
Pack for Cool Overnight Temperatures
Whether you’re boating in Coffs Harbour or at Phillip Island, overnight weather can be cool to downright chilly. Temperature can drop quickly when you’re out in the ocean. Pack plenty of warm clothing, including blankets, heat pads, socks, and scarves so you and your passengers don’t get too cold when the sun goes down.
Set an Alarm System
Boaters should make sure that they have an alarm system running so that they can be alerted in case any problems arise. You can configure both an alarm and the GPS to notify you if the boat drifts more than a specified distance.
Emphasize Safe Alcohol Consumption
Everybody wants to have a good time on the water, but you need to make sure everyone onboard is practising safe alcohol consumption, especially at night. There’s no need to banish booze from your boat, but make sure that people drink in moderation and maintain safety throughout the evening. Avoid letting anyone get sloppy drunk.