Luxurious Boat Options For The Bedroom-On-Board Experience

When it comes to boats, there are various types that offer bedrooms, also known as berths or staterooms. These boats are designed to provide a comfortable and relaxing experience for their passengers. The most common types of boats with bedrooms include cabin cruiser boats, cuddy cabin boats, offshore cabin boats, and boats with dedicated staterooms. Cabin cruiser boats, ranging from 25 to 100 feet in length, offer spacious interiors with sleeping areas, galleys, and bathrooms. Cuddy cabin boats, on the other hand, have smaller enclosed cabin spaces, typically ranging from 20 to 26 feet in length, making them ideal for overnight trips. Offshore cabin boats, such as trawlers, are designed for extended voyages and offer large cabins, private staterooms, galleys, and enclosed heads. Additionally, some boats provide the option of separating the sleeping area from the main living space, creating a dedicated stateroom for added privacy.

Cabin cruiser boats: 25-100 feet long, with sleeping areas, a galley, and a bathroom

Cabin cruiser boats are like mobile mini vacation homes, perfect for waterborne adventures with the family. They are designed for spending extended periods on the water and generally come with a sleeping area, a galley (or kitchen), and a small bathroom (called a "head" in nautical parlance). They can range in length from 25 feet to 100 feet and are popular among boaters because they have plenty of room, can be used in both freshwater and saltwater, and often have large swim platforms and sun pads for relaxing.

Cabin cruisers are fully equipped for comfortable stays on the water. Even smaller cabin cruisers under 30 feet will likely have sleeping room for four to six people. Larger cabin cruisers can sleep up to a dozen people with multiple private staterooms, additional beds, and berths. The galley and head accommodations make it possible to travel more extensively than you could by car and staying in hotels.

In addition to the comforts of the cabin, cabin cruisers offer all the perks and pleasures of owning a boat. They usually have large swim platforms and ladders, as well as loungers and sunpads for relaxation. They are great for day cruising and there are few limitations on the activities you can choose from.

The initial cost of a cabin cruiser can vary depending on size and features. While there are million-dollar cabin cruisers on the market, there are also smaller, more affordable options. Maintenance and operation costs are also factors to consider, including fuel, mooring, and off-season storage.

Cabin cruisers have benefited from modern technology, with the adoption of outboard engines and the digitization of control systems, making it easier to interface with your boat.

Cuddy cabin boats: 20-26 feet long, with a small cabin, a head, and a galley

Cuddy cabin boats are medium-sized vessels that are typically used for day cruising, watersports, and fishing. They usually range from 19 to 50 feet in length, with an average length of 28 feet. Cuddy cabin boats are known for their enclosed bow and small cabins forward, providing ample space to manoeuvre. While they do not have a recessed walkway around the cabin, they are well-suited for day cruising and short trips.

Cuddy cabin boats offer a unique combination of agility and versatility, blending the characteristics of a family bowrider and a cruiser. The term "cuddy" dates back centuries, originally referring to a small room or cupboard. Over time, it came to denote the quarters on a ship occupied by wealthy passengers and, eventually, evolved to describe a boat with a small, enclosed cabin space.

Cuddy cabins typically have limited headroom, but they may include a berth, a toilet (known as a "head" in nautical terms), and a small galley for food preparation. The berth, often called a v-berth due to its shape, can usually accommodate two people, even in the smallest cuddy cabin models. The toilet in smaller models is typically a portable one stowed under the centre of the berth, while larger models may have a dedicated closet or head compartment.

Cuddy cabin boats in the 20-26 foot range are likely to have basic amenities, with a focus on functionality and space optimisation. These models may have a very simple interior, possibly lacking galley features. However, as the size increases towards the upper end of the range, the amenities and features become more extensive. Larger cuddy cabin boats may offer an enclosed bathroom compartment, a refrigerator, and even a cooktop, along with more luxurious appointments and advanced navigation electronics.

The cost of a cuddy cabin boat is directly proportional to its size and the level of amenities offered. While smaller models are designed to meet lower price points, larger boats demand higher prices due to their increased size and additional features. It is important to consider not only the purchase price but also the ownership costs, including maintenance, fuel, registration, insurance, and storage.

Trawler boats: Designed for long voyages, with large cabins, a private stateroom, a galley, and a head

Trawler boats are designed for long-distance cruising and are inspired by the look and capabilities of commercial fishing vessels. They are perfect for those seeking a price-conscious motorboat with a full-displacement, ballasted hull, and a perfect cruising range for long-ocean voyages. Trawlers typically have a traditional exterior design and a spacious, home-like interior with full-size galley appliances, multiple heads, and staterooms, making them ideal for living aboard.

