Not all boats are created equal. Therefore, if you’re planning to go away for a few days sailing the blues, or touring the world on your catamaran, you should learn what sleeping on a boat is like.
The smaller the vessel, the more cramped the surroundings will be. If you’re going with a friend, examine the vessel and try it out for a night. Going on a charter should be the comfiest. Are you just buying a cat? Make sure to test the berth (that’s what they call the sleeping quarters.
Sleeping on a boat could take some getting used to. However, if you pack warm pajamas, find quiet spots, have minimal alcohol, use insect repellents, open windows when there’s no AC, and keep noisy items locked away, you’ll find yourself sleeping soundly in no time.
Let’s look at some tips for sleeping well on a catamaran, the sleeping areas on the boat, and how to make the best of the situation.
Where to Sleep on a Catamaran
You have several options:
Fold-away Beds
A basic design utilizes the dining table as a collapsible bed. To convert the table into a bed, it is tucked between the seats. Usually, the cushions will make up the mattress.
Use the long ones under your knees and the short ones under your back for extra support. Smaller cats are more likely to use this type of arrangement, as space is at a minimum.
Built-in Beds
Many catamaran boats include hull-mounted beds, which can be very comfortable, especially when the boat is being used for charter and clients hope for a good night’s sleep.
The owner’s versions may have thinner hulls, so a queen-sized bed won’t fit.
Fixed beds are preferred by most of us, of course, since they are similar to those seen onboard a ship that is normally docked. As a result, you are free to use whatever conventional mattress you want on your yacht.
Hammocks
This I admittedly enjoy at times when I want fresh air. The sound of the ocean is so pacifying. If even for one night, you should give it a try. Once you set it up nicely enough with your blankets, no drop in temperature will affect your cozy sleep. It takes less than ten minutes to set up a hammock.
It’s a great way to slowly rock ourselves to sleep under the stars if we place it outside. Don’t forget the mosquito net in case the insects start swooping in. It’s easy to dive too since you’ll already be on the deck when you wake up.
It’s not uncommon for the hull to get quite a bit of noise from waves hitting it; this is, of course, dependent on the direction and speed of the waves. Speak to the captain beforehand to decide where you’d like to sleep.
What It’s Like to Sleep On A Ship In The Ocean
You’ll have to sail through the night if you’re traversing a vast amount of water. The crew of a ship does not wake up in the middle of the night to stop the ship; instead, they take turns steering it.
Being on the watch means getting up in the middle of the night for an hour or two to make sure everything is going according to plan, and if it isn’t, you’ll be responsible for waking up the rest of the crew.
To have a good night’s rest at sea, you’ll have to put up with some turbulence, but that’s part of the fun.
After the first night, many people report it gets easier and easier until they no longer want to sleep on land! Once you’ve done that, you’ve gotten into sailing. Welcome!
11 Tips For a Good Night’s Sleep on a Catamaran
- Avoid Getting Seasick
- Prepare yourself for a restless first night or two (it’s typical).
- Carry Pajamas
- Bring and Use Insect Repellents
- Discuss Quiet Times Beforehand
- Bring Extra Linen
- Drink Less Booze
- Store Away Loose Items
- Use cushions to prop your back and knees on the fold away bed
- Capitalize on the Ocean Sounds
- Get Familiar With the Surroundings
Avoid Getting Seasick
Everyone gets seasick at some point; it causes nausea and dizziness, and in some cases, vomiting. This is a simple problem to solve, and there are several strategies you could use both before and throughout your journey to help you do this.
Watching the sky, getting some fresh air, and consuming ginger in a variety of forms are just a few ideas.
Assume that your first night of sleep won’t be flawless (it’s typical).
Having trouble sleeping on your first night in a new location is normal. Don’t immediately attribute your inability to get a good night’s sleep to the boat itself. If you’ve ever been on a boat, you’ll notice that you’re more attentive the first night because your brain activates a “night watch” function.
Carry Warm Pajamas
Even in the height of summer, low temperatures can be painfully chilly, even if the temperature does not go below freezing. You should bring clothes that you would wear if you were camping in the open with a thin tent over your head.
Bring and Use Insect Repellents
If you’re enjoying your first boat vacation in a warmer region, you’ll want to be prepared for any pests that might keep you awake at night. For a good night’s sleep, there must be no unwelcome boat visitors.
Discuss Quiet Times Beforehand
It’s more difficult to create a peaceful sleeping environment when you’re sharing a small space with a partner or a group. Be sure to have a quick discussion about quiet periods with your bunk companions before you start your vacation. When it’s time for bed, you can relax knowing that you’ll be able to get at least eight uninterrupted hours of shut-eye without interruption.
Pack Extra Linens
To get a good night’s sleep aboard a yacht, you should strive to recreate the settings you’re used to at home as closely as possible. You should take extra care with your bedding on longer trips, as the humid sea air can turn them from silky soft to harsh and tough in no time. Most cruising catamarans come with necessities like sleeping linens, but you may wish to bring your own if you want.
Keep the booze to a minimum
There’s nothing wrong with having a drink or two when on a boat vacation. However, if you don’t want to wake up in the middle of the night from too much alcohol, limit your intake. As a result of our bodies’ inability to properly metabolize alcohol, we experience a state of rebound alertness, which is the opposite of what you were hoping for on your relaxing vacation.
Remove And Store Any Stray Things
When you’re attempting to sleep, doesn’t everything in the boat come to life? To prevent anything from rolling off the ship or bouncing around on the ship’s surface, it is important to pack up all loose goods, including pens, water bottles, and scissors. Having a few extra plastic bags on hand could be useful for this purpose. As a bonus, they’ll protect your belongings from water damage.
Capitalize on the Ocean Sounds
There is no better place to create a white noise orchestra than the ocean, with its soothing sound and steady rocking motion.
If you are still struggling, nap whenever you can to ensure you get some rest.
Get Familiar With the Surroundings
It’s a good idea to figure out how you’ll get the supplies you’ll need for the first night. If you’re having trouble sleeping, clarifying things like the position of the restroom, how the toilet works, or where you would grab a cup of water will help.
You also won’t wake up feeling disoriented and will go back to sleep easily. After a short time, it will feel like a second home to you. That’s how I feel.
Do You Prefer Cold or Hot?
If you’re on a European boat, there’s no guarantee that you’ll have air conditioning, but if you’re sailing in the United States, there’s a good chance the ship will have it, making your life a little more bearable.
The best way to avoid being eaten alive by insects in hot regions is to bring a mosquito net and leave all the windows and doors open.
A lot of boats have modest heaters that can be used in specific areas on the ship, but unless you’re on a well-equipped boat, you’ll probably need a lot of warm clothing to keep comfortable.