13 things that make living on your sailboat easier:

13 things that can help to make living on your sailboat easier:

Living on a sailboat can be both exhilarating and challenging, but there are certainly ways to make life aboard easier and more enjoyable. We have lived aboard SV Knowind for a full 8 years and here are a few things that can enhance the experience:

Organization: Efficient use of space is crucial on a sailboat. Think about what you plan to take on board with you and then halve it (and probably halve it again!). Through the years I have reduced my footwear to “on deck non-slip” shoes, flip-flops, sneakers and gasp! ONE pair of “nice” sandals. Pretty much the same for clothes. Except swimsuits of course!

Minimalism: Embrace a minimalist lifestyle to reduce clutter and make maintenance easier. Only keep essentials onboard and avoid accumulating unnecessary items. I first took a massive juicer, Magimix and all sorts of galley paraphernalia on board, dumped most of it after 6 months and now only have the essentials in mini form. Nothing more frustrating than unpacking an entire cupboard in a hot small space to get to that huge blender shoved in the back cupboard. A small hand blender works just as well.

Comfortable Bedding: Invest in high-quality, comfortable bedding to ensure a good night’s sleep. A good mattress and soft linens can make a significant difference in onboard comfort. Sounds crazy but trust me, when you have been on watch for hours, had bad weather or aren’t feeling that life at sea is 100% fun then NOTHING beats your cosy and comforting bed! Check our bedding and cushion range @ https://nauticalnecessities.shop

Solar Panels: Install solar panels to generate electricity onboard. This can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and make it easier to keep essential electronics powered up. We have a good bank of panels and have hardly ever worried about using too much power, we can charge all our gadgets, watch Netflix and make an apple pie all at the same time! Read about how to work out how many solar panels you need here.

Batteries: Naturally, in conjunction with solar power you need a large battery capacity , large alternator with smart charger.

Watermaker: Installing a watermaker allows you to produce freshwater from seawater, reducing the need to refill your tanks frequently. This can make living aboard much more convenient, especially during long passages. Many will disagree, and it is true, it is not a necessity but it certainly is a game changer! Not having to worry about fresh water is probably our number one prize on our boat.

Anchor Windlass: A reliable anchor windlass makes anchoring and weighing anchor much easier and safer. Choose one that suits the size and weight of your anchor and chain. This sounds so obvious but through the years we have upgraded and now have a Bruce 20kg anchor with 60 m of 10mm chain. There is no better feeling than going to sleep at night without worrying about your anchor dragging. (Together with Anchor Pro, an invaluable anchor app, we sleep really well!)

Dinghy: Having a dinghy or small boat onboard makes it easier to access shore, run errands, and explore remote areas. Choose a dinghy that is durable, easy to launch, and can accommodate your crew and supplies. This is something we have struggled with in the past, either too small, engine isn’t reliable enough (floating along a fast-moving tide at a rapid pace when our engine cut out one night comes to mind, not a great experience) or various other problems so we are actively assessing our needs and looking at upgrading.

WiFi Booster: A WiFi booster can enhance connectivity onboard, allowing you to stay connected to the internet if you are in a marina or close to the shore where there are restaurants. This can be invaluable for staying in touch with loved ones, accessing weather forecasts, and conducting online research. Of course, Starlink is out there now and we will be looking into this shortly.

Routine Maintenance: Regular maintenance is key to keeping your sailboat in good condition and preventing costly repairs down the line. Establish a routine maintenance schedule for tasks like cleaning, checking for leaks, and servicing mechanical systems. This sounds so obvious that it is sometimes overlooked. Make a spreadsheet, record the dates rigging, liferafts and a myriad of other things were last checked. Keep a list of spares, ALL of them, we have experienced a fanbelt suddenly perishing, an alternator giving up the ghost, and many, many other times when we have needed a spare. This will, of course, usually happen in the middle of an ocean so be prepared, fortunately, so far, we have always had a spare of whatever we needed.

Weather Monitoring: Stay informed about weather conditions using reliable sources such as weather apps, VHF radio broadcasts, or satellite weather services. This helps you plan your sailing trips and stay safe during inclement weather. Buy that expensive equipment before you move onto your boat, trust me, when you are suddenly confronted by an unexpected weather pattern as we were in the middle of the Atlantic ocean, you will thank your lucky stars that you did.

Emergency Preparedness: Obviously you will equip your sailboat with essential safety gear including life jackets, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and emergency signalling devices. Conduct regular safety drills with your crew to ensure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency. A “ready to go” drybag is a must, when a boat takes on water you might only have a few minutes to leave. Keep your important papers/passports in a watertight holder in your dry bag. (The bonus is you always know where they are!) We have been perilously close to having to grab that bag twice, trust me, you need to have it ready!

Proper Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation onboard to prevent mould, mildew, and stale air. Install vents, hatches, and fans to promote airflow throughout the cabin. This is the bane of my life depending on the climate where we are sailing and something you need to learn to live with and how to manage if living on your boat full time.
Use a dehumidifier to control moisture levels inside the cabin, especially in humid climates. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the interior dry and comfortable.

Routine Cleaning: Establish a regular cleaning schedule to maintain a clean and tidy living space. Clean surfaces, floors, and heads regularly to prevent dirt and salty grime buildup. Again, this sounds so obvious but when underway or exploring a new destination then “housekeeping” falls by the wayside! A quick tidy up every day, a pressure wash of the deck when you can, a load of laundry (we have a washing machine on board, if you have the space, get one!) do the basics before it all becomes overwhelming!

We are sure other experienced liveaboards will have more ideas to add to this, please reach out so that we can update everyone looking to venture into this incredibly exciting and soul-satisfying lifestyle.

Safe sailing!
Captain Mike and Nikki.