If you’re fortunate enough to own a yacht, then you’ll want to make sure that it’s as stylish and luxurious as possible. After all, part of the appeal of this mode of transport is that it functions as a home on the water: and a home should, ideally, be homely.
Do everything right, and you’ll be able to enjoy an unforgettable tour through as many towns, cities, islands and remote beaches as you can find on a map. Many of the enhancements you might consider can make an enormous difference to your experience, for just a small investment.
Paint & Polish
You’re not going to be spending much time looking at the outside of your boat. But out of sight isn’t always out of mind. If your boat needs a coat of paint, the chances are that it will bother you.
Fibreglass exteriors tend to be covered with a layer of gel which is nice and glossy to begin with, but which wears away over time. By hauling your boat out of the water and treating it to a thorough paint and polish, you’ll protect it against water stains, and ensure that its value holds in the long run.
Lighting
If you’re going to be using your boat at night, or you’d simply like it to look the part when it’s docked, it might be a good idea to install underwater or deck lighting. This often involves drilling holes through the hull, which is enough to make many boat owners nervous. As a rule, it’s a good idea to run the drill bit backward to limit the chance of the gel coat cracking. Make sure that you understand the full installation procedure before you get started, as any mistakes might be costly to fix later.
Deck space
It isn’t easy to truly relax if you’re short on deck space. You’ll be limited here by the size of the boat, but in many cases it’s possible to open things up by simply moving them around. You might even install amenities like a hot tub.
Hardware
Your cleats, winches and anchors will all tend to show their age over time. It might be that you can restore all of them, but it’s often easier to seek out a more functional, modern replacement.
The interior
The more high-quality materials you can fit into your interior, the better it will tend to look. A few choice furnishings might make a big difference to the overall feel of the space. Providing the galley with the right equipment might allow for a superior dining experience on the water, too.
Technological aids might make life more comfortable, as well as making the boat more functional. Modern communication and security systems have gotten very sophisticated and affordable, so why not check out what’s available?
