There are two main types of sailing vessels, Monohull (one hull) and Catamaran (two hulls). Both are popular for many reasons and the choice of the "right one " depends on your needs and goals for the charter.
Monohulls give you the full feeling of classic sailing, leaning with the wind and cutting through the water. Catamarans tend to offer more comfort and privacy, as they have a large salon and more private areas in the two hulls. Click here for full information on chartering a catamaran.
Sailboat layouts and cabins required
A critical decision you will need to make is number of cabins you require and configuration of the boat that works best for your charter. Each couple will require their own cabin, and if you will be having a skipper on board, of course they will require one as well.
To help you make your decision, we've included some standard layouts for many of the popular saling boats available:
| 2 Cabin Layout |  |
Example: Bavaria 32 |
| 3 Cabin Layout |  |
Example: Oceanis 393 |
| 4 Cabin Layout |  |
Example: Gib Sea 43 |
| 5+ Cabin Layout |  |
Example: Bavaria 50 |
Importantly, all cabins are not created equal. The 5 cabin Bavaria 50 above has two bunk cabins - great for kids or non-couples, but horrible for those who are interested in a bit of romance along the way. You should also be aware of how many wc's there are, and that everyone either has their own or is ok with sharing. Cabins next to each other of course offer less privacy than those divided by the salon/galley. Our point here is that these decisions should be discussed prior to booking the boat, not when you arrive!
You can easily search by “number of cabins” and is worth spending a little time researching what your group will require..
What Boat Length is Right?
Once you’ve decided how many cabins you require, you’ll generally find that there are multiple lengths available to you. Obviously, the shorter the boat, the cheaper it is. Our main recommendation here is that while a 1 foot distance may not seem like a lot, remember it is multiplied in three dimensions within the tight quarters of a boat, and so it does make significant difference on the overall feeling of space. Often, one foot adds sufficient additional room for an additional head, or more cooking area. If you have just one couple, you'll generally find that a 30-40 foot boat will work fine. Two couples are more comfortable on a boat in the 38 - 46 foot range. If you have more than two copules, we're seeing more and more charter groups selecting 50 foot boats in order to really make everyone comfortable, although many boats in the mid to high 40 foot range are suitable.
Always look for an interior shot of the boats – take a look at it and try to imagine you & your group there. Again, review the layout as well – are the head (WC) placements and number ok? Will you be able to comfortably sleep everybody? Are there bunks in a cabin (they work well for kids, the skipper or friends that are not couples), do you like the layout of the galley? 5 extra minutes studying these images can save you a lot of inconvenience during your holiday! If you have any questions, remember you can email your broker who will assist you in finding the right boat for you and your needs.
Ready to book? Like to ask a few questions?
Click here for our Enquiry Page and a representative from Boatbookings.com will contact you as soon as possible to help you with your query.
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