The Grand Banks 42 Classic is a legendary trawler design, with over 1,500 built. The original was constructed with mahogany, but this was replaced with fiberglass in 1973. In 1991, the hull was lengthened and widened to add more interior volume, particularly in the forward stateroom and galley. One of the most desirable features is its roomy, full-teak interior. The master stateroom is located aft and includes a walkaround double berth, with twin berths in early models, and split head and shower compartments.

The Mainship 350/390 Trawler is another popular option, with large windows providing ample natural light in the salon and excellent visibility from the lower helm. It features a convertible sofa, a hi-low table, and an L-shaped galley with a refrigerator, freezer, and Corian counter. The master stateroom has an island queen berth, and the guest stateroom has twin berths. This trawler also offers a spacious flybridge with a grill, dinette table, and wet bar.

Trawlers offer a unique "trawler lifestyle", combining the cruising lifestyle of a sailor with the power and range of a motorboat. They are known for their excellent seakeeping skills and ability to take you to far-off destinations. With their long-term living accommodations, they are perfect for those seeking a remote boat getaway. Trawlers also offer anchor accommodations, reverse windows, a pilot house, and walk-around decks for line handling and docking, making them well-equipped for leisure and fun.

Flybridge cabin cruisers: Feature a steering station on top of the hardtop, with an elevated perspective for cruising

Flybridge cabin cruisers are boats with a steering station on top of the hardtop, and sometimes an upper cabin. They are popular among boaters for their elevated perspective during cruising, as well as their versatility and spaciousness.

The flybridge yacht concept dates back to the early 20th century, when military vessels had an additional control station over the wheelhouse. These early boats were often equipped with weapons, but over time, they evolved into sportfishing boats. Flybridges were introduced as a mainstream feature on private yachts in the 1970s, and today, they are commonly used for sport fishing, benefiting from the higher vantage point that provides better visibility of the surrounding waters.

Flybridge yachts are sometimes called "convertibles" or "dual-purpose" vessels, as they are suitable for both fishing and cruising. The flybridge itself comes in various shapes and sizes, from pocket trawlers to luxury cruisers, and models typically measure between 30 and 100 feet long. The elevated helm station offers 360-degree panoramas, extensive outdoor space, and innovative interior layouts.

The flybridge is particularly advantageous during inclement weather or at night, offering better visibility for navigation in low-light conditions or heavy rain. The elevated position also makes berthing easier due to the improved visibility. Additionally, the flybridge provides a great space for entertaining, offering separation from the rest of the boat. Typical features on a full-size flybridge yacht include a wet bar, sun loungers, and a convertible dining section, often with a refrigerator or ice chest.

Some notable examples of flybridge cruisers include the Galeon 500 Fly, the Prestige 680S, the Cranchi E-52, the Sealine F530, the Fairline Squadron 53, and the Lagoon 630 Motoryacht. These boats showcase the versatility and amenities that flybridge cruisers have to offer, catering to a range of preferences and needs.

Downeast cabin cruisers: Accommodate 10+ passengers, with a helm station in the main cabin and a lower cabin for sleeping

If you're looking for a boat that can accommodate over 10 passengers and offers a comfortable sleeping space, consider a Downeast cabin cruiser. These boats are designed with a helm station located in the main cabin and a lower cabin towards the forward part of the hull for sleeping quarters.

Downeast cabin cruisers are perfect for overnight trips and day cruising, offering ample space and accommodations for larger groups. They range in size from 20 to nearly 70 feet in length, ensuring plenty of room for everyone on board.

The helm station in the main cabin provides a great space for operating the boat, while the lower cabin offers a cosy and private area for sleeping. With a spacious layout, these boats typically include additional amenities such as a galley, a small bathroom, and a living area, making them ideal for extended periods on the water.

When it comes to style, Downeast cabin cruisers feature long, sleek hulls and slender profiles, giving them a sleek and elegant appearance. Their design also prioritises speed and manoeuvrability, making them perfect for exploring narrow waterways.

Leading manufacturers of Downeast cabin cruisers include Back Cove, Ellis, Hinckley, and True North. These companies are known for their expertise in crafting high-quality, comfortable, and functional boats that are perfect for those seeking a combination of performance and luxury on the water.

Frequently asked questions