Feature: Sleeping Well on a Boat

Cruising, especially full-time cruising, doesn’t mean “roughing it.” We wouldn’t tolerate a sagging mattress or lumpy pillow at home, so why should we at sea? 

By Carolyn Shearlock of The Boat Galley 

If I don’t sleep well, I’m not having a good time. It’s as simple as that. So sleeping well on a boat is a priority. Close to 30 years ago, before we ever went cruising, Dave was shocked when I spent $180 (equivalent to $360 now) on a thick double Thermarest camping mattress for a nine-week tent trip in Africa: "That much? For a camping mattress??" But we — definitely the “older folks” in the group — slept soundly while many younger travelers woke up sore and cranky. That one purchase made all the difference. And it taught me an important lesson. 

No matter what I’m doing, having a comfortable bed plays a huge role in my overall mood. When you’re living on a boat, a good night’s sleep ranks right up there with staying warm, dry, and well-fed. Unfortunately, most boat beds seem to be designed for decoration, not sleeping. When we bought Barefoot Gal, the “mattress” was two tired two-inch cushions that had long since given up on comfort. The one pillow on board was lumpy, the sheets scratchy, and the comforter a little mildewed. Let’s just say it didn’t invite sweet dreams. 

Here’s what we did to turn that bed into one that made us look forward to bedtime. 

Mattress 

Rather than replacing the whole mattress, we added a 3-inch memory-foam topper over the existing cushions. It was an easy and affordable upgrade, and it made a world of difference. Some people worry that memory foam sleeps hot, but that hasn’t been our experience — especially with a breathable waterproof cover on top. If your berth isn’t a standard size, you can trim the topper to fit with an electric carving knife. (They’re inexpensive at thrift stores and make a clean cut.) 

A few quick tips if you go this route: 

Thickness: Most people prefer 3 or 4 inches. Thinner doesn’t add much comfort, and thicker can be bulky to handle. 

Density: Side sleepers usually prefer 3–4 lb. foam, while back sleepers might like 4½–6 lb. We’re both side sleepers and love the 4-lb. density. 

Unpack carefully: The topper will arrive tightly compressed and take several days to expand. It’s easier to open it off the boat so any “new foam” smell can air out first.  

Mattress Cover 

Boats and water leaks go together. Between hatches, portholes, and condensation, it’s just smart to protect your bedding. Instead of a traditional cotton pad, I chose a waterproof but breathable mattress cover. 

Look for one that’s labeled “noiseless” and “breathable.” The best ones feel like soft terry cloth, not plastic. They’re machine washable, protect against mold and mildew, and give great peace of mind. I can wash and dry sheets easily, but drying out a soaked mattress is another story entirely. 

Pillows 

I never realized how important a good pillow was until we bought our first high-quality ones. Back when we were setting up a new bed ashore, a mattress salesman had us choose pillows first so we could properly test each mattress. That’s when I learned that the right pillow can make the difference between sleeping well and waking up with a stiff neck. 

Today, I recommend “butterfly” or cervical pillows. They cradle your head and neck beautifully whether you’re a side or back sleeper, and the shape keeps your shoulders from getting sore on narrow boat berths. 

Pillow Covers 

Even the best pillow can become a magnet for allergens in the humidity of a boat, so I always use zippered pillow encasements under the pillowcases. These lightweight covers block dust mites and mildew spores while keeping salt-laden air out of the pillow itself. 

Choose ones made of cotton or microfiber with nylon or plastic zippers — metal zippers rust quickly in a marine environment. Toss the covers in a hot wash once or twice a year, and your pillows will stay fresh and clean for years. 

Sheets 

Boat sheets can drive you crazy. Most boat mattresses are thinner than home versions, and V-berths have their own special geometry that seems designed to defeat normal bedding. Standard fitted sheets tend to pop off, and flat ones tangle around your feet. 

For our rectangular queen berth, I’ve found the best success with what’s called a “Bed Scrunchie” to hold them in place under the mattress. Some cruisers also sew a drawstring hem on the fitted sheet for a tighter grip. 

For V-berths, there are now several online companies making “universal” boat sheets with adjustable corners — no need for expensive custom sewing. Choose cotton or bamboo if you cruise in humid climates. They breathe well and dry quickly from body heat, unlike microfiber or cotton-poly blends, which can feel damp and clammy.  

Nightstand Storage 

Boat cabins rarely have room for an actual nightstand, but it’s nice to have a spot for your glasses, phone, or a book. I use a small wall organizer on the wall beside the bed — it keeps things within reach and prevents that midnight scramble to find a light switch. If you don’t have wall space, a small mesh pocket or hanging shoe organizer can work just as well. It’s amazing how even a little order makes the cabin feel homier. 

The Real Takeaway 

Cruising, especially full-time cruising, doesn’t mean “roughing it.” We wouldn’t tolerate a sagging mattress or lumpy pillow at home, so why should we at sea? When you’re living in a small space, quality rest affects everything else: your mood, your patience with projects, and even your decision-making on the water. If you wake up rested, you handle boat life’s challenges with a smile. If you don’t, every little task feels harder. 

A comfortable berth doesn’t have to mean a custom mattress or fancy linens. Start with what you have, add a topper, invest in good pillows and breathable covers, and make small upgrades as you go. Each one adds up to a much better night’s sleep and helps to make your boat truly feel like home.