While in the U.S., entertainment is the 10th most important reason why boat owners buy a powerboat, in many countries, it is the primary reason. In Italy, for example, boaters like to have fun in the cockpits of their boats, both at anchor and in port.
But not all boats are built for entertainment and comfort. Indeed, fishing boats are rather simple, just like boats intended for boarding sports. However, boat builders are adding more and more comfort to their boats, so that everyone can enjoy themselves and keep busy.
Today, size is no longer a barrier to development and you can find "small" dayboats perfectly equipped to have a good time on the water. So, what are the must-haves for a good time on the water? Here's what you can't do without if you like to entertain your friends and spend long periods of time at sea.
Bayliner's 6.84-meter VR6 Cuddy provides plenty of entertaining space, including foredeck sundecks, an aft sundeck, and an L-shaped saloon
Numerous meetings
While some people find it pleasant to chat in an empty cockpit, simply sitting on the gunwales, not everyone does. To enjoy a discussion, comfortably seated in your boat, opt for comfortable bench seats. The number of seats will depend on the size of your boat, but also on the number of people you like to have on board.
Nowadays, fishing boats are more and more equipped with folding benches, stored in the bulwarks. Thus folded, they do not interfere when fishing. In the cruising boats, you can benefit from more comfort with often a table with an L-shaped bench.
The folding benches in the cockpit of the Wellcraft 352 F
The cockpit is no longer reserved only for meals or relaxation. Indeed, you can also laze in the sun at the front by sitting in a U-shaped bench seat, which often becomes a sunbathing area.
The modular cockpit of the Leader 6.5 Center Console
The flybridge also - on large boats - allows you to enjoy a moment of relaxation, comfortably installed in the lounge area.
Today, builders are focusing on modular layouts. Thus, the squares can easily be transformed into sunbathing areas, deck chairs, dining areas, seats facing the sea while sailing, etc. No need to have a very big boat to have all the comfort elements.
The tilting bulwarks of the Galeon boats for a terrace on the water
Protection for weather variations
Sailing in the rain is not the most pleasant thing in the world. Of course, most of the time we sail when the weather is good, but we are never safe from a squall. That's when you'll appreciate being able to take shelter under a bimini, an awning or a canopy. Even better if your boat is equipped with a rigid hard-top or even a cabin!
The same goes for the wind. If the wind is strong and your boat is open to the spray, you will appreciate being able to protect yourself.
And since it's not only rain that's unpleasant at sea, don't forget to offer your guests sun protection. Because even if you enjoy sunbathing, sunburn - or even sunstroke - can happen quickly! At sea, the rays reflect on the sea, just like when skiing on the snow.
The T-Top that protects the cockpit of Leader 6.5 Center Console Series 3 from the sun
Many facilities to have fun
If the main reason for buying your boat is to have a good time on the water with your friends and/or family, invest in amenities that will allow you to enjoy various activities on board.
For a convivial meal, don't forget a kitchen, a grill or a plancha. And don't forget the refrigerators or iceboxes that will allow you to consume cold drinks and to preserve food.
For lazing around, choose sunbeds and numerous armchairs and seats to enjoy a comfortable navigation and mooring. The bathing platform will also be appreciated for swimming or relaxing.
There are many other equipment to have fun on board your boat, which you will choose according to your activities: audio and video system, wake and water ski tower, etc.
