How to make your sailing yacht or power boat more comfortable

Thinking about how to enhance your time on the water next season?

Maybe you want to be able to moor your boat more confidently or modify the flybridge layout to suit your needs better. You may be surprised to learn that boats, young and old, can be easily adapted, whether it’s adding an innovative steering system or carrying out some GRP glasswork.

Here the team from Ancasta Yacht Services share a few of the ways in which you could improve your time onboard.  

Make docking simple 

We’ve all been there. You’re coming into a busy marina to berth, and the pressure to moor your boat perfectly and without fuss is high. But it’s not always simple. Add in some fast-flowing tide and a gusty breeze, and your perfectly planned manoeuvre can end up being a bit of a debacle! Well, we'll let you in on a little secret – installing bow or stern thrusters can significantly aid boat handling and manoeuvrability. You, too, can be one of those laidback skippers who seemingly glide their boat into the dock effortlessly! We particularly like the easily installed (no GRP work!) and quiet Jet Thruster system. Their unique system will take the stress out of docking, making you look like a professional! Compatible with nearly all hull types and a new mini system available from 2023. What’s not to love? 

Jet Thrusters

Improve onboard flow 

Just like an architect can modify the layout of your house, boat builders can help you improve the flow of movement on your boat for a more relaxing time onboard. You may need extra storage for all your equipment or personal effects or perhaps a secure wine rack in the bilge would be handy! If your mobility is restricted, you might benefit from shallower companionway steps, more handholds or a lifting swimming platform. Are you frustrated when manoeuvring past large inward-opening doors? Bifolds may be the solution. The opportunities are limitless! 

Refit and Repair

Add extra sun protection 

If the intensity of this year’s heat waves is anything to go by, we’ll all need plenty of shade onboard our yachts next summer. Protecting your family or crew from the sun is one of the best ways to improve comfort onboard and is simple to do. A custom-made bimini provides excellent coverage, or maybe you’d like some foredeck shade when at anchor? Or perhaps your current boat covers and canvas are in need of repair or replacement. Either way, shade is priceless when the sun is beating down. And if the great British weather does catch you out, a bimini can provide excellent protection from the rain too!  

Marine Upholstery

Save energy 

With soaring electricity prices and a warming planet, you might be looking for ways to reduce your boat’s energy usage. One of the easiest ways to do this is to install solar panels. The rapid advancement of solar technology means marine solar systems are simple to fit and highly efficient. With the correct configuration, you can charge your house batteries and run all of your usual appliances onboard without using a noisy generator or even turning on the engine. You’ll also enjoy peaceful yachting, little maintenance, and less pollution. Win, win!  

Marine Engineering

Tidy up the deck 

Decks are subject to lots of wear and tear, so it’s not unusual for them to get worn or damaged, especially in high-traffic areas or as a result of vigorous scrubbing! It's easy to ignore little imperfections, but if left untreated, they can lead to more significant problems later on. So, why not get those niggly bits repaired and look forward to beautiful-looking decks for your sailing adventures next season? It can be surprisingly quick for a professional to renovate decks and not as expensive as you might think – especially compared to more extensive works if left unaddressed.  

Decking Repair

Install ambient lighting  

Imagine dropping anchor in a beautiful bay and enjoying an alfresco dinner under the stars in the cockpit or on the flybridge. Utter bliss! But what if you could soften the lighting on your yacht to create a more relaxing and romantic ambience? By changing the lighting onboard, you can instantly transform the atmosphere. The choices are endless, from installing dimmer switches in the cabins to fitting discrete courtesy lights to illuminate passageways. Plus, if you want your yacht to look its best as night falls, the installation of underwater LEDs will illuminate the water to create a beautiful halo around the hull. Stunning!  

Yacht Lighting

Find Out More

If our yacht upgrade ideas have inspired you, please get in touch with the Ancasta Yacht Services team to discuss how we can help you to enhance your boat ready for next season. 

+44 (0) 2380 454 111 | [email protected] 

Ancasta Yacht Services